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Corporate event manager vs event specialist

The differences between corporate event managers and event specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a corporate event manager has an average salary of $63,057, which is higher than the $41,294 average annual salary of an event specialist.

The top three skills for a corporate event manager include corporate events, event planning and event management. The most important skills for an event specialist are brand awareness, product preparation, and product demonstrations.

Corporate event manager vs event specialist overview

Corporate Event ManagerEvent Specialist
Yearly salary$63,057$41,294
Hourly rate$30.32$19.85
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs19,77112,130
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

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 specialist do?

Events specialists, also known as events producers or event planners, have many roles and responsibilities. They establish event concepts, select venues, secure sponsorships, and handle logistics for events. Also, they plan and manage event timelines, coordinate technical aspects, and manage risks. Event specialists are also responsible for communicating with vendors, organizing marketing materials, and liaising with event speakers. To become an event specialist, one should need to meet several qualifications that include having a degree in marketing, hospitality, or public relations. Organization skills and experience in project management are also important.

Corporate event manager vs event specialist salary

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

Corporate Event ManagerEvent Specialist
Average salary$63,057$41,294
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $110,000Between $26,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Shearman & Sterling
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between corporate event manager and event specialist education

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

Corporate Event ManagerEvent Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 45%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Corporate event manager vs event specialist demographics

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

Corporate Event ManagerEvent Specialist
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 22.1% Female, 77.9%Male, 30.9% Female, 69.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between corporate event manager and event specialist 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 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.
  • Show more

Corporate event manager vs event specialist 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 specialist skills
  • Brand Awareness, 51%
  • Product Preparation, 14%
  • Product Demonstrations, 5%
  • Food Preparation, 4%
  • Food Safety, 4%
  • Product Knowledge, 3%

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