Behind the scenes at successful conventions, conferences, meetings and events of all sizes, there is usually a skilled convention and event management planner. These professionals take care of every detail, from selecting the date and venue, to hiring the caterers and cleanup crew.
Becoming a convention and event management planner takes creativity, energy and strong organizational skills. If you possess these attributes, this career could be a good fit for you. Employers will typically seek candidates with a solid set of management skills as well, which you can obtain through the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration – Management program from Florida Institute of Technology.
Event and Convention Management Planner Job Description
Convention and event management planners are responsible for making sure meetings and events run smoothly. Whether it’s a medical convention, tech conference, annual stockholder’s meeting or fundraising auction, their skills are essential to a successful event.
Convention and event planners coordinate the many details that begin long before the day of the event, including the theme, location, number of attendees and slate of speakers. They also run the actual event, which may involve solving problems, arranging for necessary technical equipment, supervising staff and coordinating with venue personnel.
Professional convention and event management planners are also responsible for negotiating contracts with vendors and speakers, arranging entertainment and providing for attendees’ needs. They may work for an association, corporation, government organization or convention center. Many event planners are self-employed.
Convention and Event Management Planner Job Duties
Specific job duties for convention and event management planners will vary according to the employer, industry and even specific events. In general, you can expect to have the following responsibilities in this position:
- Consult with clients to determine event scope, budget and purpose
- Secure bids from venues, negotiate contracts and choose the event location
- Design meetings, workshops and breakout sessions
- Locate and contract with speakers
- Coordinate with the marketing team to advertise the event
- Supervise attendee registration
- Arrange transportation and lodging for guests
- Seek bids from and hire florists, photographers, videographers, caterers, auctioneers or entertainers
- Supervise event setup, including audio and visual equipment, registration and meeting spaces
- Troubleshoot and solve problems, and keep the event on schedule
- Supervise teardown and cleanup of the event
Convention and event management planners must stay one step ahead of whatever is happening around them. Events and conventions can be hectic, with many overlapping activities, so capable event planners are highly valued by their employers.
Convention and Event Management Planner Career Outlook
As businesses become more global, conventions and conferences are becoming more crucial, leading to an increase in demand for event planners. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs for meeting, convention and event planners will increase an estimated 7% from 2023 through 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Increasing employment opportunities arise as global organizations recognize the importance of face-to-face communication, as well as the need for trained professionals to plan the best events and conventions at the best price. Prospective students should to conduct their own research, as job availability will vary according to geographical region, education, experience and other factors.
Potential Salary for Convention and Event Management Planner Careers
According to salary data from ZipRecruiter, the median annual salary for event planning managers was $75,268, as of May 2025. The top 10% in this field earned around $142,000.
The typical salary range for this profession was $54,000 to $89,500 in 2025. Bachelor’s degree holders can often advance to management positions quickly, ascending to higher levels of compensation. Prospective students are encouraged to conduct their own research, as potential salaries will vary according to the employer, geographical region, education, experience and other factors.
Education and Training for Convention and Event Management Planners
Conventions, meetings and events are becoming more complex, requiring a higher level of business management and planning expertise. Therefore, becoming a meeting, convention or event planner will typically require a bachelor’s degree at minimum, especially for management positions. Convention and event management planners come from a variety of business education backgrounds, including management, marketing, business administration, hospitality management and communications.
Employers may prefer candidates with related work experience, often gained through internships or entry-level event coordinator positions. Entry-level coordinators typically assist with smaller events, learning skills under the supervision of senior convention and event management planners.
Industry certifications, such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) administered by the Events Industry Council, are sometimes required or preferred by employers. In addition, employers will seek candidates who possess the following skills:
- Creative problem-solving
- Excellent attention to detail
- The ability to multitask
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and verbal presentation skills
- Self-motivation
- Flexibility and adaptability
Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Convention and Event Management Planner?
Organizing and directing successful events can be highly rewarding. If this information has piqued your interest in a career as a convention and event management planner, then why not start planning for your education and training?
With the right skills, you’ll have better opportunities to land a solid job and get yourself on a path toward a successful career. You can develop these skills and the business management knowledge you need with Florida Tech’s online BA in Business Administration – Management program.
Learn more about the Florida Tech’s online BA in Business Administration – Management program.
