Strategies for career planning and development in the Convention and Exhibition industry in Australia

This paper examines the career planning and development strategies of individuals in the Convention and Exhibition industry in Australia. Through a structured questionnaire career information was received from a sample of individuals (n=126) employed within the industry and then analysed using a range of descriptive and evaluative techniques. Results indicate that the Convention and Exhibition sector is dominated by well educated, career mobile females who follow a strategy of ‘butterflying’ between jobs and sub sectors of the industry. They also use a range of personal career planning and development strategies that may be affected by their age but not their gender. Findings from the research have implications for the individual and the employing organisation.