Events Manager

Visitmadison; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Destination Madison is seeking an Events Manager to plan and execute a range of hosted events, aligning with brand and strategic goals. This full-time role sits in the Brand Strategy and Communications Division and reports to a Senior Marketing Manager or higher.

The position emphasizes coordination, supplier relations, and data-driven post-event recap. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree with 4–5 years of experience, familiarity with local attractions, and strong event/logistics skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Event Management, Communications, or a related field.
• 4-5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Familiarity with Madison area attractions, restaurants, hotels, and major events is preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, project management databases and event registration programs.
• Event planning and/or project management certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute Destination Madison-hosted events including corporate meetings, education sessions, awards ceremonies, and sports events.
• Coordinate timelines, sponsorships, programs, and task lists for events.
• Secure volunteers, manage staff, volunteers, and vendors on-site.
• Create run-of-show and secure speakers and entertainment, as needed.
• Identify venues and manage logistics including venue layout, seating, A/V, catering.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Event planning

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management databases

Event registration programs

Job description

Position Overview

Working within the Project Management department, the Events Manager is responsible for planning and executing a variety of Destination Madison-hosted evets, that can range from corporate meetings and education sessions to awards ceremonies and sports-based events. This position creates memorable experiences that inspire connection and engagement, and that align with Destination Madison's brand, mission, and strategic goals.

As a member of Destination Madison’s Brand Strategy and Communications Division, this full-time, salaried position reports to a Senior Marketing Manager or higher.

About Us

At Destination Madison, we work to grow greater Madison’s economy through visitor spending. Every visitor we attract fuels local businesses, supports jobs, funds community services, and helps sustain and grow our community assets – improving our quality of life. Because our work delivers this impact, we have the responsibility to be a brand that transparently takes account of our current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts – addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and our community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate all internal, pre-event planning, working within Destination Madison's project management system. This includes:
  • Coordinating timelines, sponsorships, program and task lists for Destination Madison hosted events
  • Organizing and leading event planning and production meetings
  • Securing volunteers, and managing staff, volunteers, and vendors working at the event
  • Creating run-of-show and securing speakers and entertainment, as needed
  • Identifying and confirming event venues and working directly with the venue on all logistics including venue layout, seating arrangements, audio/visual, catering, etc.
  • Organizing and managing processes for invitations, attendee communication, registration, and check-in
  • Managing follow-up with vendors, sponsors, and staff members post-event, including gathering and analyzing data for recap reports
• Collaborate with other teams and departments to ensure event decisions
• Support organizational interests such as partner relations, advocacy efforts, and brand awareness
• Serve as an internal advisor on event logistics and best practices. Support other departments as necessary to ensure standardized practices across the organization
• Responsible for on-site event execution and problem solving of necessary adjustments
• Perform additional project management work and other duties assigned to support the goals and strategic initiatives of Destination Madison

Desired Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Event Management, Communications, or a related field with 4-5 years of relevant professional experience; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
• Familiarity with Madison area attractions, restaurants, hotels, and major events is preferred
• Prior experience in tourism, event management, and/or project management is preferred
• Familiarity with a variety of software products, including Microsoft Office Suite, project management databases and event registration programs
• Event planning and/or project management certifications are a plus

Required Skills and Abilities

• Identifies and seizes new opportunities to contribute. Meets challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
• Exceptional customer and client service skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and use insight of customer/partner needs to deliver quality solutions
• Anticipates challenges, brings forward well-considered options and recommendations, and effectively communicates information, internally and externally, to different audiences through various forms of communication
• Strong commitment to detail, quality, and accuracy with the ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Ability to learn through experimentation and take on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks or new assignments
• Strong organizational and work planning skills with the ability to prioritize commitments and balance project needs in alignment with strategic goals

Work Environment and Job Specifications

The work environment and job specifications listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the primary duties of this job.

• Primarily perform work in our downtown Madison office, with flexibility to work remotely based on job duties and current organizational policies
• Work with frequent interruptions, sit for long periods of time and lift and/or move up to 35 pounds
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for travel, events and organization functions
• Local travel is required to tour various facilities and amenities. A valid driver's license is required. Mileage reimbursement and parking is provided.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected pay range for this position is $57,000 to $65,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Event Management, Communications, or a related field with 4-5 years of relevant professional experience; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
• Familiarity with Madison area attractions, restaurants, hotels, and major events is preferred
• Prior experience in tourism, event management, and/or project management is preferred
• Familiarity with a variety of software products, including Microsoft Office Suite, project management databases and event registration programs
• Event planning and/or project management certifications are a plus

Destination Madison is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer