What does a Meeting Planner do?
Published 4 min read
A meeting planner is responsible for organizing and executing events and meetings. They work with clients to determine their needs and develop a plan that meets those needs. They also coordinate all aspects of the event, including logistics, catering, and entertainment.
Meeting Planner job duties include:
- Researching potential venues for meetings and events
- Coordinating with vendors to book services such as catering, equipment rental, and transportation
- Creating detailed timelines and itineraries for events
- Managing budgets and invoicing for event-related expenses
- Overseeing on-site event logistics and set-up
- Serving as the main point of contact for event attendees
- Resolving any issues that may arise during an event
- Gathering feedback from attendees after an event
- Generating reports evaluating the success of events
Meeting Planner Job Requirements
Most meeting planners have at least a bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in event management. In addition to formal education, meeting planners must have experience coordinating events and projects. They must be detail oriented and able to work well under pressure. Certification is not required, but it may give job seekers an edge over the competition. The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential is the most common certification for meeting planners. To earn this credential, candidates must have at least three years of full-time meeting planning experience and pass an exam.
Meeting Planner Skills
- Time management
- Organization
- Communication
- Writing
- Research
- Negotiation
- Budgeting
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Detail oriented
- Interpersonal skills
- Event planning
Related: Top Meeting Planner Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Meeting Planner
A meeting planner is a professional who helps coordinate all aspects of meetings and events. Planners work with clients to determine their needs and budget, and then they find the perfect venue and vendors to make the event happen.
If you’re interested in becoming a meeting planner, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Get organized. Meeting planners need to be extremely organized in order to coordinate all the different elements of an event. Start by getting your own life in order – create a system for tracking tasks, deadlines, and expenses.
2. Learn how to negotiate. A big part of a meeting planner’s job is negotiating contracts with vendors. You need to be able to haggle for the best rates and terms while still maintaining good relationships with the vendors.
3. Build a network. Knowing the right people is essential for a meeting planner. Start networking now, both online and in person, so that you can build up a list of contacts in the industry. Attend industry events, join relevant professional organizations, and connect with other planners on social media.
4. Get some experience. While you don’t necessarily need experience to become a meeting planner, it will certainly help you in your career. Try volunteering to help plan events for local organizations, or see if you can shadow an experienced planner at work.
5. Be prepared to hustle. The meeting planning industry can be competitive, so you need to be prepared to work hard and market yourself effectively. Stay positive and always be ready to sell yourself and your services – remember, you’re the one in control of your success!
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