Events & Experiences Manager

PCMA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PCMA is seeking a hands-on Manager, Events & Experiences to lead one or more events within PCMA's North American portfolio from planning through flawless on-site delivery. The role is anchored at PCMA’s Chicago headquarters and requires close collaboration with internal teams and external partners to create impactful experiences for members, customers, and partners.

You will manage budgets, design attendee experiences, and drive KPIs across events, ensuring high-quality execution and measurable

Qualifications

• Experience leading end-to-end events from concept through on-site delivery.
• Ability to manage multi-event budgets and resources.
• Strong negotiation skills with vendors, partners, and agencies.
• Collaborates across internal teams and with external stakeholders to execute events.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of one or more events within PCMA’s North American portfolio, focusing on KPIs and budget constraints.
• Manage all logistical aspects and attendee experience enhancements.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and agencies for value and cost-effectiveness.
• Foster cross-team collaboration to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Oversee all aspects from conceptualization to post-event evaluation and reporting.
• Efficiently manage event resources (personnel, equipment, materials) for quality and cost control.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Vendor negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Event planning

Attention to detail

Job description

The PCMA Events team is made up of passionate business event professionals who embrace change and are agile and diverse. We are responsible for designing, driving, executing, and measuring live and digital events that target members, customers, partners, and prospects with the goal of delivering business results. We are an integral, highly valued, highly visible part of PCMA’s team. The Manager, Events & Experiences will be assigned to lead one or more events within PCMA's North American portfolio of events, managing them from initial planning through flawless on-site execution. Reporting to the Director, Events & Experiences, this role is instrumental in ensuring the success of our events and maximizing their impact. This position is based at PCMA's headquarters office in Chicago, Illinois. The Manager, Events & Experiences primary focus is on the end-to-end management of assigned events, with a keen eye on enhancing participant experiences and driving business results, working closely with the Events & Experiences team to bring each event to life and ensure it aligns with PCMA's vision and goals. Collaboration is key as you coordinate with internal departments, external stakeholders, and service providers to execute flawless events that leave a lasting impression. In addition to execution, the Manager, Events & Experiences contributes to a collaborative and inclusive team environment, sharing best practices and bringing unique skills and perspectives to our events. This role’s energy and initiative will help drive creativity and innovation across our event portfolio. The Manager, Events & Experiences is a hands‑on event professional who excels at project management, attention to detail, and cross‑functional collaboration, with the ability to translate strategic direction into flawless execution — essential in driving the success of each assigned event. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the planning and execution of one or more assigned events within PCMA’s North American portfolio, focusing on target communities and meticulously managing resources to achieve established KPIs, while adhering to budgetary constraints, under the guidance of the Director, Events & Experiences
• Manage all logistical aspects of assigned events, which includes designing programs tailored to event professionals, overseeing attendee experience enhancements and ensuring the seamless execution of each event.
• Utilize strong negotiation skills to manage contracts with vendors, partners, and agencies, ensuring optimal value and cost-effectiveness in event execution.
• Foster cross-collaboration among internal teams and external stakeholders, leveraging strong communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and ensure seamless execution of events.
• Demonstrate exceptional project management skills in overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution, from conceptualization to post-event evaluation, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• Manage event resources efficiently, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to maximize effectiveness and minimize costs, while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Exercise financial acumen in the development and management of budgets for assigned events, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and prudent financial stewardship, and providing timely reporting and reconciliation.