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The differences between trade show coordinators 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 a trade show coordinator and a special events coordinator. Additionally, a special events coordinator has an average salary of $40,063, 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 special events coordinator are customer service, event planning, and press releases.
| Trade Show Coordinator | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $38,487 | $40,063 |
| Hourly rate | $18.50 | $19.26 |
| Growth rate | 18% | 18% |
| Number of jobs | 27,215 | 34,538 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 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.
Trade show coordinators and special events coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Trade Show Coordinator | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $38,487 | $40,063 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $26,000 And $60,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | - | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | - | Smithsonian Institution |
| Best paying industry | - | Education |
There are a few differences between a trade show coordinator and a special events coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Trade Show Coordinator | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| 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 special events coordinators' demographics:
| Trade Show Coordinator | Special Events Coordinator | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 31.0% Female, 69.0% | Male, 26.4% Female, 73.6% |
| 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, 16.4% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |