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Conference Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Benchmark

Conference Service Manager

Riverside, CA

Position Summary The Conference Services Manager serves as the primary liaison between clients and hotel departments following the sale of meetings, conferences, conventions, social events, and group ...

Wsgr

Conference Reservation Coordinator

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$29.83 - $40.36/hr

This role is responsible for managing the scheduling and coordination of conference room reservations and meeting support, including technical and hospitality services. This role acts as a liaison ...

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Conference Manager information

See California salary details

$15.3K

$54.1K

$79.4K

How much do conference manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for conference manager in California is $54,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Conference Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectConference ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary RoleOversees planning, execution, and management of conferences and large eventsCoordinates various aspects of events, including logistics and vendor management
CredentialsOften requires experience in event planning, certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional)Typically requires experience in event coordination, certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentCorporate, conference centers, hotels, or event venuesVaries from corporate to social events, often more flexible locations
ScopeFocuses on large-scale, complex events like conferences and conventionsHandles a variety of events, including smaller meetings and social gatherings

While both roles involve event planning, a Conference Manager specializes in large, complex conferences requiring strategic oversight, whereas an Event Coordinator manages a broader range of events with a focus on logistics and execution. The Conference Manager typically has more experience and credentials related to large-scale event management.

What does a conference manager do?

A Conference Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all aspects of conferences and similar events. Their duties include coordinating logistics such as venue selection, scheduling, budgeting, vendor management, and ensuring a smooth experience for attendees and speakers. They also handle registrations, marketing, and troubleshooting issues that arise during the event. The Conference Manager works closely with clients, sponsors, and internal teams to ensure the event meets its objectives and runs efficiently.

What is a conference manager?

A conference manager, also known as an events manager, organizes and oversees all aspects of a conference to make sure it’s successful. In this role, your job duties include supervising the event planning staff, finding facilities that can be used as a venue, and confirming vendors for the conference center. You’re also responsible for preparing the facilities for guests, for example, by setting up directional signs or coordinating on-site parking services as needed. You may also negotiate vendor contracts and organize staff payroll. This career requires strong planning, organizational, and budget management skills. Qualifications typically include a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in event planning or hospitality management.

What are the most common challenges faced by a conference manager when coordinating large-scale events?

One of the main challenges for a Conference Manager is ensuring seamless coordination among multiple stakeholders, including vendors, speakers, sponsors, and attendees. Managing logistics such as venue arrangements, technical support, and scheduling can be complex, especially when dealing with unexpected changes or last-minute requests. Strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt quickly are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a successful event. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and clear communication are key to addressing issues efficiently and maintaining high event standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conference manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conference Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, event planning experience, and typically a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and registration platforms is essential for coordinating logistics and attendee management. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help in building relationships with stakeholders and handling on-site challenges. These competencies ensure successful, seamless events that meet organizational goals and deliver positive attendee experiences.
More about Conference Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Conference jobs in California? The most popular types of Conference jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Conference Manager jobs in California? For Conference Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conference Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Conference Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Conference Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Conference Manager job openings:
Conference Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conference Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,064 per year, or $26 per hour.

Sales - Director of Conference Services

ovisllc93023

Ojai, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Director of Conference Services is responsible for the collaboration and leadership of the conference services management and support team. In addition to oversight of the team, the position will coordinate services for groups and organizations holding meetings and events at the resort. 

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:

Must have previous conference services experience in a leadership role at a 4 or 5 star resort. Must possess a high level of quality orientation to ensure tasks and projects are conducted, maintained completed and presented with 5 star standards. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential: 

  • Delphi knowledge and experience in addition to basic relevant technology applications.

  • Professional communication skills, both verbal and written. Good grammar usage. Able to compose correspondence including letters, emails, memos and reports.

  • Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

  • Able to work and contribute to a team environment.

  • Must have a minimum of two years’ experience in conference management in a hotel of comparable quality and size.

  • Must be knowledgeable of operations in all other areas of the hotel, but particularly in the kitchen and front office.

  • Detail oriented. Organized and efficient. Safety-minded.

  • High quality standards for production and service.

  • Diplomatic and calm.

  • Strong written and verbal communications skills.

  • Courteous, friendly, and professional manner.

  • Good team player. Customer service focus.

  • Able to work productively with little supervision.

  • Trustworthy and reliable.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

  • Sell and reserve conference rooms and coordinate services for groups and organizations holding meetings, conventions and other events on hotel grounds.

  • Act as onsite contact for all assigned groups, as well as working with the customer to produce BEO's and Convention Resumes.

  • Ensures that all special arrangements-Food and Beverage, Audio Visual, and other requests are properly documented on BEO's and signed by authorized representative.

  • Attend pre-conference meetings when necessary with clients and pertinent departments to confirm all relevant details are communicated.

  • Understand and respond to all guest needs and requests in a timely and professional manner.

  • Act as a liaison between hotel and groups, ensuring meeting space is appropriately set up, and handling any special client requests and activities on or off-site.

  • Create group resumes sheets which detail group purpose, room/suite block/pickup, rates and special negotiations, VIP’s, meeting and recreation agenda, AV, accounting, and all special instructions to operational departments of hotel.

  • Plan assigned group food and beverage events, including assistance with menu selection, decorations, entertainment, and audio visual.

  • Address unexpected problems as they arise to make sure that the events go as planned.

  • Create Banquet Event Orders that include information for each groups’ meeting and food and beverage functions.

  • Communicate last minute changes in group functions to hotel staff and ensure satisfactory follow-up.

  • Plan and direct pre-convention meetings, as requested by client.

  • Lead weekly departmental meetings, and support the management team in their roles.

  • Oversee an administrative support team.

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