Corporate event manager vs event planner

The differences between corporate event managers and event planners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a corporate event manager and an event planner. Additionally, a corporate event manager has an average salary of $63,057, which is higher than the $51,542 average annual salary of an event planner.

The top three skills for a corporate event manager include corporate events, event planning and event management. The most important skills for an event planner are customer service, vendor contracts, and plan events.

Corporate event manager vs event planner overview

	Corporate Event Manager	Event Planner
Yearly salary	$63,057	$51,542
Hourly rate	$30.32	$24.78
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	19,771	19,793
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

What does a corporate event manager do?

A corporate event manager organizes corporate gatherings such as general meetings, conferences, conventions, seminars, or award ceremonies. They are responsible for meeting with clients, identifying event requirements, planning events according to the clients' preferences and budget, booking venues and caterers, securing supplies, sending out invitations to guests, and overseeing staff. They must also maintain an active communication line with all team members, so that they can solve any conflicts or issues that arise.

What does an event planner do?

An event planner is responsible for organizing events, following the clients' needs, instructions, and budget goals. Event planners must be highly communicative to coordinate and negotiate contracts with suppliers, third-party vendors, and venue rentals. They finalize the guest list, catering services, and assist with marketing materials to promote the event. An event planner should also have a broad knowledge of the current market industry trends, which plays a vital role in planning and organizing future event opportunities.

Corporate event manager vs event planner salary

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

	Corporate Event Manager	Event Planner
Average salary	$63,057	$51,542
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $110,000	Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	-	Stamford, CT
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Intelliswift
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between corporate event manager and event planner education

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

	Corporate Event Manager	Event Planner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Corporate event manager vs event planner demographics

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

	Corporate Event Manager	Event Planner
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 22.1% Female, 77.9%	Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 6.0% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	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	16%	16%

Differences between corporate event manager and event planner duties and responsibilities

Corporate event manager example responsibilities.

Manage secret entertainment reveals and VIP rehearsals.
Manage CRM program including development and enforcement of internal protocols and database management.
Forecast event ROI and present details to executive management.
Generate ROI evaluation report and provide recommendation for future events.
Provide administrative support by developing and generating executive level documents, PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, charts and reports.
Organize POS coordination and warehouse inventory for all local event activity.

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.

Corporate event manager vs event planner skills

Common corporate event manager skills

Corporate Events, 18%
Event Planning, 10%
Event Management, 6%
Business Development, 6%
Trade Shows, 5%
ROI, 4%

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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Corporate Event Manager
Corporate Event Manager vs Event Planner

Updated January 8, 2025

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