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Event Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cottingham & Butler

Event Coordinator

Dubuque, IA

Manage event websites for registration and information access. * Event Coordination : Plan and execute logistics including catering, room setup, AV requirements, signage, and security. Ensure all ...

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Event Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$24.9K

$58.9K

$94.4K

How much do event manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for event manager in Iowa is $58,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $70,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Event Manager do?

An Event Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing events such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and festivals. They coordinate all aspects of the event, including budgeting, venue selection, vendor management, logistics, and on-site execution. Event Managers work closely with clients to ensure their vision is realized and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the event. Their goal is to deliver successful and memorable experiences while staying within budget and meeting client expectations.

What is the role of an event manager?

An event manager plans, coordinates, and oversees events such as conferences, weddings, and corporate functions to ensure they run smoothly. They handle tasks including budgeting, vendor management, logistics, and on-site supervision, often using project management tools. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Event Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent ManagerEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire event planning, manages budgets, coordinates teams, and ensures event successAssists with planning, manages logistics, and handles on-site operations
Required SkillsLeadership, budgeting, vendor management, problem-solvingOrganization, communication, multitasking, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits, often in event venues or client locationsPrimarily on-site during events, with some planning meetings
Common EmployersEvent planning companies, corporations, venuesEvent planning firms, corporate event departments, nonprofits

While both roles are essential in event planning, the Event Manager has broader responsibilities, including overseeing the entire event process and managing teams, whereas the Event Coordinator focuses more on logistics and on-site execution. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the 7 P's of event management?

The 7 P's of event management are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process, and Physical evidence. These elements help event managers plan and execute successful events by focusing on key aspects such as target audience, logistics, marketing, and service quality.

What is the highest salary of an event manager?

The highest salaries for event managers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, large-scale event responsibilities, or working in high-paying industries. Senior event managers or directors overseeing large teams and budgets tend to earn the top salaries in the field.

Is an event manager a good career?

An event manager is a professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing events such as conferences, weddings, and corporate functions. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, often involving working under tight deadlines and managing budgets. It can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy dynamic environments and multitasking, with opportunities for advancement and specialization in the events industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Event Managers when coordinating large-scale events, and how can these be effectively managed?

Event Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes, coordinating multiple vendors, and ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders. Effective management involves meticulous planning, maintaining a detailed timeline, and using event management software to track progress and responsibilities. Building strong relationships with reliable vendors and establishing clear communication protocols with the team can also help address unexpected issues quickly and efficiently. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver successful events.

What Does an Event Manager Do?

Event managers plan, organize, and supervise events, such as business conferences, weddings, and festivals. They handle all the arrangements required to make the event run smoothly. Event managers determine what the client needs and expects; then they coordinate the preparations leading up to the event, including booking venues, scheduling transportation, and selecting the food and decorations. They may even need to hire staff for the event. Event managers may need to employ reliable waiters, entertaining DJs, and talented photographers. Event managers monitor payments and budget, and ensure the event meets all required safety regulations. Large-scale corporate gatherings require management, so the event manager often delegates and oversees planning tasks to focus on operating on-site the night of the occasion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Event Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Manager, you need strong organizational skills, project management experience, and often a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities help you manage teams and client expectations effectively. These skills are vital to ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle unforeseen challenges.
More about Event Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Event jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Event jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Event Manager jobs in Iowa? For Event Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Event Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Event Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Event Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Event Manager job openings:
Event Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,924 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Event Coordinator

Event Coordinator

Cottingham & Butler

Dubuque, IA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Cottingham & Butler rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 281 rated insurance

Job description

The Role

We are seeking an Event Coordinator who enjoys organizing memorable and impactful events to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about delivering seamless experiences for marketing events designed to build our brand and grow business through client and prospect engagement. Events include captive member experiences (including international business and leisure programs), content-driven client and prospect events, networking functions, annual seminars, summits and workshops, recognition ceremonies, and employee events. This role will also have a particular focus on association and trade show planning and management, while also supporting our broader event portfolio.

What You'll Do

  • Venue and Service Negotiation: Research and secure venues that align with event needs, budget, and attendee count. Negotiate contracts with hotels, transportation providers, and other vendors.
  • Event Communication: Develop and distribute invitations, schedules, and reminders via email, newsletters, or event apps. Manage event websites for registration and information access.
  • Event Coordination: Plan and execute logistics including catering, room setup, AV requirements, signage, and security. Ensure all elements are in place for a smooth event.
  • Budget Management: Build and maintain event budgets, track expenses, process invoices, and ensure financial accountability.
  • Event Support: Serve as the on-site liaison during events, resolving issues in real-time and ensuring client satisfaction through proactive support and coordination.
  • Association and Trade Show Management: Plan, execute, and improve our involvement in industry associations and trade shows including sponsorship coordination, speaking opportunity management, exhibition planning, and booth operations to maximize our presence and ROI.

What You'll Need

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant experience
  • Strong interest in events or some experience preferred 
  • Strong organizational and multitasking skills
  • Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
  • Budget management experience
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently across teams
  • Willingness and ability to travel independently to safe international locations and be on-site for events regionally and internationally (approximately 10-20 events per year with about 1/4 being international, including some weekends and overnights)

The Day-to-Day

  • Collaborate with the Senior Event Manager and Event Team on planning and execution
  • Communicate with vendors and venues to finalize logistics
  • Monitor registration and respond to attendee inquiries
  • Prepare detailed event orders and schedules
  • Attend planning meetings and provide updates on progress
  • Be present at events to manage operations and troubleshoot as needed

Your Impact

Your work will directly contribute to the success of high-profile events that support our clients' goals and enhance their experience. By ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned and executed, you'll help build lasting impressions and strong relationships.

Who You'll Work With

You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive Event Team, working closely with the Senior Event Manager, internal stakeholders, corporate marketing team, external vendors, and venue staff. Your role will be central to ensuring alignment and excellence across all aspects of event planning and execution.

Pay & Benefits

  • Salary - Flexible based on your experience level.
  • Most Benefits start Day 1
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Flex Spending or HSA
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Profit-Sharing/ Defined Contribution (1-year waiting period)
  • PTO/ Paid Holidays
  • Company-paid ST and LT Disability
  • Maternity Leave/ Parental Leave
  • Subsidized Parking
  • Company-paid Term Life/ Accidental Death Insurance

About Cottingham & Butler: 

At Cottingham & Butler, we sell a promise to help our clients through life's toughest moments. To deliver on that promise, we aim to hire, train, and grow the best professionals in the industry. We look for people with an insatiable desire to succeed, are committed to growing, and thrive on challenges. Our culture is guided by the theme of "better every day" constantly pushing ourselves to be better than yesterday - that's who we are and what we believe in.

As an organization, we are tremendously optimistic about the future and have incredibly high expectations for our people and our performance. Our ability to grow as a company, fuels investments in new resources to better serve our clients and provide the amazing career opportunities our employees want and deserve. This is why we are a growth company and why we are committed to being better every day. 

Want to learn more? Follow us on www.CottinghamButler.com | LinkedIn | Facebook

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