Events & Experiences Manager

PROFESSIONAL CONVENTION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

PCMA is seeking a Manager, Events & Experiences to lead one or more major events from planning through flawless on-site execution, based at PCMA's Chicago headquarters. You will drive participant experiences, coordinate with internal teams and external partners, and ensure events align with PCMA’s vision and KPIs.

The role emphasizes project management, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful live and digital events across PCMA’s North American portfolio.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of events management and/or marketing experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Financial acumen and budget management skills.
• Excellent planning and attention to detail.
• Experience using AI tools to improve project management.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual presentation skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines with urgency.
• Data-driven mindset with KPI focus.
• Digital and in-person event experience.
• Willingness to travel ~30%.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of one or more events within PCMA’s North American portfolio.
• Manage all event logistics, including program design and attendee experience improvements.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and agencies for best value.
• Foster cross-team collaboration and clear communication with stakeholders.
• Oversee end-to-end project management from concept to post-event evaluation.
• Manage resources, budgets, and timelines to meet objectives.
• Provide timely reporting and reconciliation of event finances.

Skills

AI tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Chicago, IL 60601Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Salary/yearTravel Percentage: Up to 25%

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.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of events management and/or marketing experience.
• Bachelor’s degree, or similar experience
• Financial acumen and skilled at setting & managing a budget.
• Excels in planning and strong attention to detail.
• Experience utilizing AI tools to create efficiencies in project management.
• Excellent at collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders of all levels, both internal and external to PCMA, to accomplish event/meeting objectives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex topics with simplicity.
• Ability to work with a sense of urgency and deliver under tight deadlines/time frames; prioritize workload.
• Data-driven mindset focused on setting and measuring KPIs and pipeline targets.
• Flexible, agile with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Experience working in both digital and in-person event environments, with in-depth knowledge in managing internal and external production teams.
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity, with the ability to drive clarity for the team.
• Trustworthy and credible; high-level of integrity and excellent sense of judgment.
• Strong relationship builder, influencer, and acts as an ambassador for PCMA.
• Ability to travel as business needs require. Position requires approximately 30% travel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to pull or push objects of varyingweights in performing the work.
• Ability to grasp objects utilizing the fingers (fine motor manipulation).
• Ability to travel by air or ground transportation as required in performing the work.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.