Description

Meeting planners are responsible for planning and coordinating meetings and conferences. This includes performing planning and logistics tasks prior to meetings, as well as performing management and troubleshooting for meetings themselves. Duties for meeting planners generally include developing timelines and budgets, publishing brochures and other meeting materials, negotiating lodging and travel, renting event spaces, and managing speaking schedules. Being detail-oriented is essential, as meeting planners are responsible for planning multiple events at one time.Once at the meeting or conference, meeting planners often oversee a significant staff (which may include volunteers), and they must maintain firm control over on-site personnel to ensure everything goes smoothly. Meeting planners must have excellent interpersonal communication skills and able to quickly identify and correct problems so the meeting or conference is not adversely affected. Significant travel is often necessary for meeting planning positions, as many conferences are held off-site from the planner's location.General job requirements for a meeting planner include a bachelor's degree, prior experience in the hospitality industry, and excellent planning and communication skills. Being a certified meeting professional may be preferred, and basic computer skills are needed. Proofreading and writing skills are also helpful because meeting planners are often required to edit and produce brochures and other written materials. The ability to work flexible hours may be needed, as meetings and conferences are sometimes held on nights and weekends.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Meeting Planner with 0-3 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate and manage logistics for meetings and events, including venue selection, travel arrangements, and audiovisual equipment setup.
  • Assist in developing meeting agendas and materials, and provide support during meetings, such as note-taking and distributing documents.
  • Communicate with clients and stakeholders to gather requirements, provide updates, and address any concerns or changes.
  • Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback, assess the success of the meeting, and identify areas for improvement in future events.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Meeting Planner, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong organizational skills to effectively plan and coordinate meetings, ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place, such as venue booking, travel arrangements, and catering.
  • Excellent communication abilities to liaise with clients, vendors, and attendees, providing clear instructions and updates, and addressing any concerns or queries.
  • Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in managing budgets, tracking expenses, and preparing reports for management.
  • Time management skills to handle multiple meetings and deadlines simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and ensuring seamless execution.

Essential Skills For Meeting Planner

1

Broad Meeting Management

2

Strong Communication Skills

3

Strategic Planning

4

Staff Management

Career Prospects

The role of a Meeting Planner is crucial in ensuring successful event coordination and management. For individuals with 0-3 years of work experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Event Coordinator: A position that involves organizing and executing various types of events, such as conferences, seminars, and corporate meetings.
  • Sales Representative: A role focused on selling event planning services and securing clients for conferences, trade shows, and other gatherings.
  • Venue Coordinator: A position that entails managing and coordinating activities at event venues, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
  • Marketing Assistant: A role that involves supporting the marketing efforts of an event planning company, including social media management, content creation, and promotional campaigns.

How to Learn

According to recent data from Google, the job role of Meeting Planner in Canada is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for Meeting Planners are expected to increase steadily. The demand for skilled professionals in this field is on the rise, indicating a positive outlook for job seekers. Unfortunately, the data does not provide specific figures regarding the number of employment opportunities that will be available in the future. Overall, the Meeting Planner position shows promise for future growth and presents an opportunity for individuals interested in this field.