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Event host vs event planner

The differences between event hosts and event planners can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an event planner has an average salary of $51,542, which is higher than the $29,232 average annual salary of an event host.

The top three skills for an event host include reservations, customer service and TIP. The most important skills for an event planner are customer service, vendor contracts, and plan events.

Event host vs event planner overview

Event HostEvent Planner
Yearly salary$29,232$51,542
Hourly rate$14.05$24.78
Growth rate9%18%
Number of jobs15,09219,793
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age2338
Years of experience-2

What does an event host do?

An event host utilizes their organizational and people skills in making guests feel comfortable at various events and places. Most of their time is spent standing up and walking to greet and assist guests, facilitate programs and activities, answer inquiries, and supervise staff and other services. In some situations, an event host may participate in organizing the events, from planning to execution. They typically meet with clients to identify their needs and preferences, reach out to vendors and suppliers, book venues and caterers, and resolve issues should any 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.

Event host vs event planner salary

Event hosts and event planners have different pay scales, as shown below.

Event HostEvent Planner
Average salary$29,232$51,542
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $39,000Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityWebster, NYStamford, CT
Highest paying stateVermontConnecticut
Best paying companyBDIntelliswift
Best paying industryEducationTechnology

Differences between event host and event planner education

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

Event HostEvent Planner
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college-San Diego State University

Event host vs event planner demographics

Here are the differences between event hosts' and event planners' demographics:

Event HostEvent Planner
Average age2338
Gender ratioMale, 44.4% Female, 55.6%Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 6.2% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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 Percentage5%16%

Differences between event host and event planner duties and responsibilities

Event host example responsibilities.

  • Manage guest lists and VIP areas with emphasis on strategic placement design to boost company profile and maximize profit.
  • Manage party reservations in efficient manner.
  • Manage servers and tables to ensure and safeguard efficient restaurant operations.
  • Host club-sponsore events by helping plan events, waiting tables and bartending.
  • Help the kids with bowling and laser tag, serve pizza for the children, and serve food/alcohol for the adults.
  • Complete CPR and a certification.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Event host vs event planner skills

Common event host skills
  • Reservations, 17%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • TIP, 13%
  • Corporate Events, 11%
  • POS, 9%
  • Event Space, 6%
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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