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Event producer vs special events coordinator

The differences between event producers 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 producer and a special events coordinator. Additionally, an event producer has an average salary of $56,802, which is higher than the $40,063 average annual salary of a special events coordinator.

The top three skills for an event producer include event production, event logistics and project management. The most important skills for a special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.

Event producer vs special events coordinator overview

Event ProducerSpecial Events Coordinator
Yearly salary$56,802$40,063
Hourly rate$27.31$19.26
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs16,06134,538
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does an event producer do?

An Event Producer is responsible for managing the flow of special events according to client requests and specifications. Event Producers coordinate with various suppliers and organizations to plan the event and identify resources that meet quality standards. They also discuss progress updates with the client and adjust plans to stick with the budget limitations and timetables. They must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in interacting with various people, to ensure that the event would run smoothly and efficiently.

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 producer vs special events coordinator salary

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

Event ProducerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average salary$56,802$40,063
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $118,000Between $26,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew Jersey
Best paying companyAdvanced Systems GroupSmithsonian Institution
Best paying industryInternetEducation

Differences between event producer and special events coordinator education

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

Event ProducerSpecial Events Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorCommunicationBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Event producer vs special events coordinator demographics

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

Event ProducerSpecial Events Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 40.5% Female, 59.5%Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% 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 Percentage16%16%

Differences between event producer and special events coordinator duties and responsibilities

Event producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage post-event summation to determine successes, ROI, future enhancements, and follow-up communications.
  • Manage relationships including those between VIP guests, vendors, press and stake holders alike.
  • Manage door entry for all invite guests and celebrities along with coordination and creation of invite and VIP guest list.
  • Negotiate contracts with venues, third party vendors, booking agents and artist's management.
  • Interview alumni and co-wrote and edit the newsletter.
  • Execute campaigns through social media include direct e-mail and Facebook.
  • 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 producer vs special events coordinator skills

Common event producer skills
  • Event Production, 13%
  • Event Logistics, 9%
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Event Planning, 6%
  • Vendor Contracts, 5%
  • Audio Visual, 5%
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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