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Contract Event Planner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Athene

Sales Event Planner

West Des Moines, IA

As an Event Planner on Athene's Sales Operations team, you'll bring corporate meetings and ... Manage vendor relationships, contracts and meeting budgets, negotiating for the right balance of ...

New

StoneX

Planner, Global Events

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

StoneX Group Inc. is seeking a Planner, Global Events to join our team in West Des Moines, IA ... Source event venues and send out RFPs * Request and review hotel/venue and vendor contracts * Put ...

Leigh and Co.

Wedding Planner

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$400/wk

Leigh & Co. Events is a fast-growing wedding planning company - we are looking for planners. We ... This position is a contract role and you can pick your own schedule! Training is provided. Pay is ...

Leigh and Co.

Wedding Planner

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$400/wk

Leigh & Co. Events is a fast-growing wedding planning company - we are looking for planners. We ... This position is a contract role and you can pick your own schedule! Training is provided. Pay is ...

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA · On-site

Manage hotel contracts, room blocks, registration websites, attendee communications, transportation ... What You'll Bring * 5+ years of event planning, meeting management, hospitality, travel, or related ...

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA

Manage hotel contracts, room blocks, registration websites, attendee communications, transportation ... What You'll Bring * 5+ years of event planning, meeting management, hospitality, travel, or related ...

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA

Manage hotel contracts, room blocks, registration websites, attendee communications, transportation ... What You'll Bring * 5+ years of event planning, meeting management, hospitality, travel, or related ...

University of Iowa

Event Sales Coordinator

Iowa City, IA

$19.50 - $27/hr

... contracts outlining event specifications and estimated costs for food, beverage, labor, equipment, and miscellaneous services. * Dayof Event Management - Personally contact event planners on the day ...

University of Iowa

Event Sales Coordinator

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

... contracts outlining event specifications and estimated costs for food, beverage, labor, equipment, and miscellaneous services. * Day-of Event Management - Personally contact event planners on the day ...

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All JobsContract Event Planner JobsContract Event Planner Jobs in Iowa

Contract Event Planner information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$28

$41

How much do contract event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract event planner in Iowa is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract event planner?

Contract event planners are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project basis to organize and manage events such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, or parties. Unlike full-time staff, they typically work independently or through an agency and handle all aspects of event planning, including budgeting, vendor coordination, logistics, and on-site management. Their role is to ensure events run smoothly and meet the client's objectives, drawing on their expertise and network of contacts. Contract event planners offer flexibility and specialized skills, making them a popular choice for clients with occasional or unique event needs.

What does a contract event planner do?

Contract event planners are independent contractors hired to organize and coordinate all the aspects of an event. In this role, you discuss the needs and expectations of your client concerning the size and other details of the event. If the venue has not been chosen, your first responsibility is to help your client find a location to hold the event. Then you research and book various vendors that can provide the look and feel that your client wants, such as caterers, florists, and DJs or live bands. Open communication with your client throughout the planning process is essential to ensure that the details are approved and on budget. Many contract event planners are also expected to attend the event and assist with any issues that arise on that day.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract event planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Event Planner, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, logistics, and strong knowledge of the events industry, often supported by a degree in hospitality or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (such as Cvent or Eventbrite), vendor management platforms, and, in some cases, certifications like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is valuable. Exceptional organizational skills, creativity, negotiation abilities, and effective communication help you stand out by ensuring seamless event execution and client satisfaction. These competencies are crucial for managing complex events, meeting client expectations, and delivering memorable experiences within deadlines and budgets.

How does a contract event planner typically coordinate with vendors and clients during the planning process?

As a contract event planner, you will act as the main point of contact between clients and various vendors such as caterers, venues, and audiovisual teams. This involves regular communication to clarify client expectations, negotiate contracts, and ensure timelines are met. You'll often use project management tools and attend site visits to oversee progress and troubleshoot any issues. Strong organizational skills and proactive communication are essential for ensuring all parties are aligned and that the event runs smoothly.

What is the difference between Contract Event Planner vs Freelance Event Coordinator?

