How To Become An Event Coordinator: What It Is and Career Path

Q: How long does it take to become an Event Coordinator?

It takes 3 years of professional experience to become an event coordinator. That is the time it takes to learn specific event coordinator skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 6 to 8 years years to become an event coordinator.

Q: What education do you need to be an event planner?

There is no specific education you need to be an event planner. However, an associate's or bachelor's degree and relevant certification are highly favored. Most event planners have a college degree, and this is highly favored by those looking to hire someone to plan their event. It is possible to work as an event planner with just an associate's degree, and 14% of all event planners have only their associate's degree.

Q: What is the difference between an event planner and an event coordinator?

The difference between an event planner and an event coordinator is design versus execution. Event planners design events, and event coordinators execute them. These can include weddings, corporate meetings, or conventions.

Q: What qualifications do you need to be an event planner?

There are no formal qualifications needed to be an event planner. While it helps to have a college education in a field related to event planning, many skills needed to work as an event planner are gained from hands-on experience.

Q: What skills do you need to be an event coordinator?

The skills you need to be an event coordinator are leadership, organizational, and creative problem-solving ability. Event coordinators assist event planners with the execution of event design. They are usually responsible for the overall management of the logistics of an event, including seating, setup, and scheduling.

What is an event coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Experts

Duane Sunwold,

Mark Zanter

An event coordinator plans and manages events. They oversee all aspects of an event, from choosing the venue, arranging catering and entertainment, to coordinating invitations and managing guest lists. An event coordinator ensures that an event runs smoothly, on time, and within budget. They work with clients to understand their needs and provide advice to achieve a successful event. Event coordinators need communication and organizational skills as they manage multiple tasks while keeping clients informed.

What general advice would you give to an Event Coordinator?

Duane Sunwold

Instructor, Spokane Community College

Look for employment in Private Clubs, Supermarket Baking, Resorts, Casinos

ScoreEvent CoordinatorUS Average

Salary

3.3

Avg. Salary $41,918

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.6

Growth Rate 18%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 5.87%

Black or African American 10.82%

Hispanic or Latino 16.26%

Unknown 4.70%

White 62.11%

Gender

female 71.32%

male 28.68%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

Stress Level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

4.0

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Event Coordinator?

Pros

Potential for high earnings
Possibility for travel
Flexible work schedule
Satisfaction from creating memorable experiences
Ability to develop project management skills

Cons

Long hours and weekends may be required
Unpredictable schedules and last-minute changes
Physical demands, such as standing or carrying heavy items
Potential for difficult or demanding clients or guests
Can be emotionally draining due to high stakes of events

Key steps to become an event coordinator

Explore event coordinator education requirements

Most common event coordinator degrees

Bachelor's

73.4 %

Associate

12.1 %

High School Diploma

5.7 %

Start to develop specific event coordinator skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	23.28%
Event Management	5.74%
PowerPoint	5.68%
Event Logistics	5.51%
Plan Events	4.07%

Complete relevant event coordinator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New event coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an event coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real event coordinator resumes.

Gain additional event coordinator certifications

Event coordinator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific event coordinator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for event coordinators include Certified Wedding and Event Planner (CWP) and Certified Sales Professional (CSP).

More About Certifications

Research event coordinator duties and responsibilities

Lead and manage the Instagram and twitter social media sites, also host numerous interviews with stars and celebrities.
Create a list of invitees for the events, ensuring that invitations are deliver and managing the RSVP list.
Develop and create venues Instagram account and run on daily basis.
Create and update continuing education for staff to ensure they have needed resources for upselling.

Prepare your event coordinator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your event coordinator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an event coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Event Coordinator Resume templates

Build a professional Event Coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Event Coordinator resume.

Apply for event coordinator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an event coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do event coordinators rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Event Coordinator reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022

Pros

The company I work for is it very small company but very generous to its employees. Has great benefits that start out right away wonderful training programs. And does a great service for our community.

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2021

Pros

I was a theater major who received my CMP and realized I could put on a production in the corporate world. Event Planning allows me to utilize my skillset in a way I didn't know was possible. I also have the opportunity to travel and most venues treat you well when you're the planner (if you're the one in charge of the event).

Cons

There is nothing more stressful then this job. As you get closer to an event, the days get longer and the job can become 24/7, especially while the event is happening. If you're looking for a job you clock out from at 5pm, this is not the job for you. You're also in charge of budgets, F&B, Centerpieces, Entertainment, Speakers, Content, App Development, Registration, the list is endless. If you aren't good under pressure, this is not the job for you.

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019

Pros

There are multiple things to do. I'm not just sitting behind a desk for more than 3 hours, I'm interacting with the kids, researching programs that can be implemented within the schools and seeing that program flourish.

What is an event coordinator and how to become one

What general advice would you give to an Event Coordinator?

What are the pros and cons of being an Event Coordinator?

Event Coordinator career paths

Key steps to become an event coordinator

Explore event coordinator education requirements

Most common event coordinator degrees

Start to develop specific event coordinator skills

Complete relevant event coordinator training and internships

Gain additional event coordinator certifications

Research event coordinator duties and responsibilities

Prepare your event coordinator resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Event Coordinator Resume templates

Apply for event coordinator jobs

How Did You Land Your First Event Coordinator Job

Average event coordinator salary

How do event coordinators rate their job?

Event Coordinator reviews

Event Coordinator FAQs

How long does it take to become an Event Coordinator?

What education do you need to be an event planner?

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

What qualifications do you need to be an event planner?

What skills do you need to be an event coordinator?

Search for event coordinator jobs

Event Coordinator jobs by state