Freelance meeting and conference planner

Small and mid-size companies, nonprofits, professional associations and office managers who have no in-house event staff.

A flat project fee or hourly rate, sometimes a percentage of the event budget. Some planners also earn venue or vendor commissions, which should be disclosed to clients.

• Organized and detail-focused
• Negotiating with venues and vendors
• Calm under pressure on event day
• Budgeting and clear communication

• General liability insurance, and ask whether professional liability (errors and omissions) cover makes sense for you
• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and any HOA or lease rules
• Venue contracts and deposits can be costly if an event is cancelled, so read the terms and get client agreements in writing
• If you handle alcohol or serve food, check which permits the venue or caterer must hold
• Income can be uneven, so plan for gaps between events

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your software, website and insurance. Venue contracts and deposits can be costly if an event is cancelled, so read terms and get client agreements in writing.

Check general liability insurance, and whether professional liability (errors and omissions) cover makes sense. Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, plus any HOA or lease rules and venue permits for alcohol or food.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many events you plan and your fees. You can start with roughly 8 hours a week, but income can be uneven, so plan for gaps between events.