What Does an Event Coordinator Do?
An event coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events that meet the objectives of a business or client. These professionals manage everything from vendor communications to scheduling and logistics, ensuring events run smoothly from concept to completion. Whether coordinating corporate conferences, networking events, fundraising galas, or internal meetings, they keep every moving part on track.
Event coordinators work across industries such as hospitality, nonprofit, tech, healthcare, and marketing. They’re often involved in budgeting, venue selection, registration, on-site support, and post-event analysis. Strong organization and communication are key to delivering memorable, impactful experiences for attendees and stakeholders.
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Event Coordinator Core Responsibilities
- Coordinate all event logistics, including venue selection, catering, A/V, décor, and transportation
- Manage timelines and ensure each phase of planning stays on schedule
- Communicate with vendors and service providers to secure contracts and oversee deliverables
- Maintain event budgets and track all expenses
- Collaborate with marketing or communications teams on promotional efforts
- Register guests and manage RSVP or ticketing systems
- Provide on-site coordination during event setup, execution, and teardown
- Resolve issues quickly and efficiently as they arise before or during events
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and accessibility regulations
- Collect and analyze post-event feedback to support continuous improvement
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with event planning tools (e.g., Cvent, Asana, Eventbrite)
- Budget management and vendor contract negotiation
- Understanding of venue layouts, technical requirements, and event logistics
- Experience creating timelines, run-of-show documents, and event briefs
Soft skills
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
- Clear communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving under pressure and in time-sensitive environments
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing deadlines
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, marketing, communications, or related field
Certifications
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) preferred, but not required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience coordinating corporate or nonprofit events
- Familiarity with virtual and hybrid event platforms
- Experience working with internal stakeholders and external vendors
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or travel as needed
National Average Salary
Event coordinator salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Event Coordinator is:
$44,818
Sample Job Description Templates for Event Coordinators
Corporate Event Coordinator
Position Overview
A corporate event coordinator plans and manages business-related events such as team meetings, product launches, employee appreciation events, and executive retreats. This role requires close collaboration with HR, marketing, and leadership teams to align event objectives with company goals.
Responsibilities
- Organize internal and external corporate events, including logistics, scheduling, and vendor coordination
- Work with company departments to determine event goals and expectations
- Manage event budgets and ensure cost-effective planning
- Coordinate travel and accommodations for attendees or speakers
- Assist with branded materials, agendas, and post-event communications
- Ensure events reflect the company’s culture and values
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of corporate event logistics, scheduling tools, and vendor management
- Experience with budgeting, contract negotiation, and invoicing
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and event platforms
Soft skills
- Ability to maintain professionalism across all levels of the organization
- Time management and attention to detail
- Strong collaboration and communication with internal stakeholders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, hospitality, or related field
Certifications
- CMP preferred
Conference and Tradeshow Coordinator
Position Overview
A conference and tradeshow coordinator manages the planning, logistics, and on-site execution of large-scale events such as industry conferences, expos, and product showcases. This role requires detailed project management, vendor coordination, and experience supporting exhibitors and speakers.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate event logistics for conferences, expos, and tradeshows, including booth setup and registration
- Liaise with vendors, venues, and exhibit service providers
- Manage sponsor and exhibitor communications and deliverables
- Support speaker outreach and presentation logistics
- Monitor budgets and create event timelines and floor plans
- Track attendee registration and post-event engagement
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with event registration systems, CRM tools, and tradeshow logistics
- Experience creating event layouts and exhibitor kits
- Understanding of freight, signage, and A/V coordination for large events
Soft skills
- Exceptional organization and deadline-driven execution
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple stakeholders
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, event management, or related field
Certifications
- CMP or CTSM preferred
Nonprofit Event Coordinator
Position Overview
A nonprofit event coordinator organizes mission-driven events such as fundraisers, donor galas, volunteer appreciation events, and awareness campaigns. The role requires balancing logistical planning with donor engagement and community outreach.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute fundraising events including logistics, permits, and volunteer coordination
- Collaborate with development teams to support donor cultivation and sponsorship
- Track event budgets, ticket sales, and donation revenue
- Coordinate marketing materials and promotional campaigns
- Recruit and manage event volunteers or committees
- Gather feedback to evaluate event success and donor satisfaction
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with donor management systems and ticketing platforms
- Familiarity with event budgeting and grant-supported projects
- Understanding of nonprofit fundraising and community engagement
Soft skills
- Mission-driven mindset and community focus
- Clear communication with donors, sponsors, and volunteers
- Flexibility and adaptability to dynamic needs
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public relations, or related field
Certifications
- Event planning certifications are helpful but not required
Social Events Coordinator
Position Overview
A social events coordinator specializes in planning personal or lifestyle-driven events including weddings, holiday parties, networking mixers, and milestone celebrations. This creative, detail-focused role blends design sensibility with logistical execution.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate planning for social gatherings including vendor selection, décor, and catering
- Communicate with clients to understand event goals and preferences
- Manage contracts, timelines, and budgets for each event
- Supervise event setup and teardown, ensuring smooth execution
- Handle guest communications and RSVP tracking
- Support creative input on design, themes, and entertainment
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of venue contracts, timelines, and event permits
- Experience with event design and vendor negotiations
- Proficiency in planning software and CRM tools
Soft skills
- Creativity and a strong eye for aesthetics
- Personable, client-focused communication
- Ability to manage stress and adapt to last-minute changes
Education
- Degree in hospitality, communications, or a related field
Certifications
- CSEP or wedding planning certification is a plus
Virtual Event Coordinator
Position Overview
A virtual event coordinator plans and executes online events such as webinars, virtual conferences, live streams, and internal digital meetings. This role blends traditional planning skills with tech fluency across digital platforms.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate logistics for virtual events, including platform setup, run-of-show, and registration
- Manage speaker scheduling, rehearsal sessions, and tech checks
- Monitor live events and provide troubleshooting support
- Create event timelines, promotional emails, and digital materials
- Gather post-event analytics and prepare reports
- Stay current with trends in virtual engagement and technology
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with platforms like Zoom, Webex, ON24, or Hopin
- Basic video production/editing and slide design
- Familiarity with registration tools, chat moderation, and live polling features
Soft skills
- Tech-savvy with fast troubleshooting skills
- Clear written and virtual communication
- Attention to digital presentation quality and interactivity
Education
- Degree in digital media, communications, or event management
Certifications
- Virtual Event & Meeting Management certification (e.g., PCMA DES) preferred