BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasMeeting, Convention, and Event Planners

O*NET · 13-1121.00

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

Also called Catering and Convention Services Manager · Catering Coordinator · Catering Director · Certified Meeting Professional · Conference Manager · Conference Organizer · Conference Planner · Conference Planning Manager
38 more

Conference Producer · Conference Reservationist · Conference Service Coordinator · Conference Services Director · Conference Services Manager · Convention Manager · Convention Planner · Convention Services Director · Convention Services Manager (CSM) · Convention Worker · Conventions Reservationist · Corporate Event Planner · Corporate Meeting Planner · CSM · Event Coordinator · Event Manager · Event Organizer · Event Planner · Event Specialist · Event Staff · Events Coordinator · Events Director · Events Manager · Events Planner · Events Specialist · Executive Meeting Manager · Meeting Manager · Meeting Planner · Party Planner · Planner · Scheduling Coordinator · Special Events Coordinator · Special Events Director · Special Events Manager · Special Events Planner · Trade Show Coordinator · Wedding Designer · Wedding Planner

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ECS35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with General and Operations Managers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ECSEnterprising · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • E Enterprising7.00
  • C Conventional4.96
  • S Social4.56
  • A Artistic2.49
  • I Investigative1.56
  • R Realistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent8%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate7%
  • Some College Courses37%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree8%
  • Bachelor's Degree41%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (52%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (35%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Speakingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Coordination3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Service Orientation3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Social Perceptiveness3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Time Management3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Complex Problem Solving3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Writingbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
Show the other 23
  • Persuasion3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Negotiation3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Systems Analysis3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Systems Evaluation3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Instructing3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Management of Financial Resources3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare and manage a budget for a short-term project
  • Management of Material Resources2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Analysis2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.42.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Quality Control Analysis2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operation and Control2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Equipment Selection1.80.9
  • Repairing1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.80.8
  • Troubleshooting1.80.8
  • Equipment Maintenance1.60.6
  • Programming1.40.4
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

16 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.4.6
  2. Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment.4.5
  3. Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.4.4
  4. Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays, and other event needs.4.4
  5. Confer with staff at a chosen event site to coordinate details.4.3
  6. Inspect event facilities to ensure that they conform to customer requirements.4.3
  7. Maintain records of event aspects, including financial details.4.3
  8. Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.4.1
  9. Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers.4.1
  10. Evaluate and select providers of services according to customer requirements.4.1
  11. Plan and develop programs, agendas, budgets, and services according to customer requirements.4.0
  12. Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved.4.0
Show the other 9
  1. Hire, train, and supervise volunteers and support staff required for events.4.0
  2. Meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets, or to review administrative procedures and event progress.3.8
  3. Direct administrative details, such as financial operations, dissemination of promotional materials, and responses to inquiries.3.8
  4. Read trade publications, attend seminars, and consult with other meeting professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends.3.3
  5. Organize registration of event participants.3.8
  6. Develop event topics and choose featured speakers.3.7
  7. Promote conference, convention and trades show services by performing tasks such as meeting with professional and trade associations, and producing brochures and other publications.3.5
  8. Design and implement efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships.3.1
  9. Obtain permits from fire and health departments to erect displays and exhibits and serve food at events.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Communications and Media3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Administrative3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Administration and Management3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and Electronics3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Public Safety and Security3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Law and Government3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
Show all 33
  • Sales and Marketing2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Mathematics2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Psychology2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Telecommunications2.82.2Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation2.82.9
  • Economics and Accounting2.72.7
  • Education and Training2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Philosophy and Theology2.42.6
  • Design2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.8
  • Fine Arts2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Food Production2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Geography2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Engineering and Technology1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Foreign Language1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology1.81.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Building and Construction1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Chemistry1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Mechanical1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Physics1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Production and Processing1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Therapy and Counseling1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Biology1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Recognition4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.93.9
  • Problem Sensitivity3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Fluency of Ideas3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
Show all 52
  • Speech Clarity3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Inductive Reasoning3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision3.63.6
  • Originality3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Information Ordering3.53.5Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category Flexibility3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Selective Attention3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Time Sharing3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Number Facility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual Speed2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure2.52.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger Dexterity2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Memorization2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Manual Dexterity2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Trunk Strength2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Control Precision2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Stamina2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Depth Perception1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Glare Sensitivity1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Static Strength1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Multilimb Coordination1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction Time1.60.6
  • Spatial Orientation1.60.8
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.8
  • Rate Control1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Night Vision1.1—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Sound Localization1.1—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.64.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.65.8
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.55.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.54.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Working with Computers4.43.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Scheduling Work and Activities4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People4.24.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
Show all 41
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others4.25.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building Teams4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.15.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Getting Information4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing Administrative Activities4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Processing Information4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Thinking Creatively4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.93.5Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.85.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Training and Teaching Others3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.32.9
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.32.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.32.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.9
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.8
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.7
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.6
  • Time Pressure4.6
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5

Technology

46 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (4)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot

Hot (13; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Marketo Marketing Automation
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
Other tools (29)
  • Active Network EventRegister
  • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • Convention Industry Council CIC APEX Toolbox
  • Dean Evans & Associates EMS Professional
  • Delphi Discovery
  • Delphi Technology
  • Event Management Software
  • Events Operations Software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Google Drive
  • GruupMeet
  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Lenos marketing automation software
  • LinkedIn
  • LogMeIn GoToMeeting
  • LogMeIn GoToWebinar
  • MeetingMatrix International
  • MemberClicks COMPLETE
  • Mentimeter
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • NSF Hospitality Rendezvous Events
  • Oracle Eloqua
  • ParentSquare
  • Planstone
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Social media sites
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Fundraisers
  2. Public Relations Specialists
  3. Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
  4. First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
  5. Project Management Specialists
  6. Social and Community Service Managers
  7. Media Programming Directors
  8. First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
  9. Recreation Workers
  10. Fundraising Managers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.