Meeting Planner Careers

You can study online to get your event planner certification, there are courses for event planning and wedding planning. In addition you’ll find career information on becoming a certified corporate meeting planner.

Corporate meeting and event planning is an in-demand profession. Learn what it takes to succeed in this exciting and lucrative career path, or take another path and become a bridal consultant.

Whatever path you choose, here are a few (not all) of the certification programs that are available:

Certified Event Professional (CEP)

US Event Guide’s CEP is one of the few certifications you can pursue without having any prior experience in the event or meeting industry. This Certification Program is your chance to learn about this lucrative field and how to begin your new career within a few months.

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

The CMP is perhaps one of the most recognized certifications in the event and meeting planning industry. If you plan on a lifelong career in event planning, this certification is an added bonus. Candidates must have three years’ experience and a full-time job in the industry in order to apply for the program.

Certified Special Events Professional

The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics. Just as with the CMP, candidates must have three years’ of experience in the special events industry and be currently employed (or employed within the last twelve months) in a special events job.

Certified International Meeting Professionals Association
CIMPA offers three certifications; as with the others, there is a minimum of 2–5 years of experience in the field (depending on which certification you are interested in) or a minimum of 3-5 years of volunteering with events.

• CPPM – Certified Planner of Professional Meetings
• CGMP – Certified Global Meeting Professional
• CIMP – Certified Internet Meeting Professional

Becoming an event planner can be a fun and rewarding process. Many people with degrees in business, marketing, hospitality, communications, public relations, and more end up in the lucrative and fun field of event planning. If you are interested in this field, here is a short guide to help you seek educational certification.

College Degrees

While experience is considered the best teacher, a college degree is critical certification these days. A two year degree in business with a few years of experience in the field of event planning–even in the capacity as an assistant–can help you land a good job in the industry.

A bachelor’s degree is even better, and chances are good you could earn an internship or externship, for either a salary or college credit, to get your first experience in event planning. There are even advanced degrees available in meeting management, and advanced degrees in marketing would be a huge benefit to job seekers in meeting planning. Read more…