As an event coordinator for Sweet I Do's, I have heard this phrase tons of times - "Why do I need to hire an event coordinator, my venue provides one. They said they would do it all." It is my responsibility at this moment to start educating my potential clients on the differences between an event coordinator and a venue coordinator.
The main difference between an event coordinator and a venue coordinator - the venue coordinator works for the VENUE, not directly for the client. They have the best interests of the venue in mind, as they should. An event coordinator works for the CLIENT, not the venue. They have the best interests of the client in mind, as they should.
Other differences - your event coordinator will be with you all day and all night, no matter where you are. Your venue coordinator will be at your venue only, and may only be there until the food service is complete.
Both your event coordinator and your venue coordinator have a list of vendors that they have worked with in the past, but the venue coordinator's list is usually limited to the vendors that have worked there before. Your event coordinator's list is much larger, because they have worked with many more vendors in many different locations.
Your venue coordinator knows the ins and outs of their venue, but may have no experience in dealing with the special aspects of your event. Your event coordinator knows all the ins and outs of YOUR event and knows what you want.
Your event coordinator works with you in the time leading up to your event to make sure that everything is in place the day of. Your venue coordinator may not have any contact with you until the day or two before your event and they are making sure that the items associated with their venue are in place.
I have a fond place in my heart for venue coordinators. They are amazing people and have great talent. Not all venue coordinators are solely focused on their venue to the exclusion of all else. As with anything related to your event, you need to research, interview and ask questions. Get everything in writing. The difference is in the details and a quick phone conversation promising you the moon can easily be forgotten.
Want to know what the difference is between and event planner, event coordinator and event designer? Check out my blog article - The Difference is Clear - Not!
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