Convention services manager vs event specialist

The differences between convention services managers and event specialists 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 specialist takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a convention services manager has an average salary of $51,222, which is higher than the $41,294 average annual salary of an event specialist.

The top three skills for a convention services manager include convention services, audio visual and reservations. The most important skills for an event specialist are brand awareness, product preparation, and product demonstrations.

Convention services manager vs event specialist overview

	Convention Services Manager	Event Specialist
Yearly salary	$51,222	$41,294
Hourly rate	$24.63	$19.85
Growth rate	10%	18%
Number of jobs	120,658	12,130
Job satisfaction	5	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age	39	38
Years of experience	4	2

Convention services manager vs event specialist salary

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

	Convention Services Manager	Event Specialist
Average salary	$51,222	$41,294
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $65,000	Between $26,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	California	New York
Best paying company	Hyatt Hotels	Shearman & Sterling
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Technology

Differences between convention services manager and event specialist education

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

	Convention Services Manager	Event Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common major	Hospitality Management	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Convention services manager vs event specialist demographics

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

	Convention Services Manager	Event Specialist
Average age	39	38
Gender ratio	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%	Male, 30.9% Female, 69.1%
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, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	10%	16%

Differences between convention services manager and event specialist 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 specialist example responsibilities.

Manage three key concierge brands with a high level of guest service and VIP attention.
Manage RSVP lists, checked-in attendees at events, and insure guest satisfaction at all times.
Build client pipeline by using SEO, Linkedin, Mattermarks, Angel.CO.
Establish streamline budget management process, enabling overall department to effectively tracking spending trend and ROI.
Post to Facebook and other media regarding up-coming event and/or event outcome.
Promote upcoming events and shows through marketing materials, emails and twitter.

Convention services manager vs event specialist 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 specialist skills

Brand Awareness, 51%
Product Preparation, 14%
Product Demonstrations, 5%
Food Preparation, 4%
Food Safety, 4%
Product Knowledge, 3%

Convention Services Manager vs. similar jobs

Convention Services Manager related careers

Convention Services Manager related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Executive Management Industry
Convention Services Manager
Convention Services Manager vs Event Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse executive management jobs