Being a Meeting and Event Planner

As a sophomore in college I held a leadership position that required me to plan all campus events and activities. Through that experience I created a desire and passion for event planning. I decided to major in public relations with a minor in parks and recreation to follow my new dream of becoming an event planner. I love serving the people around me by planning fun wholesome events where people can relax and escape the rountined life schedule. This brings me great satisfaction and joy because I enhance others life experience.

Event planning has become a growing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there were 51,000 event planners in the United States in 2006 with an expected 20 percent increase in the next ten years. Event planners may work for religious, civic, professional and other similar organizations, for hotels and accommodation companies, educational services, government or they can be self employed.

As of May 2006, the median annual earnings of meeting and convention planners were $42,180. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,840 and $55,040. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,880 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,950. In 2006 event planners in the business, professional, labor and political field had the greatest income at $45,850. Traveler accommodation planners earned the lowest at $38,270.

Event planners spend most of their time in an office but during a meeting or event they will be on-site at the convention center, hotel or location where the event is being held. Regular travel is expected while planners attend meetings or look at future facilities to hold meetings and events. The extent of travel depends on the agency or organization they work for.

Work hours can be long and irregular. Most of the time planners work more than 40 hours per week with increasing hours as the event gets closer. Hours are especially long during the event with possibilities of starting at 5:00 am and working until midnight. Often events run on or through the weekends.

I did some research on Monster.com and Hotjobs.yahoo.com and looked at positions available right now to find out what employers are looking. They need well organized and self-motivated people who can manage many projects and tasks. A positive attitude and strong motivation is needed in the fast-paced environment event planners are always surrounded by.

The number one thing employers were looking for was experience. So many different situations and problems arise at events and the best way to deal with a problem as the planner is by dealing with stress and being able to work with what you have.

I think event planning is the perfect profession for me because I have a lot of energy and like to move around. Event planning is a job where you’re always on the go and it will channel my energy into a positive and helpful way. I also love to socialize and work with new people. As an event planner I will have the opportunity and privilege to meet people with different background and life styles. Also I work well under stressful situations and am a good problem solver.