Okay, let’s tackle this. So Susan has 37 years of experience in event management, which is a long time. Typically, event managers with this level of experience can charge higher rates. However, her role as Owner/President of a small company might impact her earning potential. Location is Salem, Oregon, which is not a major hub for event management. Let’s look at salary benchmarks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, event planners in the United States can earn median salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience and location. Considering Susan’s experience and skills, a rate of $75 per hour seems reasonable, on the lower end of the spectrum.