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Event internship vs event planner

The differences between event interns 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 an event internship and an event planner. Additionally, an event planner has an average salary of $51,542, 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 an event planner are customer service, vendor contracts, and plan events.

Event internship vs event planner overview

Event InternshipEvent Planner
Yearly salary$29,693$51,542
Hourly rate$14.28$24.78
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs52,91419,793
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 86%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does an event internship do?

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.

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 internship vs event planner salary

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

Event InternshipEvent Planner
Average salary$29,693$51,542
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $37,000Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CityWakefield, MAStamford, CT
Highest paying stateMaineConnecticut
Best paying companyIBMIntelliswift
Best paying industryEducationTechnology

Differences between event internship and event planner education

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

Event InternshipEvent Planner
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 86%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorCommunicationBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Event internship vs event planner demographics

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

Event InternshipEvent Planner
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 23.7% Female, 76.3%Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between event internship and event planner duties and responsibilities

Event internship example responsibilities.

  • Retrieve qualified leads through search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Manage RSVP lists, checked-in attendees at events, and insure guest satisfaction at all times.
  • Schedule events, and edit website using InDesign.
  • Compose and schedule social media Tweets/FB posts using Hootsuite.
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors on behalf of clients to maximize ROI.
  • Launch highly successful programs and events that drive profitable ROI and global account acquisition.
  • 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 internship vs event planner skills

Common event internship skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Event Planning, 13%
  • Event Management, 9%
  • Events Intern, 7%
  • PowerPoint, 6%
  • Press Releases, 3%
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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