Compare the price of anything · Serving consumers and businesses across the UK
Ar gael yn GymraegAvailable in Welsh
Browse servicesFind businesses
List your business
Home›Events Entertainment›Conference Planning Services
UK National Overview

Cost of Conference Planning Services
across the UK

National price data for Conference Planning Services based on estimated ranges across the UK. Compare regions, find local providers, and understand what affects the price.

–
National range
–
Average price
Estimated
Submissions
–
Regions with data
Compare prices in your area
Accreditation & credentials
Trade bodies & what they mean for Conference Planning Services

# Conference Planning Services: Trade Body Accreditation

Conference planning services in the UK are regulated and accredited through several key industry bodies. The Association of Professional Conference Organisers (APCO) is the primary trade body for UK conference planners and offers membership based on professional standards and experience. The Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) also oversees standards within the events industry and works with the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions and other regional bodies. Additionally, the Institute of Association Meeting Professionals (IAMP) provides professional development and accreditation, while some conference planners may hold qualifications through the Events Industry Board's national occupational standards. These accreditations demonstrate that a provider has met minimum professional requirements, follows a code of conduct, and keeps up with continuing professional development.

To verify a provider's credentials, ask directly for their accreditation certifications and check them against the relevant trade body's register of members. APCO, BVEP, and IAMP all maintain public directories where you can confirm membership status and sometimes view disciplinary records or complaints procedures. It is worth taking this step because accredited planners are bound by ethical codes, carry professional indemnity insurance, and have consumer protection mechanisms in place should disputes arise. Non-accredited planners may be perfectly competent, but accreditation provides a formal recourse if things go wrong and gives you assurance that the planner follows consistent industry standards.

Accredited conference planners typically charge 5–15% more than non-accredited competitors, depending on their experience and the complexity of your event. This premium exists because accredited providers invest in training, insurance, and compliance with industry standards, and their professional status reflects proven expertise. The higher cost is usually justified because you gain better contract protections, a complaints procedure backed by the trade body, access to their professional networks, and greater confidence that your

Common questions
Conference Planning Services — frequently asked questions
How much does Event and Conference Planning cost in the UK?
Event and conference planning costs typically range from £2,000 to £50,000+, depending on scale and complexity. Small local events start around £2,000–£5,000, whilst mid-sized conferences cost £10,000–£25,000. Large national events exceed £50,000. Pricing varies by venue, guest count, catering, and specialist services required.
What affects the cost of Event and Conference Planning?
Key cost factors include guest numbers, venue hire and location, catering quality and dietary requirements, audio-visual and technology setup, speaker fees and travel, staffing and on-site coordination, and marketing and printing materials. Duration, seasonality, and bespoke décor also significantly influence final pricing and service complexity.
What does an Event and Conference Planning service actually include?
Comprehensive planning covers venue selection and negotiation, delegate registration and ticketing management, catering and beverage coordination, audio-visual production and live streaming setup, speaker liaison and programme scheduling, signage and branding, on-site event management, attendee communications, and post-event reporting. Services often include budget management and supplier coordination.
What's the difference between a conference planner and an event coordinator?
Conference planners specialise in multi-day, complex corporate or educational events with delegates, speakers, and structured agendas requiring extensive pre-event planning. Event coordinators handle broader social and corporate occasions with flexible formats. Conference planning demands deeper technical knowledge, speaker management, and compliance with larger-scale logistics.
What should I check before hiring an Event and Conference Planning provider?
Verify portfolio and previous event examples, check references from similar-sized events, confirm insurance and liability coverage, review their supplier networks and venue relationships, and assess experience with your industry sector. Membership in AEME (Association of Event Managers England) or similar bodies indicates professional credibility and ethical standards.
How long does it take to plan a conference or event properly?
Proper event planning typically requires three to six months for medium conferences, with larger national events needing nine to twelve months. Small local events can be arranged in four to eight weeks. Timeline depends on guest numbers, speaker confirmation, venue availability, and marketing lead time needed for delegate recruitment.
Do I need a certified Event and Conference Planner?
Event planning is unregulated; no mandatory certification is legally required. However, choosing an accredited professional via AEME, EventProfs, or similar bodies ensures industry standards, insurance protection, and proven expertise. Local independent planners offer personalised service, whilst national agencies provide established infrastructure and broader resources for larger events.
How much does Conference Planning Services cost in the UK?
Conference planning services typically cost between £2,000 and £50,000+ depending on event scale. Small local conferences range £2,000–£8,000, mid-sized events £8,000–£20,000, and large national conferences £20,000–£50,000 or more. Costs cover venue sourcing, logistics, speaker coordination, catering liaison, and attendee management throughout the planning process.

Know what you paid?

Help build UK price data for Conference Planning Services. Takes 60 seconds.

Submit a priceList your business free
Data overview
National min–
National max–
SubmissionsEstimated
Regions covered–
Data statusEstimated
View methodology →
Related services
Decorative Concrete Wall PanelsParty Plan SalesBoard Games and PuzzlesWedding CakesFunction Room Hire
National price data sourced from business and consumer submissions across the UK. Regional averages are indicative. Methodology · Submit a price · List your business