The Role of the Corporate Event Planner

Mary Julia Smith

Overview

• What is corporate event planning?

• What are your duties and responsibilities?

• What education and experience do you need?

• What is the job outlook?

• How much will you make?

What is Corporate Event Planning?

• Organize and execute meetings and conventions

• Bring together employees, suppliers and prospects face-to-face in a global economy

• Supply information

• Motivate

Duties and Responsibilities

• Determine purpose or message

• Search for meeting sites

• Responsible for meeting logistics

• Oversee finances

• Measuring success of event

• Maintain relationships and communicate effectively

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree is often required

– Marketing, public relations, communications, business, hospitality management

• Experience in hotel sales or as marketing or catering coordinators

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Job Outlook

• Meeting and convention planners held about 51,000 jobs in 2006

• Employment is expected to grow 20 percent over the next decade

Salary

• Median wage of $42,180 in 2006

• The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,880

• The highest 10 percent earned more than $70,950

$25,880

$42,180

$70,950

$0

$10,000

$20,000

$30,000

$40,000

$50,000

$60,000

$70,000

$80,000

Lowest Median Highest

Conclusion

• Fast-paced and dynamic job

• Requires many skills

• Bachelor’s degree a plus

• Compensated well