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Event planner vs special events coordinator

The differences between event planners 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 an event planner and a special events coordinator. Additionally, an event planner has an average salary of $51,542, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for an event planner include customer service, vendor contracts and plan events. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Event planner vs special events coordinator overview

Event PlannerSpecial Events Coordinator
Yearly salary$51,542$40,063
Hourly rate$24.78$19.26
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs19,79334,538
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

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.

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.

Event planner vs special events coordinator salary

Event planners and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Event PlannerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average salary$51,542$40,063
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $74,000Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityStamford, CTNew York, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew Jersey
Best paying companyIntelliswiftSmithsonian Institution
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between event planner and special events coordinator education

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

Event PlannerSpecial Events Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Event planner vs special events coordinator demographics

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

Event PlannerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 22.4% Female, 77.6%Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage16%16%

Differences between event planner and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

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

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.
    • Show more

Event planner vs special events coordinator skills

Common event planner skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Vendor Contracts, 12%
  • Plan Events, 8%
  • Event Management, 6%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Event Logistics, 3%
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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Updated January 8, 2025

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