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Conference organizer vs special events coordinator

The differences between conference organizers 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 organizer and a special events coordinator. Additionally, a conference organizer has an average salary of $47,104, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

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

Conference organizer vs special events coordinator overview

Conference OrganizerSpecial Events Coordinator
Yearly salary$47,104$40,063
Hourly rate$22.65$19.26
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs87334,538
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Conference organizer vs special events coordinator salary

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

Conference OrganizerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average salary$47,104$40,063
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $73,000Between $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 organizer and special events coordinator education

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

Conference OrganizerSpecial Events Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorEnglishBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Conference organizer vs special events coordinator demographics

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

Conference OrganizerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 37.1% Female, 62.9%Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.7% 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 organizer and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Conference organizer example responsibilities.

  • Manage internal & external reservations for audio and videoconferencing requirements over telephone and via e-mail.
  • Design print and web marketing materials and execute promotional plans via partnerships, LinkedIn, and custom email blasts.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other conference coordinators and team members to orchestrate flawless conference execution.
  • Participate in RFP responses and organize major work assignment

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 organizer vs special events coordinator skills

Common conference organizer skills
  • Event Logistics, 47%
  • Event Planning, 12%
  • Symposium, 10%
  • Guest Speakers, 9%
  • Promotional Materials, 9%
  • Forum, 7%
Common special events coordinator skills
  • Customer Service, 24%
  • Event Planning, 11%
  • Press Releases, 4%
  • Event Logistics, 4%
  • Event Management, 4%
  • PowerPoint, 3%

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