Convention Planner Job Description
A convention planner organizes activities for organizations and makes sure that the event runs smoothly. She delegates duties to staff members and coordinates work with convention personnel. She works under a great deal of pressure since she is responsible for each detail in planning the event. For example, a convention planner is responsible for reserving hotel rooms, confirming meal options and making sure that the general vision of the event is achieved.
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Roles
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A convention planner comes to a clear understanding of what the organization's expectations are for the event, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Typically, an organization has a purpose, message or impression to communicate through the convention. The convention planner is responsible in making sure that goals are achieved seamlessly.
According to Collegeboard.com, a non-profit that connects students with educational opportunities, a convention planner spends much of his time working independently from the sponsoring organization; sticks to established budgets; coordinates the activities of people and businesses; negotiates contracts; follows strict deadlines; travels; finds venues to hold conventions in; persuades people to attend an event; arranges for services, such as catering, Internet access and audiovisual equipment; and surveys convention attendants to measure the success of an event.
Education & Training
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Various pathways lead to becoming a convention planner. According to the BLS, most skills are learned through experience. Many gained planning experience by beginning as administrative assistants who plan small meetings and move to full-time planning positions. Certification programs and college courses do exist. Most employers seek applicants who have a bachelor's degree, however a degree is not always required. A bachelor's degree in hospitality administration management could lead to a first job with increased responsibility.
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Environment & Hours
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A convention planner spends time in an office. Depending on where the convention is being held and who the sponsoring organization is, she travels locally, regionally or abroad. During meetings, a convention planner may work on-site at the convention center or hotel. Planners work long and irregular hours and may work more than 40 hours a week. During conventions, he may begin work as early as 5 a.m. until midnight or later. Convention planners are sometimes required to work during the weekends.
Salary
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According to the BLS May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics, a meeting and convention planner earned a national median rate of $22.84 per hour and a salary of $47,500 per year. The travel accommodation industry employed the highest numbers of convention planners and offered a median salary of $43,510. Software publishers offered the highest pay of all the industries with a median salary of $66,740.
Job Outlook
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According to the BLS National Employment Matrix, employment for convention planners is projected to grow faster than average at a rate of 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. Job opportunities will be best for those with a bachelor's degree and some planning experience.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit convention center image by Darcy Veer from Fotolia.com
