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The differences between event interns and conference coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an event internship and a conference coordinator. Additionally, a conference coordinator has an average salary of $41,978, which is higher than the $29,693 average annual salary of an event internship.
The top three skills for an event internship include customer service, event planning and event management. The most important skills for a conference coordinator are conference calls, reservations, and event planning.
| Event Internship | Conference Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $29,693 | $41,978 |
| Hourly rate | $14.28 | $20.18 |
| Growth rate | 18% | 18% |
| Number of jobs | 52,914 | 19,660 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 86% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Events interns work directly with development staff to help event coordinators in event planning and promotion. They have varied responsibilities that include communicating with vendors to move event logistics, attending meetings of the planning committee as needed, and organizing and purchasing materials and supplies. A few skills are required for an events intern to accomplish these responsibilities, including being detail-oriented, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Having previous work experience is also an advantage.
A conference coordinator organizes professional gatherings and meetings according to a client's needs and preferences. There are also instances where they may plan reunions, parties, and other events. Their responsibilities begin at meeting the clients to identify their needs and preferences, including the event's purpose or themes. From there, a conference coordinator develops plans, secures venues and speakers, books caterers and other equipment, prepares and processes requests, and maintains records of all transactions, presenting invoices to the clients. Moreover, a conference coordinator must be proactive and resolve any conflicts or issues should any arise.
Event interns and conference coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Event Internship | Conference Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $29,693 | $41,978 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $37,000 | Between $32,000 And $54,000 |
| Highest paying City | Wakefield, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | New York |
| Best paying company | IBM | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | Education | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an event internship and a conference coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Event Internship | Conference Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 86% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Communication | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between event interns' and conference coordinators' demographics:
| Event Internship | Conference Coordinator | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 23.7% Female, 76.3% | Male, 26.5% Female, 73.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |