Corporate event manager vs special events coordinator

The differences between corporate event managers and special events coordinators 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 a special events coordinator. Additionally, a corporate event manager has an average salary of $63,057, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for a corporate event manager include corporate events, event planning and event management. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Corporate event manager vs special events coordinator overview

	Corporate Event Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Yearly salary	$63,057	$40,063
Hourly rate	$30.32	$19.26
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	19,771	34,538
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
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 a special events coordinator do?

A special events coordinator is in charge of organizing and devising plans for an event, even monitoring all progress to ensure everything is running smoothly. They are typically responsible for consulting with clients and understanding the event's purpose, offering a selection of venues and caterers, providing cost estimates, and booking various services such as speakers, equipment, location, photographers, videographers, and other essential factors. Moreover, a special events coordinator manages all processes involved in setting up and down an event, all while maintaining client satisfaction.

Corporate event manager vs special events coordinator salary

Corporate event managers and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Corporate Event Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Average salary	$63,057	$40,063
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $110,000	Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	-	New York, NY
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	Smithsonian Institution
Best paying industry	-	Education

Differences between corporate event manager and special events coordinator education

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

	Corporate Event Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 79%	Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Corporate event manager vs special events coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between corporate event managers' and special events coordinators' demographics:

	Corporate Event Manager	Special Events Coordinator
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 22.1% Female, 77.9%	Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
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, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between corporate event manager and special events coordinator 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.

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.

Corporate event manager vs special events coordinator skills

Common corporate event manager skills

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

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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Corporate Event Manager
Corporate Event Manager vs Special Events Coordinator

Updated January 8, 2025

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