A meeting planner manages every part of an event, from the first client brief to the final review. They are the main point of contact between clients, venues, and suppliers. They own the timeline, the budget, and all logistics.
In Australia, about 31,200 people work in this field (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Most hold full-time roles averaging 41 hours per week. The median age is 38, and 72% of the workforce is female.
Meeting planners work across government, business, finance, education, and tourism. Most enter through a diploma in event management. Many move into senior planner, account manager, or event director roles over time.
Joining the PCO Association or the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) helps planners grow their career. The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is the top advanced credential for this field in Australia.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.