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Contract Event Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Gate Group

CIO Event Planner

Washington, DC · On-site

Provide day-to-day management of contract support operations, including organizing, directing, and ... Minimum 8 years of experience in event planning, project management, strategic communications, or a ...

hcmportal

Sr Event Planner - Corporate Events

Topeka, KS · Hybrid

We're Looking for an experienced Event Planner! About the Company: Security Benefit is a leader in ... Develop and manage event budgets; negotiate contracts and pricing with venues and vendors to ensure ...

Manpower

Sr Corporate Event Planner

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

... contracts, restaurant reservations, and transportation. • Form partnerships and negotiate ... event planning and utilize or share them with the team to keep our events contemporary and ...

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How much do contract event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract event planner in the United States is $30.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.34 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.

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 are contract event planners?

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 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.

More about Contract Event Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Event Planner jobs? Cities with the most Contract Event Planner job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planner jobs? The most popular types of Event Planner jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Event Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Event Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Event Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Event Planner jobs are:
Contract Event Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Event Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 11% Full Time, 83% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 15% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 77% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,335 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Corporate Event Planner

Corporate Event Planner

Pacific Office Automation

Phoenix, AZ

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Pacific Office Automation rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 336 rated logistics

Job description

Position Summary

Pacific Office Automation is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Corporate Event & Travel Coordinator to support company-wide events, employee experiences, and corporate travel operations. This role is responsible for planning and executing events, conferences, incentive trips, and executive travel while also helping manage the company’s travel and expense platform, Ramp.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys creating exceptional experiences, and can seamlessly balance logistics, communication, budgeting, and vendor coordination. This position plays a key role in supporting employee engagement, company culture, and operational efficiency across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Events & Employee Engagement

  • Plan, organize, and execute events, including meetings, retreats, incentive trips, holiday parties & employee engagement activities.

  • Develop creative event concepts that align with company culture and business objectives.

  • Coordinate event logistics including venue selection, catering, audiovisual needs, transportation accommodations and entertainment.

  • Create detailed timelines, run-of-show documents and contingency plans.

  • Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure messaging, branding and objectives are aligned.

  • Manage communication and invitations through email, intranet and other channels.

  • Collect post-event feedback and reporting to continuously improve experiences and ROI.

  • Support employee engagement initiatives and company culture programming.

Corporate Travel & Expense Coordination

  • Coordinate corporate travel arrangements including flights, hotels, transportation, itineraries and travel support for employees and executives.

  • Assist employees with travel-related questions, logistics and troubleshooting.

  • Help manage Ramp, the company’s travel & expense platform including user support, expense tracking, policy compliance and reporting.

  • Work with travel partners, hotels and vendors to negotiate rates and ensure seamless travel experiences.

  • Maintain travel processes and documentation to support company operational efficiency.

Budgeting & Vendor Management

  • Manage and track event budgets, while maintaining high-quality experiences and cost efficiency.

  • Negotiate contracts with venues, hotels, travel providers, caterers, entertainment, and other vendors.

  • Track invoices, payments and reconciliations related to events and travel expenses

  • Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards and legal requirements.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in event management, marketing, hospitality, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

  • 3+ years of experience in event planning, travel coordination, hospitality or related roles.

  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with exceptional attention to detail.

  • Excellent communication, negotiation & problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment

Preferred Skills

  • Experience managing corporate events, incentive travel, sponsorships or executive meetings.

  • Familiarity with expense management and travel platforms

  • Experience negotiating vendor and hotel contracts.

  • Knowledge of event marketing, communications, or internal engagement strategies.

  • Comfortable traveling to support company events and onsite execution.

Benefits

  • $90,000-$115,000/year DOE

  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life insurance plans

  • Matched 401k

  • PTO, Vacation, Sick Leave

  • FSA Programs

About Pacific Office Automation

Since 1976 Pacific Office Automation has grown to become the largest independent office technology provider in the nation. We help organizations simplify business through managed IT, cybersecurity, unified communications, print technology, workflow automation and more. All backed by a people-first culture and commitment to making technology work for our customers.

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