Convention services manager vs event planner

The differences between convention services managers and event planners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a convention services manager, becoming an event planner takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an event planner has an average salary of $51,542, which is higher than the $51,222 average annual salary of a convention services manager.

The top three skills for a convention services manager include convention services, audio visual and reservations. The most important skills for an event planner are customer service, vendor contracts, and plan events.

Convention services manager vs event planner overview

	Convention Services Manager	Event Planner
Yearly salary	$51,222	$51,542
Hourly rate	$24.63	$24.78
Growth rate	10%	18%
Number of jobs	120,658	19,793
Job satisfaction	5	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	39	38
Years of experience	4	2

Convention services manager vs event planner salary

Convention services managers and event planners have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Convention Services Manager	Event Planner
Average salary	$51,222	$51,542
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $65,000	Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Stamford, CT
Highest paying state	California	Connecticut
Best paying company	Hyatt Hotels	Intelliswift
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Technology

Differences between convention services manager and event planner education

There are a few differences between a convention services manager and an event planner in terms of educational background:

	Convention Services Manager	Event Planner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Hospitality Management	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Convention services manager vs event planner demographics

Here are the differences between convention services managers' and event planners' demographics:

	Convention Services Manager	Event Planner
Average age	39	38
Gender ratio	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%	Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 9.0% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	10%	16%

Differences between convention services manager and event planner duties and responsibilities

Convention services manager example responsibilities.

Lead vendor RFP's and consolidation of exhibit properties.
Create RFP's, managing the services of suppliers and vendors.
Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approve departmental booking guidelines.
Revise each BEO as required.
Create banquet/catering forecasts and booking pace reports.
Plan menus, wine lists, event calendars, rooming lists.

Event planner example responsibilities.

Manage client RFP s, develop detailed proposals & client pitches.
Produce, implement, and manage sales lead forms and online surveys to determine overall ROI.
Manage VIP & bottle service, sell tickets, hire promoters, promotional models, disc jockeys & staff for venues.
Manage and ship all marketing and advertising kits and giveaways for career fairs, on-campus presentations, final rounds and orientations.
Coordinate and host successful client seminars, creating invitations and promotional materials, booking venues, and selecting guest speakers.
Coordinate travel arrangements, including booking airfare, hotel and transportation.

Convention services manager vs event planner skills

Common convention services manager skills

Convention Services, 10%
Audio Visual, 8%
Reservations, 8%
Meeting Rooms, 6%
Banquet Event Orders, 6%
Event Planning, 6%

Common event planner skills

Customer Service, 15%
Vendor Contracts, 12%
Plan Events, 8%
Event Management, 6%
PowerPoint, 5%
Event Logistics, 3%

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Convention Services Manager
Convention Services Manager vs Event Planner

Updated January 8, 2025

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