Difference Between an Event Planner and an Event Producer

Whether it's a wedding or a corporate event, there are various professionals who can make an event a success. We will explain the difference between an event planner and an event producer to help you choose the right professional for your occasion.

Difference Between an Event Planner and an Event Producer 

Working with the right people can make your event a success. Among the most skilled professionals are event planners and event producers. However, some clients use these terms interchangeably, so let's examine their main roles.

Overview of an Event Planner

An event planner is mainly responsible for planning, coordinating, and organizing every aspect of an event. Planners break down concepts into tasks. They ensure every necessary element for an event meets its requirements and needs.

They work closely with clients to ensure the ideas and concepts reflect on the planning. Planners will assist you from start to end, working on event objectives and program structure. They will recommend vendors, guide event partners, and keep the planning within your budget.

Overview of an Event Producer

Producers are the ones responsible for executing the preparations of the planners. They make the entire experience come together. Producers take over the event day's action, especially overseeing onsite staff.

They work closely with planners concerning production, technology, stage design, and creative concepts. The producers can also form a production team consisting of floor directors, stage managers, and production runners.

Comparing an Event Planner and Event Producer

Some people think that event producers and planners are the same. While they share some aspects, their primary roles still significantly differ in the overall event production needs.

Similarities

As people who work on various events, it's evident why event planners and producers have some similarities.

• Visionaries: Event producers and event planners have the same goal, which is to bring your event vision to life. They are the backbone for ensuring that every part of the preparation will lead to your event's success.
• Organizers: Planners and producers are some of the most organized professionals. They know how to maximize time and budget to accomplish everything within the timeline.

Differences

Knowing the difference between event producers and planners can help you better choose which professional to work with, depending on your event.

Primary Roles

The main difference between an event planner and a producer is in their primary job role. A planner is mainly responsible for handling the logistics, from the major to small details. In comparison, a producer focuses on the overall implementation and execution.

• Event planner: A planner will break down a producer's ideas into components, which is why they usually communicate with clients. For example, planners can help you locate the most unique San Francisco wedding venues and handle everything you need to secure your booking.
• Event producer: Event producers will focus on executing the plans, especially on the event day. They are typically the ones that clients and guests wouldn't see that much as they work diligently behind the scenes.

Skill Set

Planners and producers have essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. While planners and producers may share some skills, they have distinct talents that make them different. For example, producers are efficient in conceptualization and managing a team. On the other hand, planners are highly skilled in pre-production research and preparation.

The planners manage the pre-event tasks like choosing locations, preparing food, or finding souvenirs depending on the theme. Meanwhile, producers have the technical skills and stagecraft to work with the speakers, audio and visual teams, and entertainers to make the event engaging.

Major Distinguishing Factor

An event planner focuses on strategy and detail, whereas an event producer focuses on overseeing and executing. Planners work on an event's close details, like seating arrangement and vendor selection. Meanwhile, producers work on the overall production of the concept.

Producers can be planners. However, not every planner may have the skill set to become a producer.

When to Use an Event Planner

It's best to hire event planners if you need help planning the details of an event yet you want control over the execution. Planners are particularly necessary and helpful for aspects such as choosing a venue, administering registration systems, implementing marketing strategies, and ensuring the project stays on schedule.

When to Use an Event Producer

Hiring an event producer would be much better if you need someone to manage a large-scale production team. From idea to completion, the event producer puts the plan into action.

Which Event Service Professional Is Better?

An event planner is worth it and much better if you have a small to medium-sized event like weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries. Meanwhile, an event producer is preferable if you'll need help on big events such as social, corporate, and non-profit events.

Planners are more than enough if you only have a day occasion in a small venue. In contrast, producers are perfect for multi-day events at massive venues. Regardless, the most important thing to consider is which one can give you a complete event management experience.

Related Questions

Is an Event Designer Different From an Event Planner and an Event Producer?

Yes, event designers are different from event planners and producers. They focus on the aesthetic side of event planning. Additionally, they serve as the artists and creative visionaries that help planners and producers work on elements such as the color theme, graphics, and overall design.

Are Event Planners and Event Producers the Same as Technical Production Teams?

Event producers and planners are different from technical production teams. The technical team works on the event equipment, such as lighting, projectors, and audio systems.

Are Event Producers and Planners the Same as Event Managers?

Producers and planners are different from event managers. An event manager serves as a coordinator in implementing the event. Managers can be someone who will only work on the day of the event to aid in the event execution and organization.

Final Verdict

Event planners and event producers have unique skill sets that make them dependable in creating a successful event. However, knowing their differences allow you to work on their strengths. Thomas Bui Lifestyle offers full-scale production to work on the nitty-gritty details, down to the execution of your special event.