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Event Manager Jobs in Gurnee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Wheeling Park District

Event Server

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Event Manager Supervisory Responsibility: None Position Summary Responsible for providing set-ups, breakdowns and food service to the guests at Chevy Chase events and (if 18 years or older) serving ...

Wheeling Park District

Event Server

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Event Manager Supervisory Responsibility: None Position Summary Responsible for providing set-ups, breakdowns and food service to the guests at Chevy Chase events and (if 18 years or older) serving ...

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Event Manager information

See Gurnee, IL salary details

$25.4K

$60.2K

$96.5K

How much do event manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for event manager in Gurnee, IL is $60,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $72,000.00 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 Gurnee, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Manager job openings in Gurnee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,213 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Event Manager

The Forester by Hyatt-Janko Hospitality

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description



EVENT MANAGER 

 

Reports to: Director of Sales and Catering 

Department: Sales

 

OUR STORY

The Forester Hotel is the natural selection for modern comfort and evolutionary service. Founded on the motto of "Love of Science and Nature", the city of Lake Forest has always been at the crossroads of preservation and progress with its open lands backing up to office parks and the cobblestone streets of historic Market Square leading to Starbucks and Williams Sonoma. We’re blazing new trails with boutique offerings including an upscale bistro + bar and over 4,500 square feet of flexible event space. 



BENEFITS

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Full benefits package, including 401K and paid time off
  • Professional development
  • Hotel discounts at locations worldwide

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Represents the hotel to customers in the role of executing on negotiated sales agreements 
  • Negotiation of pricing and terms and conditions of products, labor and services not specifically articulated in negotiated sales agreements. 
  • Up-sells products and services throughout the event planning process.
  • Proactively identifies operational challenges associated with his/her group and works with the property staff and customer to solve these challenges and/or develop alternative solutions.
  • Produce and distribute formal hotel communication such as EOs, Resumes, etc. on a regular basis and within agreed upon internal deadlines. 
  • Attend banquet event order (EO) meetings on a regular schedule and directs operations teams in the execution of EO’s.
  • Works closely with the Banquet Manager and Banquet Captains to ensure and maintain levels of service.
  • Monitors use and planning of function space to maximize usage and revenues.
  • Communicate guest room, meeting and event logistics to respective departments and team members and delegate tasks where appropriate. 
  • Uses independent judgment to forecast group sleeping rooms and event revenue (catering and audio-visual) for his/her groups.
  • Reviews billing with clients and ensures timely collection of all outstanding balances.
  • Greets customers at the start of every event. Make proper introduction and hand-off with the Event Operations team for the execution of details.
  • Monitor and enforce contractual deadline and obligations. 
  • Directs customer relationships in a proactive manner relative to payment structure, room block management, food and beverage, incremental and affiliate revenue streams, performance damages and master billing process. 
  • Ability to handle multiple customer and operational demands with a high degree of professionalism, operating often with time sensitive deadlines. 
  • