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If you have a knack for organization and can manage events of all types and their various aspects, then you should look into becoming a meeting/event planner. As a meeting/event planner, your purpose will be to structure and coordinate various meetings and events and ensure that every attendee is satisfied and their needs are catered to.
Some of the duties and responsibilities that you will be performing in this capacity include meeting with event hosts to understand their purpose and goals, scouting venues, negotiating contracts with vendors, managing the budget of the meeting or event, arranging transportation and lodging if required, and ensuring all parties are satisfied, be it, attendees or vendors. Essential skills required to successfully complete these tasks are communication, organizational, customer service, rapport building, negotiation, attention to detail, and creativity.
To qualify for the position, a high school diploma or a GED may suffice, although that may limit your chances for career growth. A bachelor's degree in hospitality management or similar would be beneficial. Voluntary certifications such as Certified Meeting Professional would greatly increase your chances for work. The average hourly pay for this position is $23.09, which amounts to over $48,000 annually. The career is expected to grow in the near future and create new opportunities across the United States.
Associate Professor, Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Avg. Salary $51,141
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 18%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%
Asian 5.88%
Black or African American 11.29%
Hispanic or Latino 16.29%
Unknown 4.70%
White 61.60%
Genderfemale 85.62%
male 14.38%
Age - 36American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 36Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Skills | Percentages |
---|---|
Event Planning | 16.40% |
PowerPoint | 10.35% |
Event Management | 7.70% |
Beverage Selection | 5.30% |
Cost Savings | 3.90% |
Meeting/event planner certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific meeting/event planner certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for meeting/event planners include Certification in Meetings Management (CMM) and Accreditation in Public Relations (PR).
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your meeting/event planner resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a meeting/event planner resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Now it's time to start searching for a meeting/event planner job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
Are you a Meeting/Event Planner?
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The average Meeting/Event Planner salary in the United States is $51,141 per year or $25 per hour. Meeting/event planner salaries range between $34,000 and $76,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
I was a theater major who received my CMP and realized I could put on a production in the corporate world. Event Planning allows me to utilize my skillset in a way I didn't know was possible. I also have the opportunity to travel and most venues treat you well when you're the planner (if you're the one in charge of the event).
There is nothing more stressful then this job. As you get closer to an event, the days get longer and the job can become 24/7, especially while the event is happening. If you're looking for a job you clock out from at 5pm, this is not the job for you. You're also in charge of budgets, F&B, Centerpieces, Entertainment, Speakers, Content, App Development, Registration, the list is endless. If you aren't good under pressure, this is not the job for you.
There are times when no matter what you do - a difficult and unhappy customer who has a bad attitude with everything, will not be happy. No matter what you do.