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Degrees and Schools
There are some meeting and convention planning college courses and certifications available. Several universities provide bachelor's or master's degrees with majors in meetings management. A few colleges and universities provide meeting and convention planning continuing education programs. Some of the useful undergraduate majors are public relations, marketing, hospitality management, hotel management, business, and communications.
The Convention Industry Council provides the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential. The credential is widely recognized in the industry and may help individuals advance in their career. The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) provides the Certified Government Meeting Professional credential. The certification is not required to work as a government meeting planner.
Classes
Some of the subjects studied are shown below:
- Trade show organization
- Employee supervision
- Contracts
- Choosing sites for special events
- Fundraising practices
- Convention planning
Online Classes and Programs
There are some event planning degrees and certificate programs available online. Some schools offer online program in public relations, marketing, hospitality management, hotel management, business, and communications.
Prospective online students should look for schools which have received accreditation from agencies approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
Employment Requirements
A lot of employers prefer to hire individuals who have a bachelor's degree, however it's not always required. The percentage of planners that have a bachelor's degree is increasing due to the work and responsibilities becoming more complex.
Some of the major employers are convention services companies, associations, travel agencies, tourism bureaus, educational services, hotels and resorts. Some individuals with experience may become independent meeting consultants.
Most of the required skills are learned through experience. Some people enter the profession by acquiring experience in planning events while working in another position such as an administrative assistant. Some people enter the profession after being catering coordinators or working in hotel sales.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
Prospective students should consider getting answers to the following questions:
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation?
- Class size - Does the school provide small class sizes?
- Curriculum - Can students specialize in event planning?
- Job Placement - Does the school provide job placement services?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Has the school been approved to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Meeting and Convention Planners Job Description
Meeting and convention planners coordinate all the details of meetings and conventions they're involved in. The success of these events depends substantially on these professionals. To help make the event successful, meeting and convention planners focus on the sponsors purpose for the event and the message or impression to be conveyed to the attendees. Sometimes planners focus on how the event will affect the objectives of the organization.
These days, meeting and convention planners sometimes use a virtual format. Virtual conferences utilize the Internet. Attendees view speakers and exhibits online.
Some of their responsibilities are shown below:
- Make hotel and conference room reservations
- Arrange for guest speakers to attend meeting and conventions
- Make sure all exhibits and booths are set up properly
- Register attendees and issue name badges
- Issue request for proposals to potential meeting sites
- Make recommendation of meeting site to client or select the site
- Arrange for support services
- Oversee the finances of meetings and conventions
Resources
- Convention Industry Council
- Professional Convention Management Association
- Society of Government Meeting Professionals
- Meeting Professionals International
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