MEETING AND EVENT PLANNERS SHOULD ENJOY A BANNER YEAR AHEAD

The meeting and event planning industry is well-positioned for robust growth in 2024 and 2025 as in-person gatherings make a strong comeback after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, many events were canceled or transitioned to virtual environments. Now, as restrictions have eased in most places, organizations and individuals are eager to resume in-person meetings, conferences, trade shows, weddings, and other special events.

Such pent-up demand for live events is creating a huge need for experienced meeting and event planners. Top MICE industry professionals handle all aspects of events – from scouting venues and negotiating contracts to coordinating catering, audio-visual equipment, transportation, lodging, marketing, and more. Their organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex logistics make them invaluable for creating successful events.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects meeting and event planner jobs to grow at a brisk 7% rate through 2029, which is much faster than average job growth across the economy. Growth will be driven by recovering corporate profits and a strong desire for face-to-face business development after so much virtual interaction. A return to travel for professional events and team building will also boost demand.

Further fueling the need are trends like hybrid events that combine virtual and in-person participation. Planning these complex events requires expertise to coordinate the live and digital components. Corporate event teams remain understaffed after pandemic cuts, opening opportunities for independent event planning consultants and boutique agencies.

In addition to corporate meetings and incentive travel, strong demand is expected for professional conference organizers and wedding planners. The backlog of postponed weddings has couples flocking to event pros who excel at personal event styling and creative touches.

Meeting and event planners able to capitalize on revived demand stand to grow highly profitable, in-demand businesses over the next two years. Strong organizational ability, immaculate attention to details, passion for events, and the capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment will set successful planners apart. For those with the requisite skills, meetings and events offer an exciting career path guaranteeing constant new adventures.