12103 – Conference and event planners

Lead statement

Conference and event planners plan, organize and coordinate conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals and other events.

Main duties

• Meet with trade and professional associations and other groups to promote and discuss conference, convention and trade show services
• Meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan the scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets and to review administrative procedures and progress of events
• Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, conference and other facilities, catering, signage, displays, translation, special needs requirements, audio-visual equipment, printing and security
• Organize registration of participants, prepare programs and promotional material, and publicize events
• Plan entertainment and social gatherings for participants
• Hire, train and supervise support staff required for events
• Ensure compliance with required by-laws
• Negotiate contracts for services, approve suppliers' invoices, maintain financial records, review final billing submitted to clients for events and prepare reports.

Employment requirements

• A university degree or college diploma in business, tourism or hospitality administration is usually required.
• Several years of experience in hospitality or tourism administration or in public relations are usually required and may substitute for formal education requirements.
• Certification relating to special events, meetings or conference management may be required.

Example job titles

conference coordinator · convention coordinator · conference and meeting planner · conference planner · conference services officer · event coordinator · event planner · festival organizer · meeting planner · special events organizer · special events program planner · trade show planner · conference organizer · convention planner · convention and special events planner · convention planning services officer · social events coordinator · special events planner · trade show organizer · special events coordinator · exhibition coordinator · meeting coordinator

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.