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
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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