How to Be an Effective Events Coordinator

An events coordinator searches for venues.

An events coordinator plans the activities of convention staff and makes arrangements for meetings and conventions. An events coordinator is also known as a meeting and convention planner. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics Survey Program, meeting and convention planners earned an average salary of $47,500. According to the BLS National Employment Matrix, jobs in this field are projected to grow faster than average at a rate of 16 percent. Opportunities will be best for those with a Bachelor's degree and related experience.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Consider a degree. According to the BLS, employers typically prefer applicants with a Bachelor's degree. However, this is not a requirement for all positions. Several colleges and universities offer degrees in meetings management. Programs require a minimum of 40 hours to more than 100 hours and can last anywhere from one semester to two years. According to Collegeboard.com, a nonprofit membership association that connects students to college opportunities, majors related to meeting and convention planners include business administration and management; communication and rhetoric; hospitality administration management; hotel and motel management; marketing; public relations; and tourism and travel management.

2. Gain experience. Planners may enter this career by gaining planning experience in another position, according to the BLS. An administrative assistant may plan small meetings only to gradually be promoted into a full-time position as an events coordinator, for example. Others may have a background in hotel sales or as marketing or catering coordinators. Employees who become meeting and convention planners with coordinating or hospitality experience often start at higher levels versus those with degrees and little to no experience. The more experience gained, the more effective you will be as an events coordinator.

3. Apply and get hired. According to the BLS, you are likely to receive informal on-the-job training under the supervision of senior meeting professionals or high level planners.

4. Sharpen your skills. According to the BLS, events coordinators have solid written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills. These communicators are also extremely detail-oriented and have great organizational skills. Coordinators establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and clients. By strengthening their skill sets, event coordinators can become more effective. In a job where experience counts above education, skills can be sharpened through further work experience.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Meeting and Convention Planners (Training)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2008 Meeting and Convention Planners
• College Board: Meeting and Convention Planners

Resources

• Convention Industry Council
• Professional Convention Management Association
• Meeting Professionals International