Quick Facts: Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
2012 Median Pay
$45,810 per year $22.02 per hour
Entry-Level Education
Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
None
Number of Jobs, 2012
94,200
Job Outlook, 2012-22
33% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2012-22
31,300
What Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Do
Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events. They choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate other details.
Work Environment
Meeting, convention, and event planners spend most of their time in offices. They also work onsite at hotels or convention centers, and they often travel to attend events and visit prospective meeting sites. During meetings or conventions, planners may work very long hours.
How to Become a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner
Most meeting, convention, and event planning positions require a bachelor’s degree. Job opportunities should be best for those with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or tourism management.
Pay
The median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners was $45,810 in May 2012.
Job Outlook
Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 33 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. As globalization increases and businesses continue to recognize the value of professionally planned meetings, demand for meetings and events is projected to grow. Job opportunities should be best for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or tourism management.
