Career Profile for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Picture this: A corporate conference where 1,000 attendees seamlessly move between keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking events, all while enjoying perfectly timed meals and refreshments. Behind this orchestrated perfection is an event planner who spent months coordinating every detail.

Think about the last wedding you attended or professional conference you participated in. The smooth flow of these events didn’t happen by chance – it was the result of careful planning, coordination, and execution by a meeting, convention, or event planner.

These professionals are the architects of memorable experiences, combining creativity with precise logistical management to bring visions to life. 

Total employment: 149,000 (2023)

Common Names for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

• Catering Director
• Conference Planner
• Conference Planning Manager
• Conference Services Director
• Conference Services Manager
• Convention Services Director
• Convention Services Manager (CSM)
• Event Coordinator
• Special Events Coordinator
  

What Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Do

Meeting, Convention, and Event planners orchestrate the entire lifecycle of professional gatherings and special events. Here are some of the typical roles they perform: 

• Strategic Planning: Develops comprehensive event plans including timelines, budgets, and resource requirements to ensure successful execution while meeting client objectives and deadlines.
• Venue Management: Researches, evaluates, and secures appropriate venues based on event requirements, capacity needs, and budget constraints while negotiating favorable terms and conditions.
• Vendor Coordination: Selects and manages relationships with suppliers, caterers, decorators, and other service providers to ensure seamless delivery of all event components while maintaining quality standards.
• Budget Administration: Creates and monitors detailed event budgets, tracks expenses, and manages financial documentation to maintain cost control and achieve profit targets while delivering client value.
• Client Relations: Maintains ongoing communication with clients throughout the planning process, conducting meetings, presenting options, and addressing concerns to ensure event objectives and expectations are met.
• Risk Management: Develops contingency plans, ensures compliance with safety regulations, and secures necessary permits and insurance to protect all stakeholders and maintain event integrity.
• On-Site Management: Oversees event execution, coordinates staff and vendors, manages timeline adherence, and resolves any issues that arise to ensure smooth operations during the event.
• Post-Event Evaluation: Conducts thorough assessment of event outcomes, collects feedback from stakeholders, and prepares detailed reports to measure success and identify areas for improvement in future events.