Conference and event planners

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

• 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.