Best Careers: Meeting Planner

The rundown:

The increasingly global nature of commerce kept meeting planners on their toes during the boom years: There were plenty of off-site corporate events, trade shows, and association meetings to put together. But the recession killed corporate budgets, and off-site meetings in Las Vegas became unfortunately associated with corporate excess. Today's meeting planners have to be tougher and willing to negotiate for lower costs and better perks. They also have to be willing to face tough questions about budgets and return on investment. But most organizations recognize the value of the face-to-face meeting—as not just a perk but an imperative for companies that have greater global reaches.

[See a list of The 50 Best Careers.]

The outlook:

Employment of meeting and convention planners, who hold 56,600 jobs nationwide in 2008, is expected to grow faster than the average for all professions over the next decade or so. The Labor Department projects that the number of meeting planner jobs will jump 16 percent, thanks to the growing importance of meetings to increasingly global companies.

Money:

Median pay for meeting and convention planners was $44,780 in 2009, and earnings ranged from about $25,000 to $75,000.

Upward mobility:

There are a few ways to advance as a meeting planner. You might move from a small organization to a larger one. You might gain additional certifications or credentials through continuing education that may help with finding higher-paying work. Over time and with experience, you could open your own meeting planning firm or become an independent consultant.

Activity level:

Can be high. When you're running the meeting or convention, you're on your feet and the work is fast-paced. The rest of the time, you may be in your office quite a bit, working at a computer or on the phone.

[See a list of the best business careers.]

Stress level:

Also can be high. You're required to be a very good juggler and also be highly flexible when clients or employers make last-minute changes or when problems arise with vendors. Even weather can derail your plans and cause abundant stress. The hours can vary and are likely to include evening and weekend work.

Education and preparation:

A bachelor's degree is generally the preferred academic education. Some schools offer meetings management degrees, but real-world experience may be the most important factor in getting a job. The best opportunities may come with a bachelor's degree, plus some meeting planning experience.

[Find online degree programs in business.]

Real advice from real people about landing a job as a meeting planner:

Take every opportunity to break into the field, even if it means catering or volunteering with a florist, says Roxanne Rukowicz Ladd, a Washington, D.C.-based meeting planner and principal of Behind the Scenes Events. "You'll build an appreciation for the time on your feet and what it takes to pull off a gig. All experience is good experience and will serve you well in becoming a more rounded candidate for a position within the industry," she says.

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