Conference planner vs special events coordinator

The differences between conference planners 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 planner and a special events coordinator. Additionally, a conference planner has an average salary of $57,176, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for a conference planner include conference planning, reservations and audio-visual equipment. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Conference planner vs special events coordinator overview

	Conference Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Yearly salary	$57,176	$40,063
Hourly rate	$27.49	$19.26
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	17,145	34,538
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 76%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Conference planner vs special events coordinator salary

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

	Conference Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Average salary	$57,176	$40,063
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $79,000	Between $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 planner and special events coordinator education

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

	Conference Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 76%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Conference planner vs special events coordinator demographics

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

	Conference Planner	Special Events Coordinator
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 15.3% Female, 84.7%	Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% 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 Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between conference planner and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Conference planner example responsibilities.

Manage all logistics and communications from beginning to end with clients, including sending invitations, monitoring RSVP, and hosting.
Monitor room blocks for out of town event attendees and design VIP gift baskets.
Direct, plan and organize internal/external meetings, corporate golf outings, banquets and VIP programs.
Develop agenda and itinerary, organize and procure all speaker biographies and materials and logistics for successful program execution.
Provide creative support and assistance by researching and developing booth entertainment ideas and designing booth signage and packaging of giveaways.

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.

Conference planner vs special events coordinator skills

Common conference planner skills

Conference Planning, 16%
Reservations, 10%
Audio-Visual Equipment, 8%
Conference Services, 7%
Event Planning, 4%
Event Logistics, 4%

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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Conference Planner
Conference Planner vs Special Events Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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