- <em><strong>US News & World Report </strong></em>ranks meeting, convention, and event planning as one of the "Top 26 Jobs of 2012." With average salaries as high as $76,000 per year, event planning has become a highly sought-after profession by many corporations, celebrities and nonprofit organizations. <br> <br> Most event planning jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. As the career has expanded, many colleges now offer certificates and continuing education courses for the industry. Highly skilled professionals may also choose to pursue the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) credential to add to their qualifications. <br> <br> Check out more on cool event planning careers that might be of interest to you. <em>—Aisha Taylor</em>
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- <strong>Wedding Planners</strong> <br> <br> This industry has become very competitive, as many people claim to be wedding planners. However, wedding planning is a very specialized profession that requires training, experience, and passion. Wedding planners bring to life the dreams and desires of couples, alleviating them of the burdens of planning so that they can enjoy their big day. <br> <br> <strong>Good fit</strong> for those who may want to start a side business in addition to their full-time career. <br> <br> <strong>Skills Needed:</strong> Excellent communication and negotiation skills (since you often have to negotiate deals and cost-savings for couples). It’s important that wedding planners are well-organized and able to delegate tasks. Wedding planners must also be flexible and willing to change as the desires and needs of the couple changes.
- <strong>Corporate Meeting Planners</strong> <br> <br> Meetings happen in every size, anywhere from 10 people or 10,000, and may be held locally or remotely. Corporate meeting planners manage all aspects including speakers, presentation materials, food, lodging and travel. <br> <br> <strong>Good fit</strong> for those who may be experienced with a particular company, and want to move into meeting planning for that same company. <br> <br> <strong>Skills needed:</strong> In addition to being highly organized and able to multitask, corporate meeting planners should be proficient in the technology available for virtual meetings; Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; Should be very knowledgeable of the organization and the meeting’s purpose, and be able to communicate that well.
- <strong>Sporting Event Planners</strong> <br> <br> These professionals coordinate events such as Bowls, tournaments and marathons. <br> <br> <strong>Good fit</strong> for people who are into sports and athletics, including past athletes and sports managers. <br> <br> <strong>Skills Needed:</strong> Should be knowledgeable of various sports and the technical, equipment, and logistical needs of each; Should be connected with sporting organizations and companies that can provide supplies and sponsorships.
- <strong>Convention/Conference Planners</strong> <br> <br> Slightly different from corporate meeting planners, convention/conference planners organize large-scale events for organizations, industries or interest groups that usually consist of a diverse group of people. The types of conventions run a huge gamut from car conventions to religious galas. <br> <br> <strong>Good fit</strong> for those who like variety and enjoy planning different types of conventions, rather than just the same type of meeting all the time; Also, may be good for those who have a passion for a particular cause or industry, and prefer to specialize in those types of conferences/conventions. <br> <br> <strong>Skills Needed:</strong> Conventions and conference usually require a large staff, so these planners must have excellent staff management and leadership skills.
- <strong>Fund-raising Event Planners</strong> <br> <br> Very different from most event planning professions, Fund-raising planners are hired specifically to plan events that will make money for nonprofits, foundations and unique causes. Depending on the organization, expected proceeds can reach millions of dollars. <br> <br> <strong>Good fit </strong>for those who are passionate about a cause and good at raising funds. <br> <br> <strong>Skills Needed:</strong> Successful experience in raising money, even if on a small scale; Need to be very well-connected with donors and other individuals that are known for their philanthropy; Need to be skilled at marketing and generating buzz that will turn into dollars raised. Also good to have knowledge of finances and budgets.
