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Senior event manager vs conference coordinator

The differences between senior event managers 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 a senior event manager and a conference coordinator. Additionally, a senior event manager has an average salary of $91,373, which is higher than the $41,978 average annual salary of a conference coordinator.

The top three skills for a senior event manager include digital marketing, customer service and event management. The most important skills for a conference coordinator are conference calls, reservations, and event planning.

Senior event manager vs conference coordinator overview

Senior Event ManagerConference Coordinator
Yearly salary$91,373$41,978
Hourly rate$43.93$20.18
Growth rate18%18%
Number of jobs8,85519,660
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age3838
Years of experience22

What does a senior event manager do?

A senior event manager's role is to spearhead different events, focusing on its planning and execution to ensure that everything runs smoothly in adherence to the goals and budgets. Their responsibilities typically revolve around meeting with clients to discuss their needs and preferences, managing the workforce, and coordinating with suppliers, caterers, photographers, designers, and other external agencies. They must also update clients regularly, monitor the progress of all procedures, and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, they must lead and encourage the workforce to meet goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

What does a conference coordinator do?

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.

Senior event manager vs conference coordinator salary

Senior event managers and conference coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Senior Event ManagerConference Coordinator
Average salary$91,373$41,978
Salary rangeBetween $61,000 And $136,000Between $32,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonNew York
Best paying companyNational Governors AssociationBattelle
Best paying industryRetailTelecommunication

Differences between senior event manager and conference coordinator education

There are a few differences between a senior event manager and a conference coordinator in terms of educational background:

Senior Event ManagerConference Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Senior event manager vs conference coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between senior event managers' and conference coordinators' demographics:

Senior Event ManagerConference Coordinator
Average age3838
Gender ratioMale, 33.4% Female, 66.6%Male, 26.5% Female, 73.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% 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 Percentage16%16%

Differences between senior event manager and conference coordinator duties and responsibilities

Senior event manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage attendee database for hotel rooming list and transportation manifests, including room blocks and VIP arrangements.
  • Advise, manage, supervise, and coordinate all special events, programs, ceremonies and VIP visits.
  • Manage all aspects of these events and act as onsite manager to ensure meeting are delivered effectively and professionally.
  • Prepare contracts, BEOs and restaurant group reservations and distribute to appropriate managers.
  • Create and maintain all event paperwork, including BEOs, event contracts, deposits and payments.
  • Challenge to continually identify new and innovative ways of executing event solutions, while minimizing marketing spend, and maximizing ROI.
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Conference coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Manage internal & external reservations for audio and videoconferencing requirements over telephone and via e-mail.
  • Attend daily and weekly BEO meetings.
  • Process documentation of hotel BEO s and final invoices while disputing where necessary.
  • Help Medicaid eligible members to secure both physical and behavioral services in the community by reviewing and preparing prior authorization requests.
  • Track lead referrals and ROI.
  • Track budget costs and ROI relate to each event.
  • Show more

Senior event manager vs conference coordinator skills

Common senior event manager skills
  • Digital Marketing, 11%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Event Management, 9%
  • Event Planning, 8%
  • Event Production, 6%
  • Audio Visual, 6%
Common conference coordinator skills
  • Conference Calls, 15%
  • Reservations, 13%
  • Event Planning, 6%
  • Audio Visual Equipment, 5%
  • Conference Planning, 4%
  • Event Management, 4%

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