Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners in Washington
Thinking about a career as a Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners in Washington? Here’s what you need to know. Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
What do Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Make in Washington?
For meeting, convention, and event planners working in Washington, the median annual wage is $66,070 per year (or about $31.77/hour).Annual wages span from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $102,380 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,200 | $20.77 |
| 25th percentile | $51,100 | $24.57 |
| Median (50th) | $66,070 | $31.77 |
| 75th percentile | $79,870 | $38.40 |
| 90th percentile | $102,380 | $49.22 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Washington nationwide is 1.20, indicating that meeting, convention, and event planners are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, meeting, convention, and event planners earn a median of $64,460 per year ($30.99/hour), exceeding the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 372,451 meeting, convention, and event planners nationwide. In Washington alone, around 3,720 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 1,740 meeting, convention, and event planners.
Top Washington Metros for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
These are the Washington metros with the most meeting, convention, and event planners in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 2,550 | $69,420 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 210 | $57,340 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 120 | $58,920 |
| Bellingham, WA | 100 | $62,090 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 90 | $59,680 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 50 | $58,610 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 50 | $59,220 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 50 | $57,150 |
| Yakima, WA | 40 | $57,070 |
Top States for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Employment
The table below shows the states where the most meeting, convention, and event planners work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 17,800 |
| New York | 11,720 |
| Florida | 9,670 |
| Texas | 9,510 |
| Ohio | 5,030 |
| Colorado | 4,590 |
| Virginia | 4,490 |
| Illinois | 4,470 |
| North Carolina | 4,450 |
| Georgia | 4,370 |
| Massachusetts | 4,100 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,040 |
| Washington | 3,720 |
| Michigan | 3,640 |
| Arizona | 2,870 |
| Maryland | 2,860 |
| Tennessee | 2,630 |
| Wisconsin | 2,440 |
| District of Columbia | 2,400 |
| New Jersey | 2,360 |
Highest-Paying States for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
These states pay the most for meeting, convention, and event planners.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Maine | $127,160 |
| New York | $73,230 |
| Massachusetts | $72,840 |
| District of Columbia | $72,010 |
| Hawaii | $67,660 |
| California | $66,990 |
| Washington | $66,070 |
| New Jersey | $64,730 |
| Connecticut | $64,230 |
| Colorado | $62,290 |
Skills
Top meeting, convention, and event planners skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for meeting, convention, and event planners, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, meeting, convention, and event planners typically:
- Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
- Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment.
- Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.
- Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays, and other event needs.
- Confer with staff at a chosen event site to coordinate details.
- Inspect event facilities to ensure that they conform to customer requirements.
- Maintain records of event aspects, including financial details.
- Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.
- Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers.
- Evaluate and select providers of services according to customer requirements.
- Plan and develop programs, agendas, budgets, and services according to customer requirements.
- Hire, train, and supervise volunteers and support staff required for events.
Work Activities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Working with Computers
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Getting Information
- Developing and Building Teams
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Hospitality Management
- Housing
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like meeting, convention, and event planners include:
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Logisticians
- Project Management Specialists
- Management Analysts
- Fundraisers
Also Known As
Catering Coordinator, Catering Director, Catering and Convention Services Manager, Certified Meeting Professional, Conference Manager, Conference Organizer, Conference Planner, Conference Planning Manager, Conference Producer, Conference Reservationist, Conference Service Coordinator, Conference Services Director, Conference Services Manager, Convention Manager, Convention Planner.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 13-1121.00
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