Conference and event planners – NOC : 1226

Conference and event planners plan, organize and co-ordinate 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.

conference and meeting planner

conference planner

conference services officer

convention co-ordinator

event planner

festival organizer

meeting planner

special events organizer

trade show planner

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Conference and event planners perform some or all of the following duties:

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 scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets and to review administrative procedures and progress of events

Co-ordinate 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

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.

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.

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