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Convention Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crescent

Convention Services Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The Convention Service Manager is a full-time, on-site role based at The Bethesdan Hotel ... Establish rapport with and entertain meeting planners while promoting hotel facilities and services.

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How much do convention planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for convention planner in the United States is $65,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a convention planner faces when coordinating large-scale events, and how can they be addressed?

Convention Planners often encounter challenges such as managing complex logistics, coordinating with multiple vendors, and handling last-minute changes. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and contingency planning are crucial for addressing these issues. Building strong relationships with reliable vendors and maintaining detailed timelines can help minimize disruptions. Additionally, collaborating closely with clients and team members ensures that expectations are clear and any problems can be resolved quickly.

What is a convention planner?

Convention planners are professionals who organize and coordinate large-scale events such as conventions, conferences, trade shows, and meetings. They handle all aspects of event planning, including site selection, budgeting, logistics, vendor management, and on-site coordination. Convention planners work closely with clients to ensure the event meets their goals and runs smoothly. Their responsibilities often include negotiating contracts, arranging accommodations, and managing event schedules.

What is the difference between Convention Planner vs Event Coordinator?

AspectConvention PlannerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsRelevant certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional)Often similar certifications, but less specialized
Work EnvironmentTypically plans large-scale conventions and conferencesCoordinates various events, including smaller gatherings
Industry UsageCommon in hospitality, associations, and corporate sectorsUsed across diverse industries for various event types
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare roles related to large event planningPeople look for roles involving event organization and coordination

While both roles involve event planning, a Convention Planner specializes in large-scale conventions and conferences, often requiring specific certifications like CMP. An Event Coordinator handles a broader range of events, including smaller gatherings, with less emphasis on industry-specific credentials. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How do you become a convention planner?

To become a convention planner, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level event planning roles, developing strong organizational and communication skills, and becoming familiar with event management software are important steps. Certification programs, such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), can also enhance job prospects.

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

To thrive as a Convention Planner, you need strong organizational skills, event management experience, and typically a degree in hospitality, business, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and registration systems is often required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills help you coordinate with vendors, clients, and teams effectively. These abilities ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges in a dynamic environment.
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What states have the most Convention Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Convention Planner jobs include:
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Convention Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Convention Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,702 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Convention Services Manager

GRAHAM HOTEL SYSTEMS INC

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description

The Kensington Hotel has an opening for an experienced Convention Services Manager!  We offer a wonderful benefits package with a generous bonus plan, Medical insurances, 401k w/ match, LTD, STD, and life insurance.   A typical schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm, weekends as necessary.  

Overall responsible for planning, organizing and managing the in-house details for all groups and University of Michigan catering only programs. Focuses on the execution of all aspects of event planning including coordination from BEOS, VIP needs, amenities, group resumes, and rooming lists.

Responsibilities:

Serve the on-site group and catering customers in a proactive manner, working with the logistics of group room blocks, food and beverage, meeting space and the billing process. After turnover is completed, CSM is the key point of contact for detailing, planning, day of execution and post event billing.

Review sales contracts as well as other important information, (i.e. room block cut off, special concessions and attrition clauses) and validate with client via turnover letter.

Responsible for prompt handling (within the business day) of incoming calls and monitoring the efficient flow of paperwork relative to confirming function details to the client.

Consults with representatives of client group or organization to plan details such as number of persons expected display space desired and food service schedule.

Have demonstrated knowledge with the ability to upsell clients while promoting a level of service equal to the stature of the facility.

Creates, reviews and distributes weekly group resumes and BEOs for all upcoming bookings in the next 14 days. Responsible for the overall accuracy and completion of these documents, as noted in the standard policies and procedures for Graham Hotels.

Maintains & logs all client communications in Opera. It is the responsibility of the Convention Services Manager to use Opera Cloud to keep in touch with clients through phone calls, emails, letters and personal meetings.

Accurately forecast group rooms and group food & beverage revenues for assigned groups and affiliated business.

Maintain GRC log audit monthly for accuracy and update accordingly for booking status per Sales Manager

Plans coordinates and implements special events and other meetings conferences and special projects.

May be expected to perform initial contract negotiations and vendor service agreements up sell food and beverage

Attend weekly internal meetings as dictated.

Ensure changes are communicated timely to impacted departments/operations leaders.

Works directly with Banquets and AV per clients' needs.

Coordinates and organizes Pre and Post Cons

Inspects rooms and displays for conformance to needs and desires of group.

Displays leadership in guest hospitality, exemplifies excellent customer service and creates a positive atmosphere for guest relations.

Conduct hotel site inspections and client presentations.

Requirements

Must have prior experience in the hospitality industry and/or a bachelor's degree in hospitality management or a related field.

Must be proficient in Windows operating system and Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Opera helpful

Must be willing to "pitch-in" and help co- workers with their job duties and be a team player.

Ability to prepare moderately complex mathematical calculations without error.

Ability to effectively deal with customers, with high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy through negotiations and problem resolution

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and customers.

Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.

Must have the ability to communicate in English.

Maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times.

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