Overview
Conference and event planners plan, organize and coordinate conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals and other events. They are employed by tourism associations, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centres, governments and by conference and event planning companies, or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Hire, train and supervise support staff required for events
Ensure compliance with required by-laws
Negotiate contracts for services, approve suppliers' invoices, maintain financial records, review final billing submitted to clients for events and prepare reports.
Meet with trade and professional associations and other groups to promote and discuss conference, convention and trade show services
Meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan the scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets and to review administrative procedures and progress of events
Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, conference and other facilities, catering, signage, displays, translation, special needs requirements, audio-visual equipment, printing and security
Organize registration of participants, prepare programs and promotional material, and publicize events
Plan entertainment and social gatherings for participants
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$56,311
$81,213
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
592expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A university degree or college diploma in business, tourism or hospitality administration is usually required.
Several years of experience in hospitality or tourism administration or in public relations are usually required and may substitute for formal education requirements.
Certification relating to special events, meetings or conference management may be required.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Conference and event planners in B.C.
- Certified Meeting Professional Designation
Certified Meeting Professional Designation
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a conference or event planner, you may require a Certified Meeting Professional designation. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of the certifying examinations.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.