Meeting & Event Planner Job Description
A meeting and event planner is a professional who organizes and plans all aspects of meetings or events for a client or an organization. These professionals coordinate everything including meals, space, entertainment and lodging. Their work can involve extensive travel and long hours.
This occupation typically requires a bachelor's degree in business, hospitality or a related discipline. Employment opportunities are greater for those who obtain a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential through the the Convention Industry Council. Indeed.com lists a national average salary of $79,000 per year for this occupation in March 2010.
Client Requirements
To understand the needs of the client or organization who wishes to plan a meeting or event, a planner must determine the purpose or impression the organization wishes to communicate, as well as the finances available for the meeting or event. After decisions are made, the meeting and event planner chooses speakers, entertainment, schedules and space, and arranges the event to be successful in the most cost-effective way.
Location
After understanding the needs and goals of the client, the meeting planner researches and visits potential meeting sites that will accommodate the client's event. He then receives proposals from the meeting sites and negotiates pricing. After considering several locations, he makes recommendations to the client or may chose the site for the client.
Preparation
After an event site is selected, the meeting and event planner works with the site to coordinate all services needed. This can include food, lodging, audio-visual equipment, space set-up and working with the site staff to accommodate the client. This can also include shipping equipment or organization supplies required for the event. Preparation can start months in advance and continue until the time of the meeting or event.
Financial Management
Throughout the meeting or event planning process, the planner is responsible for all financial budgets of the event, and often creates detailed expense and financial reports for the organization as prices are confirmed for the event. This includes purchasing equipment or supplies needed and ensuring payments are made to the meeting site.
On-Site Management
A planner often arrives at the meeting site one or several days before the event to assist with set-up and ensure everything required for the event is available and prepared. During the event, a planner oversees and ensures the event or meeting is running smoothly, answers questions and assists guests, and continues to work with meeting site staff throughout the event.
Tags: meeting event, event planner, meeting event planner, meeting site, accommodate client, client organization, Event Planner Description