12103

Conference and event planners

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Business, finance & administration

1 › 12 › 121 › 1210

Definition

Conference and event planners plan, organize and coordinate conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals and other events. They are employed by tourism associations, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centres, governments and by conference and event planning companies, or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Meet with trade and professional associations and other groups to promote and discuss conference, convention and trade show services
Meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan the scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets and to review administrative procedures and progress of events
Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, conference and other facilities, catering, signage, displays, translation, special needs requirements, audio-visual equipment, printing and security
Organize registration of participants, prepare programs and promotional material, and publicize events
Plan entertainment and social gatherings for participants
Hire, train and supervise support staff required for events
Ensure compliance with required by-laws
Negotiate contracts for services, approve suppliers' invoices, maintain financial records, review final billing submitted to clients for events and prepare reports.

Example job titles

•conference and meeting planner
•conference planner
•conference services officer
•convention coordinator
•event planner
•festival organizer
•meeting planner
•special events organizer

Overview

Under the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, conference and event planners are classified under NOC code 12103. This occupation falls under TEER 2, which means it is eligible for major Canadian economic immigration streams, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class managed under the Express Entry system. Professionals in this category are responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals, and other events for businesses, associations, and government organizations.

To qualify under NOC code 12103, individuals must perform a range of duties, such as meeting with sponsors and organizing committees to define event goals, managing event budgets, negotiating contracts for services, and coordinating logistics such as accommodation, transportation, catering, and audio-visual displays. Typically, employment requirements include a university degree or college diploma in business administration, tourism, hospitality management, or a related discipline, combined with several years of experience in administrative, public relations, or tourism and hospitality roles.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official, up-to-date guidance, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.