Convention services manager vs special events coordinator

The differences between convention services managers and special events coordinators 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 a special events coordinator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a convention services manager has an average salary of $51,222, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for a convention services manager include convention services, audio visual and reservations. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Convention services manager vs special events coordinator overview

	Convention Services Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Yearly salary	$51,222	$40,063
Hourly rate	$24.63	$19.26
Growth rate	10%	18%
Number of jobs	120,658	34,538
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age	39	38
Years of experience	4	2

Convention services manager vs special events coordinator salary

Convention services managers and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Convention Services Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Average salary	$51,222	$40,063
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $65,000	Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	California	New Jersey
Best paying company	Hyatt Hotels	Smithsonian Institution
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Education

Differences between convention services manager and special events coordinator education

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

	Convention Services Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common major	Hospitality Management	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Convention services manager vs special events coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between convention services managers' and special events coordinators' demographics:

	Convention Services Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Average age	39	38
Gender ratio	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%	Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	10%	16%

Differences between convention services manager and special events coordinator 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.

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.

Convention services manager vs special events coordinator 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 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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Convention Services Manager
Convention Services Manager vs Special Events Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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