Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSkillsEducationDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesJob Outlook

Compare

Conference director vs special events coordinator

The differences between conference directors and special events coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a conference director and a special events coordinator. Additionally, a conference director has an average salary of $64,405, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for a conference director include conference logistics, sponsorship packages and event planning. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Conference director vs special events coordinator overview

Conference DirectorSpecial Events Coordinator
Yearly salary$64,405$40,063
Hourly rate$30.96$19.26
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs5,25034,538
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Conference director vs special events coordinator salary

Conference directors and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Conference DirectorSpecial Events Coordinator
Average salary$64,405$40,063
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $99,000Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Smithsonian Institution
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between conference director and special events coordinator education

There are a few differences between a conference director and a special events coordinator in terms of educational background:

Conference DirectorSpecial Events Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Conference director vs special events coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between conference directors' and special events coordinators' demographics:

Conference DirectorSpecial Events Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 36.7% Female, 63.3%Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 5.8% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between conference director and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Conference director example responsibilities.

  • Manage development of all CRM communications and materials.
  • Provide wine education for hotel staff and sales presentations to food and beverage executives.
  • Cause marketing fundraising events including film screenings, concerts and private donor VIP dinners.
  • Enrich social media intranet with bulletins on giveaways, surveys, and upcoming events.
  • Develop banquet menus, pricing, special food offerings and theme party menus with culinary staff.
  • Collaborate with marketing department on client ad sweepstakes, giveaways, logo usage and client branding.
    • Show more

Special events coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Work closely with MDA families, volunteers, sponsors and fellow staff to achieve MDA objectives.
  • Maintain business website and manage Facebook account.
  • Manage reservations and priority seating for VIP diners to ensure customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
  • Compile programs and PowerPoint presentations for day of event.
  • Check RSVP lines and provide attendee list for day of event.
  • Create promotional flyers, brochures, and PowerPoint presentations for multiple target markets.
    • Show more

Conference director vs special events coordinator skills

Common conference director skills
  • Conference Logistics, 14%
  • Sponsorship Packages, 8%
  • Event Planning, 8%
  • Conference Planning, 6%
  • Content Development, 5%
  • Audio Visual, 5%
Common special events coordinator skills
  • Customer Service, 24%
  • Event Planning, 11%
  • Press Releases, 4%
  • Event Logistics, 4%
  • Event Management, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 3%

Conference Director vs. similar jobs

Conference Director related careers

Conference Director related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse business and financial jobs