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Contract Event Planner Jobs in Addison, IL (NOW HIRING)

Leigh and Co.

Wedding Planner

Chicago, IL

$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

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

The Palm

Sales & Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Nurture lasting relationships with recurring clients, event planners, and local vendors. * Address client feedback, negotiate pricing, and ensure contracts balance customer satisfaction with ...

The Palm

Sales & Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Nurture lasting relationships with recurring clients, event planners, and local vendors. * Address client feedback, negotiate pricing, and ensure contracts balance customer satisfaction with ...

Compass Group

Event Coordinator

Chicago, IL

$70K - $75K/yr

... event planning and conference center management. Distinct from recruitment agencies, we do not engage in temporary contracts. Our commitment is to foster long-term career development, allowing ...

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All JobsContract Event Planner JobsContract Event Planner Jobs in Addison, IL

Contract Event Planner information

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How much do contract event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract event planner in Addison, IL is $30.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $35.38 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.
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Infographic showing various Contract Event Planner job openings in Addison, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,454 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Event Planner / Group Concierge - City Cruises Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Hornblower
Travel Arrangement Services • 10K+ employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Hornblowerexternal

$24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
The Group Concierge will help drive the post-purchase process for our group guests, developing strong rapport while handling the vital details of the group business. Along with coordinating the logistics for the event, the group concierge will drive upsell potential, increasing the average order value of each order they oversee. This position will report to the General Manager or the Senior Concierge Manager depending on port-specific needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Sales Focus:
  • Develop a comprehensive knowledge of all regional vessels, products and enhancements.
  • As directed, take the lead on post-contract follow-ups including passenger count adjustments and upsells to groups, with the goal of driving incremental revenue.
  • Successfully upsells existing guests to higher-value options and enhancements.
  • Follows City Cruises guidance on when and how to follow up with clients to present revenue generation opportunities through order enhancements.
  • Handle objections as they arise by using vast product knowledge.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible weekly schedule, including night and weekend demand while conducting site visits, cruise detail meetings and meeting clients as needed to support the account management team.
  • Serve as a resource for the sales team, including conducting site visits, greeting clients upon boarding to be the local resource when a national account manager is not present in the local port.

Guest Service:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for client post-booking, including conducting site visits and meeting clients as needed.
  • Be present during highly detailed events and serve as the liaison between sales and operations
  • High attention to detail, including complete and accurate product details are communicated to the Food & Beverage and Operation teams to ensure proper product execution.
  • Ability to manage a minimum of 50 events per month, including handling all details for the cruise.
  • As directed, being present during highly detailed events serving as a liaison between sales and operations.
  • Develops strong rapport with the guest, thanking the guest for their business, gaining feedback, asking for referrals, rebooking, and firmly asking the client to fill out our survey.
  • Work with the General Manager and Director of Sales to resolve all guest issues in a timely manner.

Administrative:
  • Manage all administrative and operational activities (including payment collection) to enhance the guest experience.
  • Answer all post-booking inquiries, leveraging deep understanding of vessel, products, enhancements, and pricing.
  • Ensure guests are billed correctly (including payment collection) for all extra services provided according to the signed contract with the support of the Account Manager.
  • Document guest interactions in Salesforce, emphasizing detailed notes and task management, and sending weekly reports as directed by the Director of Sales.
  • Compile necessary reports for bi-weekly meetings, ensuring all cruise details are visible for the sales and operations team.

Additional job duties assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree preferred with a minimum of 1 year of experience in a sales support or as an event coordinator.
  • Communicate effectively in oral and written form.
  • Maintain a high level of organization & be detail-oriented.
  • Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
  • Listen effectively, assesses the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.
  • Work with Microsoft Office applications (especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends to accommodate site inspections and guest needs.

The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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