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Conference Planning Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

GARVER LLC

Events and Tradeshows Planner

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Social media (promotion of conference presentations, presence at conference) * Events pages on ... Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee‑owned engineering, planning, and environmental services ...

Pacifichospitality

Summer Intern

Busch, AR · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This internship offers hands-on experience in event planning, hospitality, logistics, guest experience, and conference operations within a faith-based nonprofit environment. The Summer Intern will ...

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All JobsConference Planning JobsConference Planning Jobs in Arkansas

Conference Planning information

See Arkansas salary details

$9.1K

$49.6K

How much do conference planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for conference planning in Arkansas is $46,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $48,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Conference Planning vs Event Coordination?

AspectConference PlanningEvent Coordination
Primary FocusOrganizing large-scale conferences and conventionsManaging various types of events, including smaller gatherings
ResponsibilitiesVenue selection, program scheduling, speaker arrangementsLogistics, vendor coordination, on-site management
Skills & CertificationsEvent planning, project management, certification (e.g., CMP)Logistics, communication, vendor management
Work EnvironmentCorporate, non-profit, or association settingsHotels, event venues, corporate offices

While both roles involve event organization, Conference Planning primarily focuses on large-scale conferences with complex logistics, whereas Event Coordination handles a broader range of events, often on a smaller scale. Conference Planners typically require specialized certifications and experience in managing extensive programs, making their role more strategic and detailed compared to Event Coordinators.

How to become a conference planner?

To become a conference planner, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles, developing organizational and communication skills, and obtaining certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) can enhance job prospects.

What does a conference planning do?

A conference planner organizes and coordinates all aspects of a conference or event, including venue selection, scheduling, logistics, and vendor management. They ensure the event runs smoothly by managing budgets, timelines, and communication with stakeholders, often using tools like event management software. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this role.
Conference Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conference Planning job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,857 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

El Dorado Conference Center Director of Events

South Arkansas College

El Dorado, AR • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversees the development and coordination of marketing materials and outreach efforts to promote the conference center.

  • Sells conference space and services by meeting with prospective clients and managing event leads in the EMS System.

  • Coordinates event logistics, including creating and updating Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), communicating with relevant departments, and ensuring proper setup and execution of events.

Job description

Job Summary:
The Director of Events for the El Dorado Conference Center is responsible for the sales and marketing of the conference center, which includes planning and overseeing events. Hours for this position may vary due to events and catering. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy and reports to the Vice President of Finance and Administration.
Salary: Annual salary of $55,000. Plus, excellent benefit package.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Responsible for event personnel, which includes full-time and part-time.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides competitive, aggressive, and entrepreneurial marketing and sales leadership for the center while building essential internal and external relationships
  • Oversees development and coordination of marketing collaterals to support conference center outreach and sales, including (but not limited to) updates to conference center website, print, audio and video media, and social media
  • Coordinates a regional outreach (sales) program, including travel and sales presentations, to effectively secure short and long-term booking and maximize conference center usage while maintaining accounts
  • Meets with prospective local, national, international, convention, trade, corporate, public, and gala show clients to sell space and services of the facility
  • Gathers event information (leads) from phone calls, in-person interviews or e-mail (preferred) and enters into the EMS System for event build out
  • Creates and oversees invoicing ensuring to ensure pricing and details are correct before sending the final invoice to vendors and to accounting office for further transactions and processing.
  • Working in conjunction with the conference center director of operations:
    • Coordinates master calendar/ space availability information
    • Determines catering, food-service, and banquet options and pricing
    • Coordinates with caterers and clients
    • Attends and assists with events at the conference center as needed
    • Sends Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to all pertinent areas responsible for event coordination. This may include Set-up, Catering, IT, Security and A/V.
      • Makes necessary changes to BEOs as new event information is received and disseminate that accordingly
  • Collaborates with conference center and other college personnel to determine facility and technology upgrade needs at the center
  • Collaborates with local, state, regional, and national entities to develop partnerships which lead to increased use of center including (but not limited to) the El Dorado - Union County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street El Dorado, El Dorado Downtown Business Association, Murphy Arts District, Mystic Creek Golf Club, the City of El Dorado, the Arkansas Hospitality Association, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, etc.
  • Develops, in conjunction with Vice President of Finance and Administration, as the College President as requested, goals and metrics used to monitor and report operational efficiencies and success of marketing and sales efforts
  • Remains knowledgeable on current trends in conference center trends, amenities, sales techniques, etc.
  • Participates in producing and delivering quarterly conference center performance reports (as outlined by the City) to the El Dorado Works Board, City of El Dorado, and the El Dorado Conference Center Advisory Committee
  • Notifies clients of event confirmation
  • Communicates event changes as necessary
  • Secures a usage agreement from the client for all events
  • Creates room cards for event identification
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of convention, conference, exhibit, and other hosted-space best-practices
  • Proven and demonstrable success in previous industry-specific sales, marketing, and/or management positions
  • Strong customer service skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft office products and other management software.

Required Education and Experience:
  • Associates' degree in public relations, marketing, business administration, or related field
  • Three years of supervisory and/or sales experience in conference center management, event management, tourism or related field

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, business administration, or related field
  • Professional certifications (CASE, CEM, CMP, CVP, etc.) and/or active engagement with industry organizations (ASAE, IAEE, IAVM, MPI, PCMA, etc.)

Physical Requirements:
This position requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking. Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. or more.
Application Agreement
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications are subject to the Arkansas FOIA. South Arkansas College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. South Arkansas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status in the provision of educational or employment opportunities or benefits.
The college is in compliance with titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and all other federal and state laws related to equal opportunity practices.
Chosen Candidate will be required to submit to a criminal background check and have acceptable background results, provide any certificates of training (if the candidates possess any) or Licenses, Official Transcripts (for positions requiring undergraduate or graduate education), must have a clean driving record and must complete all new hire paperwork prior to starting work. This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to drug testing.

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