What Skills Do I Need for a Meeting Planning Career?

Learn the Skills You Need, with TISOH!

A career in meeting planning is a challenging and rewarding field that requires a diverse set of skills. If you are wondering what are the key skills that contribute to success in a meeting planning career, read on to learn more!

Meeting planning requires a high level of organization and attention to detail. You will need to be able to multitask and prioritize effectively, juggling multiple meetings and events at the same time, and ensuring that each one runs smoothly. This also requires a mindset that is flexible and not rigid - adaptability is key!

Communication is crucial in event planning. You'll need to be able to clearly and effectively communicate with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the event is executed to the client's satisfaction. With so many details, communication is everything in meeting planning. 

Meeting planning is a fast-paced and deadline-driven field, you'll need to be able to manage your time effectively to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and on budget.

Meeting planning involves managing budgets and financials, you'll need to have a strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial management to create meetings that are cost-effective and meet the clients' needs.

With technology becoming more prevalent in meetings, having technical skills such as knowledge of meeting management software, ability to use audio and visual equipment, and understanding of digital marketing will be essential. Technology helps efficiency and is nothing to fear. 

Networking is key to success in meeting planning. Building relationships with vendors, clients and other industry professionals can help you get your foot in the door and be successful in the field.

Meeting planning often involves negotiating with vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to get the best deals and prices. Strong negotiation skills can help you to achieve the best results for your clients. With taking care of details, comes a need to compromise. Situations arise where being flexible and making changes for the best of the client is needed. Related, meeting planning involves a lot of problem-solving, as well as making important decisions. You will need to be able to think on your feet, come up with creative solutions to unexpected problems, and make quick, effective decisions.

A career in meeting planning requires a diverse set of skills, including strong organizational skills, communication skills, negotiation skills, time management, budgeting and financial management, networking, sales and marketing, and technical skills. With these skills, you will be well-prepared for a successful and rewarding career in meeting planning.

Meetings and events are now back in person and this means that this huge sector of the hospitality industry needs a talented body of professionals who are responsible for creating, organizing, and executing complex gatherings. At TISOH, the International School of Hospitality, we are at the forefront of developing and cultivating these event professionals. 

TISOH, located in the heart of Las Vegas itself, specializes in training motivated individuals for careers in the hospitality industry, including in conferences, meetings, and event planning. At TISOH, students learn planning, production, organization, and design, to create effective meetings and innovative events of any scale and style. Students learn how to evaluate, select, and negotiate for all aspects of any kind of meeting or event: design, logistics, catering and more. Students interested in this career path choose between pursuing a Diploma in Hospitality Operations, with an Event Planning focus, or earning individual certificates with TISOH’s single-topic, focused certificate programs in Conference Management and Event Planning, Event and Design Planning, and Exhibition and Tradeshow Management. Available in class or online, all courses are taught by professional faculty with deep industry experience, and students benefit from their expertise, as well as guest lecturers and expert panels.

If you are interested in the world of meeting and event planning, consider training for a career in this exciting field! With TISOH, the International School of Hospitality, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to make the world of meetings, events and conventions your career. Contact us today to learn more!