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$46

How much do conference event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for conference event planner in Virginia is $30.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.81 and $34.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a conference event planner do?

A Conference Event Planner is responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of conferences and large meetings. This includes selecting venues, arranging accommodations, managing budgets, coordinating schedules, and overseeing logistics such as catering, transportation, and audio-visual needs. They work closely with clients to understand event objectives and ensure the conference runs smoothly from start to finish. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conference event planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conference Event Planner, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in event logistics, typically supported by a degree in hospitality or event management. Proficiency with event management software, budgeting tools, and registration platforms is often required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help you manage stakeholders and handle unexpected challenges. These skills ensure successful, seamless events that meet client goals and provide positive experiences for attendees.

What are some common challenges faced by conference event planners during event execution, and how can they be managed?

Conference Event Planners often encounter challenges such as last-minute schedule changes, technical difficulties, and vendor delays on event days. Successfully managing these requires strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, and clear communication with all stakeholders. Planners frequently prepare contingency plans and maintain close coordination with venue staff, speakers, and vendors to address issues swiftly. Building a strong, responsive team and using event management software can also help streamline communication and mitigate potential disruptions.

What is the difference between Conference Event Planner vs Meeting Coordinator?

AspectConference Event PlannerMeeting Coordinator
CredentialsEvent planning certifications, hospitality or tourism degreesEvent planning or hospitality certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLarge-scale conferences, conventions, industry eventsBusiness meetings, smaller corporate or organizational events
Employer & IndustryEvent planning companies, hotels, conference centersCorporations, associations, non-profits
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on large events, logistics, and attendee managementFocus on coordinating meetings, agendas, and logistics

While both roles involve event coordination, Conference Event Planners focus on large-scale conferences and industry events, managing extensive logistics and attendee experiences. Meeting Coordinators typically handle smaller, corporate meetings, emphasizing scheduling and meeting-specific arrangements. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ mainly in event size and scope.

How to become a conference event planner?

To become a conference event planner, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing strong organizational and communication skills, and becoming familiar with event planning software are also important steps in pursuing this career.

Is there a demand for conference event planners?

The demand for conference event planners remains steady as organizations continue to host meetings, conferences, and corporate events. Growth in the industry is driven by the need for specialized skills in logistics, vendor management, and event technology, with opportunities often increasing in sectors like corporate, nonprofit, and association events.

What kind of conference event planners make the most money?

Senior-level conference event planners with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications tend to earn the highest salaries. Planners working for large corporations, high-profile events, or in major metropolitan areas generally have higher earning potential due to the scale and complexity of their events.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Conference Event Planner jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Conference Event Planner job openings:

Conference Event Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conference Event Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,502 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Part-Time Event Planner | Surge Support for Government Events with Security Clearance

Strategic Analysis, Inc.

Arlington, VA • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Strategic Analysis, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Start Over with Job Search Returning Applicant?  Login Now If you need assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment with us, please email  or call: 703-527-5410. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Part-time Event Planner (#26-066) Job Code:26-066
Location:Arlington, VA - Hybrid
FT/PT Status:Part Time
Required Clearance:Ability To Obtain a Secret Clearance
Salary Range:$80k-$130k Job Title: Part-Time Event Planner | Surge Support for Government Events The Conference & Event Services team at Strategic Analysis, Inc. is building a bench of talented, experienced event planners to support large-scale government events across the country. We're looking for professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments and are open to part-time, project-based work as needs arise. This is an ideal opportunity for experienced planners seeking flexible, high-impact projects. About the Role Assignments will vary based on the size and complexity of each event.  Many projects involve outdoor, multi-day events held nationwide, with approximately two weeks of on-site work covering setup, live event execution, and teardown. These are large public events - while not festivals, they share similar infrastructure and scale. This role is designed for professionals who thrive in a fast-paced event environment.  Expect long days, dynamic conditions and hands-on work - from managing on-site logistics to physical tasks like lifting and moving materials when needed.   If you take pride in delivering exceptional experiences, solving problems in real time, and being part of a team that makes things happen under pressure, you'll find this work both challenging and deeply rewarding. Event Environment ·Outdoor venues across the U.S.  ·Complex setups including tents, staging, signage, registration areas, and exhibitor spaces  ·Hundreds of registered attendees and potential for thousands of in-person and remote public spectators  ·Full-scale production teams and tight timelines  Potential Responsibilities Assignments may include one or more of the following roles: ·Vendor Management  ·Registration Management ·Exhibit Coordination  ·F&B/Catering Management ·Signage & Branding Execution  ·Shipping & Logistics Coordination  ·Production Management ·General On-Site Support (Setup, Live Event, Teardown)  What We Offer ·Become part of a highly experienced, collaborative team of event professionals  ·Opportunities to work on exciting events in the R&D and government space  ·Flexible, project-based work  ·Potential pathway to future or full-time opportunities   To be successful in this position you will bring: ·Minimum of 6 years of event planning experience  ·Bachelor's degree  ·Demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and on-line registration software ·Extreme organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to efficiently multi-task ·Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills ·Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills ·Flexibility and ability to function equally well in a support role or in lead role when working with colleagues on projects ·Eligibility for or current possession of a U.S. government security clearance ·Willingness to travel Preferred but not required: ·Outdoor event experience  ·Government event planning experience ·CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and/or CGMP (Certified Government Meeting Professional)  ·Experience coordinating expos and exhibit halls to include working with general service contractors, shipping companies and exhibitors ·Experience coordinating with production vendors and speakers on large-scale events If you're a skilled planner who enjoys rolling up your sleeves and being part of complex, high-impact events, we'd like to connect. Why SA is for You: SA's Conference Services Division has an amazing team of 16 professional government meeting planners and five conference facility coordinators. We even have our own conference center! Our planners work both independently and as part of a team.  We work together closely on large conferences and events, allowing each planner's expertise to shine in areas such as event design, registration, production, expos, signage, and more. These large events offer quick opportunities for growth in team roles as you become more familiar with our clients and show us what you can do! SA cares about our employees. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide the flexibility to excel in your job and your life. Our government clients are primarily in the Department of Defense scientific research and development field and the work we do is genuinely impactful and rewarding. We take pride in expertly knowing government rules and planning professional, high-quality meetings and events within the parameters of these rules.  This team seeks the right person to fit its work ethic as the days can be long and demands can be great, but the work is fulfilling! SA has work available at lower than full-time levels with the opportunity for more work contingent on both performance of the planner and increased projects for our Conference & Event Services team. SA seeks to create a positive, flexible partnership by offering part-time work to the right person right now.  Planners will largely have the ability to work remotely but will be expected to attend planning meetings in person, work from the office when the client requests, and be on site during event execution.  Strategic Analysis, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to non-discrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religions, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 or older), protected veteran status, genetic information (including family medical history) or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy includes but is not limited to the following employment actions: recruitment, hiring, firing, promotion, demotion, compensation, fringe benefits, training, mentoring and sponsorship programs. * * *

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