How to become a conference and event planner
Official title: Conference and event planners
Also called: Event planner, Meeting planner, Event coordinator, Conference planner, Convention planner, Trade show planner, Conference organizer, Conference coordinator, Special events planner, Special events organizer, Social events coordinator, Special events coordinator
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 29% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Hospitality administration/management; Business administration, management and operations; Business/commerce, general.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $55,322 a year The middle half earn $44,850 to $71,175.
- About 28,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 33,300 are projected by 2033. (+17.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Employment insurance and revenue officers
- Executive assistants
- Human resources and recruitment officers
- Procurement and purchasing agents and officers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a conference and event planner?
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.
How much does a conference and event planner earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $55,322 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $44,850 to $71,175.
Is a conference and event planner a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2033, from about 28,400 to about 33,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a conference and event planner?
Not always. 49% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03