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Conference Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LPL Financial

Sr. Conference Planner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $122K/yr

Develop and manage comprehensive project plans to deliver conferences aligned with LPL's strategic ... Manage conference budgets accurately, ensuring alignment with forecasted expenses and sponsor ...

Benchmark

Conference Service Manager

Riverside, CA · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsConference JobsConference Manager JobsConference Manager Jobs in California

Conference Manager information

See California salary details

$15.3K

$54.1K

$79.4K

How much do conference manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 highest salary of an event manager?

The highest salary for an event manager can reach over $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in large organizations or high-cost regions. Senior event managers or those managing large-scale conferences and corporate events tend to earn the highest compensation in the field.

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 is the highest paying job in the event industry?

In the event industry, senior roles such as Director of Events or Event Executive Vice President tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing large-scale events and managing teams. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

What is the highest paying job as a coordinator?

In the event management field, senior roles such as Event Director or Senior Conference Coordinator tend to have the highest salaries among coordinators, often exceeding $70,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with event planning tools and budgets.

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.

What is the role of a conference manager?

A conference manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing conferences and events. They handle tasks such as venue selection, scheduling, vendor management, and attendee registration, often using event management software. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.
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, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,064 per year, or $26 per hour.

Senior Conference Manager

Informa Markets

Santa Monica, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Talent Acquisition Lead – Americas/EMEA | Global Support, Connect, Markets, Informa TechTarget and Informa Festivals

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

Job Description

This role is based in Santa Monica, CA.

The Senior Conference Manager is a strategic content leader responsible for developing and executing high-impact conference programs across a portfolio of events, including engineering, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing. This role combines deep industry knowledge, creative thinking, and a strategic mindset to deliver exceptional attendee experiences. The Senior Conference Manager takes full ownership of the content lifecycle—from market research to onsite execution—while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive value, innovation, and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of forward-thinking, marketable agendas that address audience needs and industry challenges.
  • Conduct market research through internal data, industry trends, and attendee insights to shape compelling content programs for live, hybrid, and digital events.
  • Identify white space opportunities and align content strategies with broader event goals.
  • Write engaging session titles and descriptions that drive registrations and communicate value.
  • Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to brainstorm and pitch innovative content ideas.

Speaker Management

  • Identify, invite, and secure high-caliber speakers, including key opinion leaders, emerging voices, and progressive thinkers.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with industry influencers, trade organizations, and strategic partners.
  • Manage all speaker logistics, including communications, deliverables, and database tracking.
  • Organize speaker-ready calls, develop speaker packets, and provide comprehensive support pre-, during, and post-event.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Work cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and operations teams to align content with sponsorship goals, promotional campaigns, and audience engagement strategies.
  • Communicate progress, challenges, and needs effectively to stakeholders and participate in regular show team meetings.

Event Execution

  • Attend events to oversee program delivery, support speakers, and troubleshoot issues.
  • Ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees, speakers, and stakeholders.
  • Oversee temporary staff managing speaker-ready rooms or green rooms onsite.

Budget & Project Management

  • Develop and manage conference budgets, including speaker stipends and other expenses.
  • Create and adhere to conference timelines aligned with overall event schedules.
  • Ensure all deliverables are met within deadlines and budget constraints.

Analysis & Continuous Improvement

  • Track content performance, attendee feedback, and speaker input to generate actionable insights.
  • Provide thorough post-show analysis and apply learnings to improve future events.
  • Pilot innovative content formats and explore strategic partnerships to enhance program quality.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years of experience in content development and event programming, preferably in B2B events.
  • Proven success in developing high-quality conference agendas and securing top-tier speakers.
  • Strong strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Exceptional communication, copywriting, and interpersonal abilities.
  • Proficiency with speaker management platforms, event software, and digital content tools.
  • Ability to travel for onsite event management.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

Our benefits include:

  • Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active colleague groups and networks promoting a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment
  • Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
  • Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
  • Time out: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
  • Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount
  • Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more
  • Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs
  • As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law.

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