Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners typically perform the following tasks: • Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions. • Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment. • Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security. • Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays, and other event needs. • Confer with staff at a chosen event site to coordinate details. • Inspect event facilities to ensure that they conform to customer requirements. • Maintain records of event aspects, including financial details. • Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise. • Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers. • Evaluate and select providers of services according to customer requirements. • Plan and develop programs, agendas, budgets, and services according to customer requirements. • Hire, train, and supervise volunteers and support staff required for events. • Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved. • Direct administrative details, such as financial operations, dissemination of promotional materials, and responses to inquiries. • 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. • Read trade publications, attend seminars, and consult with other meeting professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends. • Organize registration of event participants. • Develop event topics and choose featured speakers. • Promote conference, convention and trades show services by performing tasks such as meeting with professional and trade associations, and producing brochures and other publications. • Design and implement efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships.