What is the difference between an event manager and an event coordinator?

Event management and event coordination are two roles that work closely together to execute successful events. While they share some responsibilities, there are key differences between these two positions.

Quick Answers

Here are some quick answers to the differences between an event manager and coordinator:

• Event managers oversee the big picture vision and strategy for an event. Event coordinators handle tactical details and logistics.
• Event managers typically have more experience and seniority. Event coordinators often start out in entry-level roles.
• Event managers plan and budget for the event. Event coordinators execute the plans and manage vendors/suppliers.
• Event managers lead a team. Event coordinators carry out tasks delegated by managers.
• Event manager skills include leadership, budgeting, and vision-setting. Event coordinator skills are project management, multitasking, and problem-solving.

Job Descriptions

Looking closer at typical job descriptions helps delineate the core responsibilities of event managers compared to coordinators:

Event Manager

• Develop event strategy, vision, objectives, and budget
• Research event trends, target demographics, and pricing
• Secure event venue and negotiate vendor contracts
• Lead a coordinated team to execute events
• Oversee event promotion, marketing, and communications
• Manage registration, ticketing, and RSVPs
• Make critical decisions related to event activities, schedules, and formats
• Evaluate event ROI, collect feedback, and identify improvements

Event Coordinator

• Manage event logistics like catering, A/V, transportation, permits
• Communicate event details and timelines to vendors/suppliers
• Build schedules, floor plans, and program activities
• Handle on-site setup, registration, guest services
• Assist with marketing, invitations, and promotional tasks
• Coordinate speakers, entertainment, equipment, and decor
• Document event plans, delegate tasks, and track progress
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise before or during the event

Qualifications

Event managers typically have more professional experience and qualifications than event coordinators:

Event Manager Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, marketing, communications, or related field
• 3-5 years of event management experience
• Expert knowledge of industry best practices
• Excellent budgeting and negotiation skills
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Strategic thinker and problem solver

Event Coordinator Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years of event coordination experience
• Organized with stellar attention to detail
• Expert juggler of multiple tasks and priorities
• Works well under pressure
• Strong written and verbal communicator
• Experience with event software/tools

While event coordinators may not need an advanced degree or extensive work history, many complete internships, apprenticeships, or training programs to build their skills.

Salary Ranges

Due to their increased responsibilities, event managers typically earn higher salaries than event coordinators. Here are average salary ranges for each role:

Salaries can vary based on factors like location, company size and industry, and years of experience.

Career Growth

For those looking to advance their career, event coordinator is often viewed as an entry-level position, while event manager is seen as a mid-level to senior-level role. Some common career progressions include:

• Event coordinator → senior event coordinator → event manager
• Event sales coordinator → event operations manager
• Conference coordinator → conference planner → director of events
• Special events coordinator → fundraising event manager → director of special events

Ambitious event coordinators may be promoted to event manager once they have proven themselves and gained breadth of experience. From event manager, professionals can advance to director-level and executive positions in events, marketing, or operations.

Key Differences Summary

To summarize the key differences:

• Event managers take a strategic approach to planning and overseeing events from conception to completion.
• Event coordinators work on executing the tactical details and logistics of event plans.
• Event managers have more experience and qualifications, while event coordinators often start in entry-level roles.
• Event managers earn higher salaries but event coordinators have room for salary growth.
• Event coordinator serves as a stepping stone job for those looking to advance to event manager and beyond.

Conclusion

Event managers and event coordinators work hand-in-hand to create memorable and well-run events. Managers oversee the big picture strategy while coordinators handle the on-the-ground execution. Coordinators support the managers and take direction to implement event plans. With some experience, high-performing coordinators can advance their career on the path to skilled manager roles. Understanding the key differences between event management and coordination helps professionals optimize their event roles and expand their career opportunities in this exciting industry.