AspectContract Event PlannerFreelance Event Coordinator
CredentialsEvent planning certifications, relevant experienceEvent planning experience, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentTypically hired for specific projects, often through agencies or companiesSelf-employed, manages multiple clients independently
Employer/Industry UsageUsed by event planning firms, corporations, and agenciesCommon among independent professionals and small businesses
Search/Comparison IntentLooking for contractual event planning rolesSeeking freelance event coordination opportunities

The main difference is that Contract Event Planners are usually hired through agencies or companies for specific projects, often requiring formal certifications. Freelance Event Coordinators operate independently, managing multiple clients without employer oversight. Both roles involve event organization, but their work arrangements and employment structures differ.

Can you become a contract event planner?

Yes, a contract event planner can work on a temporary or project basis, often requiring strong organizational skills, industry experience, and the ability to manage events independently. Many contract planners build portfolios and may need relevant certifications or networking to secure contracts. Flexibility and self-motivation are important in this role.

Is there a demand for contract event planners?

Contract event planners are in demand due to the ongoing need for specialized planning for corporate events, weddings, and conferences. Many organizations seek flexible, skilled professionals with project management skills and experience with event management tools. The gig economy and remote work options also contribute to increased opportunities in this field.

What kind of contract event planners make the most money?

Experienced contract event planners who specialize in large-scale corporate events, high-profile weddings, or luxury events tend to earn the highest fees. Their income is often driven by their reputation, negotiation skills, and ability to manage complex logistics efficiently. Certifications and a strong portfolio can also contribute to higher earning potential in this field.
More about Contract Event Planner jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planner jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Event Planner jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Event Planner jobs in Iowa?

For Contract Event Planner jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Event Planner jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Event Planner jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Event Planner jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Event Planner job openings:

Contract Event Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Event Planner job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,489 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Sales Event Planner

Athene

West Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Athene rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.

Purpose:

As an Event Planner on Athene's Sales Operations team, you'll bring corporate meetings and conferences to life from initial concept through post-meeting reporting. You'll partner closely with Sales, Marketing, internal stakeholders and external vendors to create thoughtful, brand-consistent experiences that support business priorities and strengthen relationships with our partners and attendees.

Accountabilities:

  • Lead end-to-end planning and execution for corporate meetings and conferences, partnering with Sales leaders and stakeholders to establish objectives, desired outcomes and an exceptional attendee experience.
  • Own meeting logistics and communications across the pre-event, onsite and post meeting lifecycle, including hotel agreements, room blocks, registration, transportation, food and beverage, speaker coordination and attendee communications.
  • Build and manage Cvent experiences, including registration websites, attendee engagement and management, sourcing and post-event reporting.
  • Manage vendor relationships, contracts and meeting budgets, negotiating for the right balance of quality and cost while tracking spending and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and value.
  • Partner across Sales and Marketing to develop meeting collateral, promotional materials and experiences that consistently represent the Athene brand and respond effectively as priorities evolve.
  • Measure and improve meeting effectiveness through attendance, spending and stakeholder feedback, using data, technology and AI-enabled tools where appropriate to streamline routine work, generate insights and continuously improve future experiences.


Qualifications and Experience:

  • 3+ years of relevant experience in corporate events or meeting planning, including end-to-end event execution, vendor management, logistics and budget management, or relevant experience, preferred.

  • Proficiency with Cvent, including registration website builds, attendee engagement and management, reporting and sourcing; financial services industry experience is a plus.

  • Strong project management, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with a bias for action and the agility to manage multiple priorities, solve issues quickly and adapt when plans change.

  • Strong customer focus and communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships, influence stakeholders and work effectively across organizational levels and with external partners.

  • Comfort using technology to improve how work gets done, including PowerPoint, Word and Excel, with curiosity and AI fluency to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency and better decision-making.

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, business or a related field, or equivalent experience.

  • Additional Role Requirements: Ability to travel approximately 10%-20% and work occasional evenings, weekends or extended hours based on meeting schedules. Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds.

Drive. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Commitment. Learn more about working at Athene.

Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans.

Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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