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 committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
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Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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