Event Planner

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Work Tasks

EVENT PLANNERS make all the necessary arrangements for group meetings, conferences, and conventions. They consult and work closely with customers to determine the objectives and requirements of the meeting, conference, convention, or other event and to ensure, through proper program design, that these objectives and requirements are met. Event planners direct and coordinate activities of staff and convention personnel to make arrangements, prepare facilities, and provide services for events. Event planners negotiate contracts and rates with convention centers, hotels, and speakers.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $43,000 average per year ($20.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (57,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.6% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most employers require EVENT PLANNERS to have a bachelor''s degree and several years of work-related experience. Many event planners start out as administrative assistants or secretaries, or work in some capacity at conventions in the hotel industry. Programs in hospitality and meetings management are available in community colleges and universities. Although certification is not required for event planners, it will be an advantage when competing for jobs. To qualify for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) examination, planners must have worked full time for at least 3 years with a wide variety of event planning experience.