Special events coordinator jobs are most frequently found in hotels, resorts, venues, stadiums, and sports arenas. Full service production and decor companies, as well as concert promoters, also frequently hire individuals to fill this role. Some event professionals plan corporate functions, such as award ceremonies, galas, or incentive trips. Others work with individuals who wish to host a social affair, like a wedding or bar mitzvah. Some special events coordinator jobs include preparations for public events and festivals, which hundreds or thousands of guests may attend.
Responsibilities usually include the organization of the many aspects of a particular function. In the planning of public festivals or concerts, for example, individuals may be hired to promote and market these events on a large scale. Other requirements may include hiring outsourced vendors and entertainment. Individuals with special events coordinator jobs may secure event permits, arrange for adequate parking, coordinate food and beverage vendors, and handle other logistic details.
Some other types of special events coordinator jobs include the planning and organizing of corporate programs. For example, airline travel, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meetings, dining, off-site tours, team-building activities, and theme parties may all be incorporated into these types of occasions. The number of people attending may range from 20 to over 2,000. Many special events coordinator jobs geared toward the corporate market require a different level of knowledge and experience than those that focus on social celebrations, like weddings and birthday parties.
Corporate clients' decisions about their events are usually influenced by marketing and product branding, as well as budget guidelines. A sales or incentive meeting is often geared toward improving or maintaining high morale within the workforce and heightening motivation of employees. When clients plan social events, however, the goals are significantly different.
When a couple decides to get married, and plan their wedding, decisions are largely based on emotions. The bride and groom may also be concerned about what their friends and family will think of the event as an overall experience. While corporate clients are generally less concerned with décor items, like flowers, such details may be the most important component for a social client.
These factors can shift an event coordinator’s focus to design elements like finding the perfect shade of pink for a centerpiece, as opposed to the audiovisual needs of a large-scale business meeting. For this reason, special events coordinator jobs will differ, depending on the client and the type of party or function being coordinated. Regardless of the client, however, interpersonal communication skills, as well as a strong organizational abilities, are among the most important characteristics for any event planning professional.