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Event Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Marriott International

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

JOB SUMMARY Responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property ... CORE WORK ACTIVITIES Managing Event Logistics and Operations • Ensures that events progress ...

New

The University of Chicago

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Manage and execute intricate event logistics for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. * Create planning timelines and ensure that every task gets completed for each event, anticipating and ...

Bank of America

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

This job is responsible for developing the event and content strategies that achieve line of ... Job expectations include traveling to events, leading managing event activity and cross functional ...

Bank of America

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

This job is responsible for developing the event and content strategies that achieve line of ... Job expectations include traveling to events, leading managing event activity and cross functional ...

Bank of America

Events Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99 - $150/hr

This job is responsible for developing the event and content strategies that achieve line of ... Job expectations include traveling to events, leading managing event activity and cross functional ...

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All JobsEvent JobsEvent Manager JobsEvent Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Event Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.3K

$64.6K

$103.5K

How much do event manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for event manager in Chicago, IL is $64,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $77,300.00 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 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.

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 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.

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.
More about Event Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Event jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Event jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Event Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Event Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Event Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Event Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Event Manager job openings:

Event Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,625 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Manager, Event Tech

PROFESSIONAL CONVENTION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Chicago, IL • On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Chicago, IL 60601 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Salary/year Travel Percentage: Up to 25%

POSITION SUMMARY

The PCMA Events team is made up of passionate business event professionals who embrace change and are agile and diverse. We are responsible for designing, driving, executing, and measuring live and digital events that target members, customers, partners, and prospects with the goal of delivering business results. We are an integral, highly valued, highly visible part of PCMA’s team.

The Manager, Event Technology will serve as PCMA's key internal point person for the organization’s core event technology platforms, including RainFocus (registration) and Swapcard (mobile event app), supporting PCMA’s full global event portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President, Events & Experiences, this role is instrumental in ensuring these platforms are configured, maintained, and supported to deliver a seamless experience for attendees, exhibitors, and staff. This position is based at PCMA’s headquarters office in Chicago, Illinois.

The Manager, Event Technology’s primary focus is on the end-to-end administration of RainFocus and Swapcard for every event in PCMA’s portfolio, including creating specification documents and SOPs, building out each event’s registration site and mobile app, and providing hands-on troubleshooting and support before, during, and after each event. Collaboration is key as you serve as the liaison with both platform vendors and work closely with internal stakeholders to translate each event’s requirements into technical builds.

In addition to platform administration, the Manager, Event Technology contributes to a collaborative and inclusive team environment by cross-training other Events team members on RainFocus and Swapcard functionality, building shared knowledge and redundancy across the team. This role’s energy and initiative will help drive efficiency and innovation in how PCMA’s event technology supports our portfolio.

The Manager, Event Technology is a hands-on technical professional who excels at platform administration, troubleshooting, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration, with the ability to translate event requirements into flawless technical execution — essential in supporting the success of PCMA’s global event portfolio. This role travels on-site to all PCMA events within the North American portfolio to provide live platform support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as PCMA’s key internal point person and subject matter expert for the organization’s event technology platforms, including RainFocus (registration) and Swapcard (mobile event app), supporting all events across PCMA’s global event portfolio.
  • Lead the end-to-end technical build of RainFocus registration sites and Swapcard mobile apps for each event, configuring registration workflows, forms, session data, sponsor/exhibitor listings, and attendee-facing features to align with each event’s specific requirements.
  • Develop and maintain detailed specification documents for each event build, translating event and stakeholder requirements into clear, accurate platform configurations.
  • Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for platform administration, event builds, and troubleshooting, standardizing processes and supporting business continuity across the team.
  • Provide hands-on troubleshooting and issue resolution for RainFocus and Swapcard, minimizing disruption to registration, the attendee experience, and event operations.
  • Serve as the primary liaison with RainFocus, Swapcard, and other event technology vendors, managing the day-to-day relationship, escalating and resolving issues, and advocating for platform enhancements that benefit PCMA’s events.
  • Crosstrain and support other members of the Events team on RainFocus and Swapcard functionality, building team-wide capability, knowledge-sharing, and redundancy.
  • Partner with the Events & Experiences team, Marketing, and other internal stakeholders to ensure registration and mobile app builds align with each event’s goals, timelines, and brand standards.
  • Monitor platform performance and data integrity throughout the registration and event lifecycle, proactively identifying and resolving issues and recommending process improvements.
  • Stay current on RainFocus and Swapcard product updates, new features, and industry event technology trends, recommending improvements to PCMA’s event technology stack.
  • Travel on-site to all PCMA events within the North American portfolio to provide live, hands-on platform support and troubleshooting.
QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years of experience in event technology, event operations, or a related field, including hands-on experience administering event registration and/or mobile event app platforms; direct experience with RainFocus and/or Swapcard strongly preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree, or similar experience.
  • Demonstrated experience serving as a subject matter expert or platform administrator for an event registration system and/or mobile event app.
  • Strong technical aptitude, with the ability to translate event and stakeholder requirements into platform configurations and specification documents.
  • Experience creating SOPs, process documentation, or training materials.
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills, with the ability to problem-solve calmly and effectively in fast-paced, live-event environments.
  • Experience utilizing AI tools to create efficiencies in project management.
  • Excellent at collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders of all levels, both internal and external to PCMA, to accomplish event/meeting objectives.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and visual presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex, technical topics with simplicity.
  • Ability to work with a sense of urgency and deliver under tight deadlines/time frames; prioritize workload.
  • Data-driven mindset focused on setting and measuring KPIs and platform performance metrics.
  • Flexible, agile with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
  • Experience working in both digital and in-person event environments, with in-depth knowledge of registration and mobile app platform administration.
  • Comfortable dealing with ambiguity, with the ability to drive clarity for the team.
  • Trustworthy and credible; high-level of integrity and excellent sense of judgment.
  • Strong relationship builder, influencer, and acts as a liaison between PCMA and its technology vendors.
  • Ability to travel as business needs require. Position requires on-site travel to all PCMA events within the North American portfolio.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
  • Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to pull or push objects of varying weights in performing the work.
  • Ability to grasp objects utilizing fingers (fine motor manipulation).
  • Ability to travel by air or ground transportation as required in performing the work.
  • Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
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