Special events planner vs event planner

The differences between special events planners 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 a special events planner and an event planner. Additionally, an event planner has an average salary of $51,542, which is higher than the $50,325 average annual salary of a special events planner.

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

Special events planner vs event planner overview

	Special Events Planner	Event Planner
Yearly salary	$50,325	$51,542
Hourly rate	$24.19	$24.78
Growth rate	18%	18%
Number of jobs	28,688	19,793
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	2	2

Special events planner vs event planner salary

Special events planners and event planners have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Special Events Planner	Event Planner
Average salary	$50,325	$51,542
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $84,000	Between $35,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	-	Stamford, CT
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Intelliswift
Best paying industry	-	Technology

Differences between special events planner and event planner education

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

	Special Events Planner	Event Planner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	San Diego State University

Special events planner vs event planner demographics

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

	Special Events Planner	Event Planner
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 23.6% Female, 76.4%	Male, 22.4% Female, 77.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.0% 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 Percentage	16%	16%

Differences between special events planner and event planner duties and responsibilities

Special events planner example responsibilities.

Select and manage live entertainment for VIP parties, special events and weekend entertainment.
Maintain business website and manage Facebook account.
Create and present PowerPoint presentations at trades shows and workshops.
Orchestrate seamless industry VIP and charity events worldwide involving up to 800 guests and budgets of up to $12K.
Develop agenda and itinerary, organize and procure all speaker biographies and materials and logistics for successful program execution.
Assist in the development of sponsorship opportunities, themes, and giveaways.

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.

Special events planner vs event planner skills

Common special events planner skills

National Security, 21%
Event Planning, 7%
Event Coordination, 7%
Event Management, 6%
Event Logistics, 5%
Event Budgets, 4%

Common event planner skills

Customer Service, 15%
Vendor Contracts, 12%
Plan Events, 8%
Event Management, 6%
PowerPoint, 5%
Event Logistics, 3%