To work as a meeting and convention planner, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Many meeting and convention planners have at least a bachelor's degree. There is no set area of study for planners. However, good majors are marketing, public relations, and communications. Hospitality management and hotel and motel management programs also provide good preparation.

Courses in business and accounting are helpful for planning budgets and negotiating contracts. Courses that sharpen your analysis and communication skills are also useful.

Work experience

Jobs at hotels, convention centers, or travel agencies would be good preparation for this occupation. Some people have years of experience at planning small meetings for their employer and then move into this occupation.

On-the-job training

You typically begin by working on routine planning tasks under the direction of an experienced worker. You advance to organizing more complicated and larger meetings as you gain experience. The length of training varies. It may last up to six months.