10 Key Differences Between Event Managers & Event Planners

Event Planning is Developing a Compelling Narrative

If you can think of the client as creating the vision for what the event should accomplish, the event planner is deciding what form the event will take on – They decide on the Who, What, When, Where, and How.

As the job title eludes to, an event planner does the majority of all pre-event tasks, and this means making decisions on key event elements that develop the big picture.

This role works closely with the client to design an event that aligns with their goals and objectives. Additionally, they work the event manager to ensure the plan is feasible.

Responsibilities for an event planner almost always include:

• Selecting a central theme
• Formulating the event budget
• Selecting the venue
• Negotiating contracts
• Identifying and sourcing vendors
• Creating a menu & hiring the caterer
• Identifying speakers and aligning content with the theme
• Choosing decor
• Managing invitations and communications
• Choosing event entertainment

Event Management is About Flawless Execution

What’s interesting between event planners and managers is that planners will spend months, perhaps years putting together an event that their event manager counterparts will then execute in just a matter of days.

Based on this, you might think event managers have it easy in comparison, but that’s far from the truth. The emphasis for this role is on actually seeing the event through, and putting any fires out on-site.

It also means this role is on-site and client-facing. The event manager has to be professional, experienced, and able to solve any issues on-site.

Because of the strict requirement for experience, generally speaking, event managers are more tenured than planners.

They typically have planning experience under their belt so they are familiar with the legwork that goes into an event, and this gives them an advantage for managing the moving pieces on-site – Which is what managing a flawless event is all about.

Here are some key responsibilities you would expect from an event manager:

• Arriving pre-show, and managing logistics until after everyone leaves
• Managing and coordinating a staffing agency, vendors, suppliers, and speakers
• Developing a parking plan with the venue
• Creating a health and safety plan that follows any company, venue, or local government compliance laws
• Monitoring the actual event
• Putting out any fires on-site
• Client interfacing

Successful Events Require an Experienced Planner and Manager

Many event professionals can probably look at their schedule over the last 12 months and realise that many times, responsibilities aren’t so black and white. Depending on the type of event, and how busy your team is, a planner or manager may find themselves with a longer-than-usual list of responsibilities.

The key is communication. The constant ebbing and flowing of any event on your calendar will require an event professional to be communicative, quick on their feet, and most importantly, willing to work as a team.

So while event management and event planning are often used interchangeably, in fact there are differences you should be aware of as you interface with other event teams!