Event Planners organize a variety of events, including weddings, educational conferences, and business conventions. They coordinate every detail of these events, including finances. Before planning a meeting, for example, planners will meet with clients to estimate attendance and determine the meeting’s purpose. During the event, they handle logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audiovisual equipment. After the meeting, they make sure that all vendors are paid, and they may survey attendees to obtain feedback on the event.
Once a location is selected, planners arrange the meeting space and support services, such as catering and interpreters. They negotiate contracts with suppliers and coordinate plans with the venue’s staff. They may also organize speakers, entertainment, and activities.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Event Planners organize a variety of events, including weddings, educational conferences, and business conventions. They coordinate every detail of these events, including finances. Before planning a meeting, for example, planners will meet with clients to estimate attendance and determine the meeting’s purpose. During the event, they handle logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audiovisual equipment. After the meeting, they make sure that all vendors are paid, and they may survey attendees to obtain feedback on the event.
Once a location is selected, planners arrange the meeting space and support services, such as catering and interpreters. They negotiate contracts with suppliers and coordinate plans with the venue’s staff. They may also organize speakers, entertainment, and activities.
Recruiter & Staffing Needs
Job Prospects
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in meeting and event management, hospitality, or tourism management should have the best job opportunities. Those who have experience in the hospitality industry or with virtual meeting software and social media outlets should also have an advantage.
Job opportunities for corporate planners fluctuate with economic activity. When the economy is in a downturn, companies often cut budgets for meetings.
Employment projections data for meeting, convention, and event planners, 2016-26
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 | Change, 2016-26 | Employment by Industry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||||
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 13-1121 | 116,700 | 129,400 | 11 | 12,700 |  xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment projections data for meeting, convention, and event planners, 2016-26
| Occupational Title |
|---|
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners |
| SOC Code |
| 13-1121 |
| Employment, 2016 |
| 116,700 |
| Projected Employment, 2026 |
| 129,400 |
| CHANGE, 2016-26 |
| PERCENT |
| 11 |
| NUMERIC |
| 12,700 |
| EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY |
| xlsx |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Pay
The median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners was $48,290 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $82,980.
In May 2017, the median annual wages for meeting, convention, and event planners in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Administrative and Support Services | $50,720 |
|---|---|
| Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations | $49,990 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | $44,960 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $41,230 |
Most meeting, convention, and event planners worked full time in 2016. As major events approach, they often work additional hours to finalize preparations. During meetings or conventions, planners may work on weekends and for more hours than they usually work in a day.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Median annual wages, May 2017
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Job Outlook
Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for professionally planned meetings and events is expected to remain steady as businesses and organizations continue to host events regularly.
For organizations with geographically separate offices and members, meetings are the only time they can bring everyone together. Despite the spread of online communication, face-to-face interaction remains important.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Percent change in employment, projected 2016-26
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
Run Your First Background Check for Event Planners
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| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
|---|
| Administrative Services Managers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Administrative services managers plan, direct, and coordinate supportive services of an organization. Their specific responsibilities vary, but administrative service managers typically maintain facilities and supervise activities that include recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| Bachelor's Degree |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $94,020 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Floral Designers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Floral designers, also called florists, cut and arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They also help customers select flowers, containers, ribbons, and other accessories. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $26,350 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Food Service Managers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. They direct staff to ensure that customers are satisfied with their dining experience, and they manage the business to ensure that it is profitable. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
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| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $52,030 |
|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
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| JOB DUTIES |
| Fundraisers organize events and campaigns to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization. They also may design promotional materials and increase awareness of an organization’s work, goals, and financial needs. |
| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| Bachelor's Degree |
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|
| OCCUPATIONAL TITLE |
| Lodging Managers |
| JOB DUTIES |
| Lodging managers ensure that guests on vacation or business travel have a pleasant experience at a hotel, motel, or other types of establishment with accommodations. They also ensure that the establishment is run efficiently and profitably. |
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| High School Diploma or Equivalent |
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| $51,800 |
|
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| ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent |
| 2017 MEDIAN PAY |
| $36,990 |
Free Staffing Resources
Professional Recruiter and Staffing Organizations
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National Association of Personnel Services
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Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals
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American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment
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National Association of Executive Recruiters
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National Association for Health Care Recruitment
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Recruitment Process Outsourcing Association
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American Staffing Association
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Top Echelon Recruiting Network
