Meeting coordinators need strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills, and may require a college degree. Communication and language skills are important, as is experience in administrative or hospitality roles. Certification can be helpful, and success depends on client satisfaction and a solid reputation.
Meeting coordinator careers require above-average interpersonal skills, excellent organization and time management skills, and a good deal of on-the-job training. A college degree may be required to become a meeting coordinator, but it’s not always necessary. This practical, fast-paced career appeals to multitaskers and those who prefer unconventional work schedules and settings.
Top-notch communication skills are essential to becoming a meeting coordinator. Much of that work revolves around communicating with others, from the customer paying for the meeting to the caterer providing the food for the people attending the meeting. Knowledge of foreign languages can be an advantage when becoming a meeting coordinator, because this position can involve traveling around the world and talking to clients and guests from other countries.
Other meeting coordinator requirements include budgeting, writing, and organizational and motivational skills. Meeting planners don’t just plan meetings. They also coordinate and manage the meetings, so you must be a beginner and also comfortable delegating work. Time management is vital to a successful meeting, both for you and whoever you will be managing before and during the meeting or convention.
While you don’t need a degree to become a meeting coordinator, many companies prefer a bachelor’s degree. Common specialties include marketing, public relations and hotel management, but a variety of university programs can lead to a meeting coordinator career. Some travel and tourism specialty courses include courses in meeting management, and these can be useful for starting or furthering meeting coordinator training.
Experience is an effective path to most meeting coordinator careers. Past jobs often include administrative or clerical assistant positions where you are responsible for planning small meetings or conventions. Starting small gives you a chance to learn the ropes without the pressure that comes with planning a big meeting or convention. Other jobs that can help you prepare to become a meeting coordinator include positions in hospitality, marketing or sales.
Some convention and meeting associations offer certificates and credentials to enhance meeting coordinator training. Certification is not mandatory for meeting coordinator careers, but it can be helpful when looking for a position in a large organization. Junior meeting planners sometimes seek additional training and credentials to increase their chances of promotion or being assigned to larger meetings or conventions.
Client satisfaction is vital to successful meeting coordinators’ careers; therefore, you must be able to promote and market your own skills. Many organizations hold large meetings or conventions every year, so consistently making a good impression is vital to success. Ingenuity, perfectionism, and a long list of trusted contacts can help you become a meeting coordinator with a solid reputation.
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