Description
Conference and event planners plan, organize and coordinate conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals and other events. They are employed by tourism associations, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centres, governments and by conference and event planning companies, or they may be self-employed.
Job Titles
- Conference and meeting planner
- Conference planner
- Conference services officer
- Convention coordinator
- Event planner
- Festival organizer
- Meeting planner
- Special events organizer
- Trade show planner
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.
Workplaces
- Conference and event planning companies
- Conference centres
- Convention centres
- Governments
- Professional associations
- Self-employed
- Tourism associations
- Trade associations
Skills
- Coordinating
- Management of Financial Resources
- Management of Material Resources
- Negotiating
- Oral Communication: Oral Expression
Abilities
- Multitasking
- Categorization Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
- Far Vision
- Fluency of Ideas
Personal Attributes
- Attention to Detail
- Collaboration
- Service Orientation
- Adaptability
- Concern for Others
Similar Occupations
- Advertising, marketing and public relations managers (10022)
- Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (11202)
- Executive assistants (12100)
- Administrative officers (13100)
- Sales and account representatives – wholesale trade (non-technical) (64101)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be moderate for Conference and event planners (12103)) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Following a strong post-pandemic recovery in 2022, the Island’s tourism sector experienced another solid season in 2023 with considerable gains in tourist traffic (particularly by way of the Confederation Bridge and air). Furthermore, the Island welcomed a record number of cruise ships in 2023 which generated significant economic spin-offs in the sector. Tourism activity is expected to be favourable over the forecast period, however, risk factors such as elevated prices and high interest rates may temper growth.
Conference and event planners work in all sectors, but largely in other services (except public administration) such as civic organizations, promoters of performing arts, sports and similar events. The job requirements vary significantly in this occupation. While some employers are seeking candidates with five or more years of experience in addition to formal education in a related field, others require more entry-level skills. Job prospects are expected to be more favourable for individuals who have completed an apprenticeship and/or who have obtained industry certification such as the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation. Individuals who are willing to work various hours including evenings and weekends, and travel to different locations may fare better in the job market.
Conference and event planners who are interested in establishing their own business may wish to explore appropriate investment opportunities.
Here are some key facts about Conference and event planners in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Conference and event planners mainly work in the following sectors:
- Arts, entertainment and recreation (NAICS 71): 52%
- Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 39%
- Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 9%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 82% compared to 84% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 18% compared to 16% for all occupations
- 35% of conference and event planners work all year, while 65% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 33 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 39% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 61% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: n/a
- high school diploma or equivalent: 38% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 19% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor’s degree: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $16.61 | $23.57 | $37.99 |
| Canada | $17.00 | $26.44 | $43.27 |
Training
There are no known training programs for this occupation in PEI. If you are aware of a local training program, please contact us.
There are currently no job listings for this occupation on WorkPEI.