Meeting and convention planner is a relatively new and growing occupation.
A meeting and convention planner coordinates all the activities of staff and convention personnel to make arrangements for group meetings and conventions, working as the intermediary between the client (e.g., a professional organization or a political party).
(U.S. government occupational coding: O*NET SOC code: 13-1121.00)
Other designations, with commensurate variations in activities and responsibilities or sometimes simply reflecting a personal preference in job title, include "event planner'" "event and meeting planner," and "meeting planner."
Planners can, but need not, be certified. "To qualify for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exam, persons must have worked full time for at least three years with a wide variety of meeting planning experience. Although certification is not required for this occupation, it will likely be an advantage when competing for better jobs. The Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) certificate is earned through an advanced training program, usually lasting one week, and successful analysis and completion of a detailed case study. Meeting Professionals International administers both exams".
