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Conference Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Conferencing Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Five (5) years of proven work experience as an Event Planner or Conference Manager. * Knowledge of KPIs and conferencing software for event management. * Personnel management experience with ...

KBR, Inc.

Conferencing Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Five (5) years of proven work experience as an Event Planner or Conference Manager. * Knowledge of KPIs and conferencing software for event management. * Personnel management experience with ...

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Conference Manager information

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$15.4K

$54.3K

$79.8K

How much do conference manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for conference manager in Virginia is $54,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $63,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Conference Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Conference jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Conference jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Conference Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Conference Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Conference Manager jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Conference Manager jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Conference Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Conference Manager job openings:

Conference Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conference Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,311 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Conference & Meeting Manager

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Conference & Meeting Manager

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537342
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Vice Pres-Outreach & Intrntl Affrs
Department: CE Program Development
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Program/Project Management

Job Description

The conference & meeting manager will be responsible for providing planning services for Continuing and Professional Education's (CPE) large portfolio of academic conferences, meetings, and professional development programs. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent project management skills, a strong business acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners. The Conference & Meeting Manager is responsible for generating program revenue to meet annual revenue targets for the unit. The conference & meeting manager will supervise one or more program planning professionals who specialize in logistics and implementation. CPE strives to create value-driven experiences that provide positive impact for the University, our clients, and our participants. The successful candidate should have a strong customer service ethos, and contribute to a work environment that supports positivity, creativity, teamwork, diversity, and mutual respect. The conference & meeting manager works with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify needs for each program, develop a comprehensive budget plan, negotiate and secure contracts with venues and other necessary services, and establish a detailed scope of services. Occasional travel may be required to provide local and out-of-town program support. Occasional overnight, weekend, early morning, and late evening work may also be necessary.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or equivalent training and/or experience in business or hospitality management field
Extensive experience in conference, meeting or event planning, preferably in a higher education setting
Supervisory experience
Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
Experience in program budget development and management
Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with internal and external clients
Proven excellent sales skills with strong results
Demonstrated leadership skills
Strong computer competency skills and high proficiency in office/collaboration tools and applications (Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, MS Teams, and Zoom)
Ability to handle numerous projects and details simultaneously and accurately while prioritizing according to need and schedule
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field
Advanced experience in project planning and budgeting in a continuing education setting
Experience with Commonwealth of Virginia and/or university policies and procedures
Preference may be given to individuals who have a designation of Certified Program Planner (CPP) or Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)

Pay Band

5

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Hiring salary up to $68,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

8/31/2026

Additional Information

Please submit a cover letter, resume and list of professional references.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Shelly Jobst at sjobst@vt.eduduring regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 13, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

Social media

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