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Conference planning manager vs special events coordinator

The differences between conference planning managers 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 planning manager and a special events coordinator. Additionally, a conference planning manager has an average salary of $52,391, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for a conference planning manager include BEO, conference planning and banquet event orders. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Conference planning manager vs special events coordinator overview

Conference Planning ManagerSpecial Events Coordinator
Yearly salary$52,391$40,063
Hourly rate$25.19$19.26
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs15,67234,538
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

Conference planning manager vs special events coordinator salary

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

Conference Planning ManagerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average salary$52,391$40,063
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $83,000Between $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 planning manager and special events coordinator education

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

Conference Planning ManagerSpecial Events Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 78%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorHospitality ManagementBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Conference planning manager vs special events coordinator demographics

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

Conference Planning ManagerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 9.2% Female, 90.8%Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 5.9% 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 planning manager and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Conference planning manager example responsibilities.

  • Organize and manage all audio visual and food & beverage technical updates in Delphi database.
  • Arrange catering, audiovisual, rooming lists, VIP amenities, transportation and other services.
  • Facilitate the weekly BEO review meeting to ensure correct interpretation of the customer's itinerary and anticipate any possible challenges.
  • Develop innovative PowerPoint presentation used to target new prospective donors.

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 planning manager vs special events coordinator skills

Common conference planning manager skills
  • BEO, 15%
  • Conference Planning, 14%
  • Banquet Event Orders, 13%
  • Event Planning, 10%
  • Meeting Rooms, 10%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 5%
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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