Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate the logistics and activities involved in organizing group meetings, conferences, and events. They work with staff, vendors, and clients to handle everything from venue selection to scheduling to on-site management. Most planners work for hotels, convention centers, corporate event departments, or as independent consultants.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against meeting, convention, and event planners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves confirming vendor contracts, managing timelines and budgets, coordinating with multiple departments or clients, and solving logistical problems. Planners might spend time reviewing floor plans, scheduling speaker slots, arranging catering, or handling last-minute changes. As an event approaches, work intensifies on-site to ensure registrations run smoothly, sessions start on time, and technical requirements function properly.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you prefer structured, organized work and enjoy managing details systematically—the conventional interest. You also likely have an enterprising side that appreciates building relationships, persuading vendors, and driving toward business goals. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Event & Field Marketing Manager – East / Central · Cresta · USA · Remote
- Program Manager (Hiring Event) · National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency · Multiple Locations · $109137–$187093
- Database Manager (Hiring Event) · National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency · Springfield, Virginia · $85447–$158322
- Event Manager · Washington Headquarters Services · Alexandria, Virginia · $121785–$158322
- (749) HHS Meetings and Event Manager · Arlo Solutions · USA · Remote
- B2B Event Marketing Manager (6-Month Contract) · Instacart · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $60,550 | $76,970 | $93,700 | 2,360 |
| Massachusetts | $58,360 | $75,740 | $98,140 | 4,640 |
| New York | $57,260 | $74,730 | $99,160 | 10,330 |
| Hawaii | $51,690 | $74,460 | $84,290 | 550 |
| Vermont | $57,840 | $74,310 | $87,060 | 430 |
| New Jersey | $61,120 | $72,780 | $89,550 | 2,160 |
| California | $56,360 | $71,120 | $87,240 | 20,650 |
| Connecticut | $50,580 | $70,010 | $88,100 | 1,450 |
| Washington | $52,650 | $65,530 | $80,660 | 3,600 |
| Maryland | $49,060 | $63,280 | $83,000 | 2,570 |
| New Hampshire | $52,720 | $63,250 | $78,800 | 510 |
| Colorado | $47,930 | $62,050 | $79,450 | 4,650 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Global Meeting Planner (CGMP) — Connected International Meeting Professionals Association
- Certified Wedding & Event Planner Program — Association of Bridal Consultants
- Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWEP) — The Wedding Planning Institute
- Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) — International Live Events Association
- Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) — American Rental Association
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) — Events Industry Council
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 38 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against meeting, convention, and event planners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1121.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.