Events Manager

Destination Madison; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Destination Madison in Madison, WI is seeking an Events Manager to plan and deliver a variety of events that connect partners, clients, community members, and visitors.

You'll lead planning from concept to completion, manage timelines and budgets, coordinate venues and vendors, and supervise staff and volunteers while promoting best practices and strong hospitality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4–5 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in event planning, tourism, hospitality, project management, or a related field.
• Familiarity with the Madison area and its venues, attractions, and hospitality community is a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, project management software, and event registration platforms.
• Event planning and/or project management certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of Destination Madison-hosted events from concept through completion.
• Manage event timelines, sponsorship deliverables, budgets, and project plans.
• Coordinate venues, vendors, speakers, entertainment, catering, audiovisual needs, and other event logistics.
• Organize and facilitate event planning meetings while collaborating with teams across the organization.
• Oversee attendee communications, registration, and on-site event operations.
• Recruit and coordinate event staff and volunteers.
• Evaluate event success through post-event reporting, feedback, and analysis.
• Serve as a trusted partner and resource for event planning best practices across the organization.
• Support additional projects and initiatives that advance Destination Madison's strategic goals.

Skills

Organization

Collaboration

Communication

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree and 4–5 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Event registration platforms

Job description

If you love bringing people together, creating memorable experiences, and balancing big-picture ideas with the details that make events successful, we'd love to meet you.

As part of the Project Management team, the Events Manager plans and delivers a variety of Destination Madison events that support our mission and strengthen connections with partners, clients, community members, and visitors. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys collaborating with others, managing multiple projects, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.

What You'll Bring

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative, relationship-focused approach to working with partners, vendors, and colleagues.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences.
• Flexibility, initiative, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of Destination Madison-hosted events from concept through completion.
• Manage event timelines, sponsorship deliverables, budgets, and project plans.
• Coordinate venues, vendors, speakers, entertainment, catering, audiovisual needs, and other event logistics.
• Organize and facilitate event planning meetings while collaborating with teams across the organization.
• Oversee attendee communications, registration, and on-site event operations.
• Recruit and coordinate event staff and volunteers.
• Evaluate event success through post-event reporting, feedback, and analysis.
• Serve as a trusted partner and resource for event planning best practices across the organization.
• Support additional projects and initiatives that advance Destination Madison's strategic goals.

Desired Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 4-5 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in event planning, tourism, hospitality, project management, or a related field.
• Familiarity with the Madison area and its venues, attractions, and hospitality community is a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, project management software, and event registration platforms.
• Event planning and/or project management certifications are a plus.

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, including pedestrian travel, to view various facilities and amenities required. Local travel is required to tour various facilities and amenities. A valid driver's license is required. Mileage reimbursement and parking is provided.

Destination Madison is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer