Salaries for Business Event Managers Are Rising, Says New Survey
June 5, 2019
Does your salary reflect what you think you’re worth? If you’re like most trade show organizers, the answer is probably no (more on that below); yet the forecast for our industry in this area is looking at least partially sunny.
Nearly 75 percent of business events organizers received a raise over the past year, averaging a 7-percent increase, according to PCMA’s annual Salary Survey, released this week.
While that 7-percent increase is more than twice the average raise for North American workers across all industries, only half of the 550 respondents in PCMA’s survey reported satisfaction with their current salary.
Chalk it up to long hours (an average of 46 per week), high stress, lack of organizational recognition and limited flexibility (goodbye, weekends before and after your event) — the average salary of $82,769 isn’t cutting it for everyone.
That’s not to say that event organizers don’t love the business they’re in, however. Eighty percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the business events industry as a whole, and 69 percent said they were happy with their current jobs. While that’s a majority reporting satisfaction in their roles, it’s a lower rate than other workforce happiness studies (for example, a CNBC/Survey Monkey workshop happiness index published this spring found that 85 percent of all workers were satisfied with their jobs).
“I think the disparity has a lot to do with the high level of stress that comes with their jobs, and how few of their organizations’ leaders recognize the skills and expertise required to execute successful events,” said Michelle Russell, editor-in-chief of PCMA’s Convene magazine, where the Salary Survey was published.
Other notable findings from the survey:
- Having the CMP designation equates to a higher salary; respondents with one earned an average of $8,600 more a year than colleagues without
- Professional development support is getting better; 11 percent of respondents said employers have increased support for attending educational events in the past year
- As expected, greater experience equals greater pay; average salary for meeting professionals ranged from $52,986 for those with one to three years of experience versus $94,284 with 10 or more years
How does your own experience compare with the results of the Salary Survey? Share with us on Twitter, @TSNN_com_US.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment