Professional meeting planners have varied backgrounds.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, people with a diverse array of backgrounds become professional, often certified meeting planners. Some come to their careers as a result of prior job experience, such as an administrative assistant who may have begun planning small events and meetings. Though the most desirable skills are gleaned through experience, there are certification programs and courses available through colleges and professional organizations.
Considerations
Professional degrees are available for budding meeting planners.
Many universities offer degrees with majors in meeting/event management. Event planning continuing education programs are also available at a few colleges. Some programs require 40 hours, others more than 100 classroom hours, and range from one semester to two years. Formal education and certification is increasingly significant. Enrolling in meeting planning courses presented by colleges, universities, or professional meeting and convention planning organizations enhances a meeting planner professional's emergence in that community.
Qualifications
Certifications and additional education help establish a meeting planner's career.
The Certified Meeting Professionals designation, the CMP, was developed by the Convention Industry Council, the CIC, to recognize individuals who have achieved and excelled in the industry's uppermost level of professionalism and education. To qualify for the CMP, an aspirant must have at least three years of meeting supervision experience, full-time employment in a meeting management faculty and proof of successful meetings and events. Then they must take and pass an exam covering issues such as meeting programs, financial management, facilities, logistics, services and more.
Types
Special qualifications are needed to plan government meetings.
A Certified Government Meeting Professional credential can be earned through The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). This certification, though not required, may be useful for those who wish to exhibit knowledge of issues that are unique in planning government meetings, such as policies governing procurement, travel, regulations and much more. For certification, qualified candidates need at least one year of membership in the SGMP. Employment as a meeting planner within federal, state, or local government or for a firm that works on government agreements is mandatory for members. To complete certification requires a three-day course and passing an exam.
Potential
Education is power.
Sometimes, when considering a new hire for the position of meeting planner, employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree. A meeting planner with a bachelor's degree is increasing in demand because the vocation is becoming more multifaceted. In addition to meeting planner certification, a meeting planner with a degree in hotel or hospitality management, marketing, communications, business or public relations is very desirable.
Expert Insight
Event planning is a fast-growing industry.
Check out the national organizations such as the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Society of Government Meeting for additional education and job opportunities. Careers as meeting planners are increasingly rewarding and on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the field should grow 16 percent between 2010 and 2018.
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