1

Contract Event Planner Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Event Planner, working under limited supervision, is responsible for owning end-to-end ... Negotiates vendor contracts, manages risk, and ensures service-level adherence for enterprise-level ...

The Senior Event Planner, working under limited supervision, is responsible for owning end-to-end ... Negotiates vendor contracts, manages risk, and ensures service-level adherence for enterprise-level ...

New

... contracts. By focusing on continual improvement, our services remain at the forefront of our ... SierTeK Ltd. is seeking a Tour and Event Planner to support an opportunity at WPAFB, OH . Position ...

... contracts. By focusing on continual improvement, our services remain at the forefront of our ... SierTeK Ltd. is seeking a Tour and Event Planner to support an opportunity at WPAFB, OH Position ...

... contracts. By focusing on continual improvement, our services remain at the forefront of our ... SierTeK Ltd. is seeking a Tour and Event Planner to support an opportunity at WPAFB, OH.PLEASE ...

... contracts. By focusing on continual improvement, our services remain at the forefront of our ... SierTeK Ltd. is seeking a Tour and Event Planner to support an opportunity at WPAFB, OH . PLEASE ...

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 & 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 & 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 ...

Be Seen First

Event Catering Coordinator

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Skills in event planning, vendor management, and customer service * Experience with budget management and contract negotiation * Knowledge of food safety practices and regulations * Strong ...

... planning and execution of a wide range of events. The ideal candidate will have a passion for ... Liaise and negotiate with vendors, venues, and suppliers to secure services and manage contracts.

... planning and execution of a wide range of events. The ideal candidate will have a passion for ... Liaise and negotiate with vendors, venues, and suppliers to secure services and manage contracts.

Events Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

In this role, you will coordinate event timelines, budgets, vendors, logistics, contracts, and day ... Responsibilities include: · Lead the planning and production of Columbus REALTORS ® events from ...

Marketing Events Manager

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • PTO

... contract negotiation, logistics management and seeing every event through to flawless execution. * Serve as event planning lead for the firm's signature annual Investment Industry CPE event, a multi ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Event Planner information

See Ohio salary details

$12

$28

$41

How much do contract event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract event planner in Ohio is $28.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $33.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Contract Event Planner job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,213 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Senior Event Planner

Westfield

Westfield Center, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Westfield Insurance rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 308 rated insurance


Job description


Job Summary:
The Senior Event Planner, working under limited supervision, is responsible for owning end-to-end planning, strategic design, and execution of high-impact events delivering against business outcomes both at company headquarters and off-site venues. This role partners closely with business units and senior leadership to shape event strategy, elevate engagement, and ensure alignment with business goals. The Senior Event Planner manages complex, multi-day, high-visibility events and serves as a strategic advisor on event objectives, audience experience, and measurement. They also provide coaching and guidance to other planners and cross-functional partners, ensuring the delivery of consistent, high-quality event experiences.
Job Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Alignment
  • Drives event plans with senior leaders and executives to define event strategy, purpose, target audiences, and desired outcomes for major events.
  • Designs frameworks for event measurement, engagement scoring, and post-event insights; synthesizes recommendations to inform event strategy.
  • Designs and deploys event strategy to strengthen brand presence, reinforce business priorities, and enhance internal and external engagement.

Event Execution & Oversight
  • Owns end-to-end planning and execution of complex, high-profile, or multi-day events, ensuring seamless experiences and alignment with strategic objectives at both at company headquarters and off-site venues.
  • Develops event programs, schedules, and content experiences that engage participants and support business goals.
  • Serves as the primary on-site lead, overseeing all operations, staff, vendor partners, and real-time decision-making at both headquarters and off-site venues.
  • Develops event programs, including scheduling speakers, entertainment, workshops, and other activities. Ensures the program aligns with the event's objectives and provides an engaging experience for attendees.
  • Oversees on-site event operations, including managing staff, coordinating with vendors, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring a seamless experience for attendees at both headquarters and off-site venues and locations
  • Builds and manages online registration websites and reporting dashboards for event performance, attendee data, and post-event analytics.
  • Reviews and interprets survey results, identifying trends, insights, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Budget + Vendor Management
  • Owns large-scale event budgets, including scenario planning, cost modeling, and executive budget justification.
  • Negotiates vendor contracts, manages risk, and ensures service-level adherence for enterprise-level events.
  • Provides professional proposals and comprehensive budget reporting across the entire event lifecycle.

Communication + Stakeholder Leadership
  • Owns and manages all communication related to event strategy, planning, production, participant updates, and executive-level reporting.
  • Builds and maintains trusted business relationships with event sponsors and hosts, providing strategic counsel and consistent hospitality standards.
  • Facilitates cross-functional planning teams, ensuring alignment with Communications, Marketing, Distribution, and individual Segments.

Team Development
  • Mentors other junior Event Planners by providing guidance, feedback, and best practices on logistics, stakeholder alignment, hospitality standards, and event strategy.
  • Supports onboarding and training of new team members, including communications and event planning tools.
  • Collaborates with stakeholders to develop event programs, including scheduling speakers, entertainment, workshops, and other activities. Ensures the program aligns with the event's objectives and provides an engaging experience for attendees.
  • Oversees on-site event operations, including managing staff, coordinating with vendors, troubleshooting problems, and ensuring a seamless experience for attendees at both headquarters and off-site venues and locations

Job Qualifications:
  • 5 - 7 years of experience in Event Management, Hospitality Management or a related field.
  • Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management, Event Management or commensurate experience.

Location:
Hybrid- defined as working three or more days per week in the office if the employee's residence is within 50 miles of Westfield Center, OH; OR Remote-if the employee resides more than 50 miles from Westfield Center, OH.
Behavioral Competencies:
  • Collaborates
  • Communicates Effectively
  • Customer Focus
  • Decision Quality
  • Nimble Learning

Technical Skills:
  • Planning & Scheduling
  • Reporting
  • Event Planning Software
  • Venue Management
  • Audiovisual (AV) Equipment
  • Event Registration Systems
  • Event Marketing and Promotion
  • Event Production
  • Event Technology
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Event Data Analytics

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.
We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.
About Us
Founded in 1848, Westfield is a global leader in property and casualty insurance, delivering superior risk insights and innovative solutions to customers through a diverse portfolio of insurance products. Westfield underwrites commercial, personal, surety, and specialty lines of coverage through a network of leading independent agents and brokers in the United States and specialty products through Lloyd's of London Syndicate 1200. As a mutual insurance company with more than 3,000 employees, Westfield has revenues in excess of $4 billion and more than $10 billion in assets.

What Westfield Insurance employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom