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Job outlook for conference planners in the United States
Are conference planner jobs in demand?
Conference planner job and salary trends over time
Conference planner jobs over time
Conference planner job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 203 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 228 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 244 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 228 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 212 | 0.00% |
Average conference planner salary over time
Conference planner salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,176 | $27.49 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $56,111 | $26.98 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $54,747 | $26.32 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $53,550 | $25.75 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $52,507 | $25.24 | +1.1% |
Conference planner jobs by state
Most common states for conference planners
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 42 | 6% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 47 | 4% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 259 | 3% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 201 | 3% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 180 | 3% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 149 | 3% |
| 7 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 97 | 3% |
| 8 | California | 39,536,653 | 823 | 2% |
| 9 | New York | 19,849,399 | 371 | 2% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 272 | 2% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 237 | 2% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 177 | 2% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 132 | 2% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 125 | 2% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 121 | 2% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 105 | 2% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 80 | 2% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 76 | 2% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 55 | 2% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 15 | 2% |
Most common cities for conference planners
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $67,668 |
Conference Planner job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of conference planner experts
Seattle University
Marshall University
Spokane Community College
Missouri State University
Events Industry
Lasell University
Jim Clune
InstructorSeattle University
Communication Department
What experience really stands out on Conference Planner resumes?
Jim Clune: When reviewing resumes with students, I always emphasize that they go beyond output to outcome. They should definitely share what they have done and are capable of doing, but it is far more important to explain their impact, the direct employer benefit. What really stands out is when someone can quantify their accomplishments.
The other thing I share with students is to frame their non-career work experience as relevant skill building. A budding PR professional can learn a lot as a barista at Starbucks: customer relations, marketing, problem resolution, organizational representation, etc.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Conference Planners?
Jim Clune: Virtual work is certainly here to stay. Interest in remote work has skyrocketed. This is good news as geography is less restrictive than it used to be, particularly in the information industry. LinkedIn reports that members are more likely to connect with others outside of the area where they live. One positive aspect of remote work is that it can shift the focus from how employees present themselves - for example, what they are wearing - to how employees demonstrate their expertise through what they say and what they can do.
What soft skills should all Conference Planners possess?
Mark Zanter: All graduates should be able to write and express themselves clearly and communicate effectively in their discipline.
What's a day at work look like for a Conference Planner?
Mark Zanter: Most of Bachelor's students obtain a Masters degree since that is entry level for teaching in Higher ed. In recent years they have set themselves up as entrepreneurs in music business (writing jingles etc.), working as liturgical musicians, teaching privately, teaching in Higher ed, or working for an Arts Institution. Some will go into other fields like law, medicine, computer science, or public school teaching.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Conference Planner job market given the pandemic?
Duane Sunwold: Curb-side To Go, Food Trucks, Personal Catering, Family Farming, Farmers Markets. The meeting and convention market is expected to see an increase by 2022.
Dr. Jokima Hiller
Assistant ProfessorMissouri State University
Department of Hospitality Leadership
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Conference Planners to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jokima Hiller: Look at secondary markets for opportunities. Unfortunately, many of your major markets have been hit hard resulting in closings or in closings, reopenings, and then closings again because there hasn't been enough business to sustain them. But, you will find that the next town over had hospitality businesses that scaled back but never closed thereby meeting the needs of their regulars and attracting displaced business from the larger markets. For example, Indianapolis is a major market where their downtown area was greatly impacted. However, some hotels in Fishers remained open and are now actively seeking candidates as they ramp back up.
Barbara Connell
Chair of Events Industry Council’s CMP Governance Commission and CEO at the American Society for Gastrointestinal EndoscopyEvents Industry
What type of skills will young Conference Planners need?
Barbara Connell: Depending on the position that is available, various items draw attention. If a manager or junior role is being filled, an experience that shows continued alignment within a field or type of activity and learning within that field or activity is appealing. Dedication and consistency are always attractive. If a senior role is being filled, deep levels of varied responsibility and achievement are indicators that an individual is committed, focused, and likely to be a successful leader. Tenure is also attractive; staying in a position for 3-5 years or more is a positive trait and shows that the organization's investment will be protected.
Siddharth Mobar
Assistant ProfessorLasell University
Department of Hospitality & Event Management
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Conference Planner job market given the pandemic?
Siddharth Mobar: There will be a reset of wages, cross-training as hotels will pivot to more efficient operations and there will be a demand for graduates with more specialized skills, professional hospitality industry certifications.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Conference Planners in the next 5 years?
Siddharth Mobar: There will be an increase, will go back to pre-pandemic levels when demand increases.