Event representative vs event planner

The differences between event representatives 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 $39,675 average annual salary of an event representative.

The top three skills for an event representative include customer service, giveaways and product awareness. The most important skills for an event planner are customer service, vendor contracts, and plan events.

Event representative vs event planner overview

	Event Representative	Event Planner
Yearly salary	$39,675	$51,542
Hourly rate	$19.07	$24.78
Growth rate	4%	18%
Number of jobs	53,539	19,793
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	45	38
Years of experience	-	2

What does an event representative do?

An event representative organizes and executes special events and marketing campaigns for special guests and clients and assists in the promotion and publicity of these events. They must ensure that all contracts, regulations, and safety details are followed and adhered to. They may also host parties, high-end tournaments, concerts and assist marketing managers in coordinating special events for tourists while exhibiting the utmost professionalism. Representatives have excellent customer service and provide feedback and solutions to management to improve sales results.

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 representative vs event planner salary

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

	Event Representative	Event Planner
Average salary	$39,675	$51,542
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $59,000	Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Stamford, CT
Highest paying state	Arizona	Connecticut
Best paying company	Virginia Eye Institute	Intelliswift
Best paying industry	Professional	Technology

Differences between event representative and event planner education

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

	Event Representative	Event Planner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	San Diego State University

Event representative vs event planner demographics

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

	Event Representative	Event Planner
Average age	45	38
Gender ratio	Male, 47.3% Female, 52.7%	Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.0% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 6.6% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	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 Percentage	7%	16%

Differences between event representative and event planner duties and responsibilities

Event representative example responsibilities.

Manage all POS, features, team sports, leagues and all other event activation for retail restaurants and bars.
Organize in house deliveries, client and VIP amenities, introduction letters/thank you letters and transportation transfers.
Work with promotional partners (radio, television, newspaper and social media) to coordinate ticket distribution and merchandise giveaways.
Plan and execute tradeshow exhibit of 20,000 sf and an additional 2,400 sf of executive meeting room space with VIP lounge.
Verify medicaid waive eligibility for non-emergency transportation.
Verify medicaid waive eligibility for non-emergency transportation.

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.

Event representative vs event planner skills

Common event representative skills

Customer Service, 30%
Giveaways, 9%
Product Awareness, 8%
VIP, 6%
Brand Awareness, 6%
Excellent Guest, 5%

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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Event Representative
Event Representative vs Event Planner

Updated January 8, 2025

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