Meeting Planner Careers

Meeting and convention planners need many skills to function effectively in a very hands-on professional career. Many have bachelor degrees in meeting management. However, the biggest part of training is on the job learning from a seasoned planner. Nevertheless, there are additional skills that can open doors for a meeting planner.

Mastering a second or third language is always a wise investment for a meeting planner. This often includes building a knowledge base about the customs and geography of targeted countries. Communication is a core skill for meeting planners; knowing a second language builds confidence, increases client base, and demonstrates your ability to go the extra mile.

What software does the company use? Can you just get by or are you competent with the software? Company software should be second nature to a meeting planner; after all, it is a vital tool of the trade. Take some extra classes and earn the rank of expert. Hone your Internet skills; the World Wide Web is constantly growing and changing, adapt right along with it.

Keep current with technology. Cell phones, PDA’s, net books, and hand-held GPS systems are tools every meeting planner needs to use confidently and competently. Combine these tools with social networking skills and you will be at the head of the meeting planner class.

What do those acroynms mean? The meeting and event industry has at least four certifications for corporate planners, and many more for the suppliers and vendors who serve them. Here's a glossary of the acronyms you'll find trailing behind the names of  the industry's most dedicated and accomplished professionals.

CMP. The Convention Industry Council's Certified Meeting Professional designation is the most widely recognized in the industry. Started in 1985, meeting professionals — planners and suppliers — who have earned the CMP credential now number 11,269 in 27 countries. Candidates must have three years' experience and a full-time job in the industry; accrue a minimum number of points based on the scope of their responsibilities, education, professional contributions, and so on; and pass a written exam.

CMM. For meeting professionals — planners and suppliers — with at least 10 years' experience, Meeting Professionals International offers a Global Certification for Meeting Management program, focusing on strategic issues and executive decision making. Applicants must be accepted into the program and attend a five-day residency, after which they take an online exam and write a strategic business plan for either a new venture or their department. Now in its eighth year, the program has conferred 373 CMM certifications.

CITE. The Society of Incentive & Travel Executives launched its Certified Incentive Travel Executive certification program in 1980 to recognize high achievement in the field. Opened to non-SITE members in 2005, the designation requires incentive professionals to have a certain level of experience and involvement with SITE, work with a SITE member mentor, pass a three-hour written exam, and write a 3,000-word research paper.

CSEP. The International Special Events Society established the Certified Special Event Professional designation in 1983 to recognize competence and experience in the special event field. The requirements include an exam and portfolio review. Twice yearly exam dates coincide with the Special Event Show and ISES EventWorld.

DMCP. The Destination Management Certified Professional designation, established in 2001 by the Association of Destination Management Executives, is awarded to those who demonstrate expertise, experience, and ethical awareness in destination management. The first exams were held in 2002, and now 94 certified DMCPs are on the books; all but two are from the United States.

CDME. The Destination Marketing Association International, in conjunction with Purdue University, has a program in which convention bureau executives earn a CDME designation — Certified Destination Management Executive.

Sources: http://meetingsnet.com/,  Convention Industry Council,www.conventionindustry.org; Meeting Professionals International,www.mpiweb.org; Society of Incentive & Travel Executives,www.site-intl.org; International Special Events Society,www.ises.com; Association of Destination Management Executives,www.adme.org; Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International,www.hsmai.org; Destination Marketing Association International,www.destinationmarketing.org; American Hotel and Lodging Association,www.ahla.com; Merriam-Webster Online,www.m-w.com

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…

So you are thinking of becoming an event planner? Congratulations! You are about to choose an important and rewarding career. However, before you do, make sure you understand your job responsibilities. Here is a sample job description for a corporate event planner.

Event Planner Job Responsibilities

You will be responsible for planning all aspects of the company’s meetings and events. This includes holiday events, customer appreciation and incentive plans, sales meetings, and conventions. Smaller meetings may include motivational meetings for sales staff and team building for various departments.

Travel

Some travel may be required for large events out of town. There is also the possibility of international travel, so candidates should have an up-to-date passport and travel clearances. Read more…