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The differences between trade show coordinators 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 trade show coordinator and a conference coordinator. Additionally, a conference coordinator has an average salary of $41,978, which is higher than the $38,487 average annual salary of a trade show coordinator.
The top three skills for a trade show coordinator include event logistics, booth space and event planning. The most important skills for a conference coordinator are conference calls, reservations, and event planning.
| Trade Show Coordinator | Conference Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,487 | $41,978 |
| Hourly rate | $18.50 | $20.18 |
| Growth rate | 18% | 18% |
| Number of jobs | 27,215 | 19,660 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A trade show coordinator is primarily in charge of spearheading and organizing trade shows that allow businesses to showcase their products and services, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently from planning to execution. They are responsible for establishing objectives and budgets, securing sponsors, delegating responsibilities among teams, preparing schedules, and arranging travel accommodation and transportation for the participants. They also perform research and assessments to identify the events' needs and determine potential attendees, reaching out to them for invitation or registration. Additionally, they also lead and empower staff to reach goals, solving issues and concerns should there be any.
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.
Trade show coordinators and conference coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Trade Show Coordinator | Conference Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $38,487 | $41,978 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $32,000 And $54,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | New York |
| Best paying company | - | Battelle |
| Best paying industry | - | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a trade show coordinator and a conference coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Trade Show Coordinator | Conference Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | San Diego State University | San Diego State University |
Here are the differences between trade show coordinators' and conference coordinators' demographics:
| Trade Show Coordinator | Conference Coordinator | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 31.0% Female, 69.0% | Male, 26.5% Female, 73.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 6.0% White, 61.8% 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 Percentage | 16% | 16% |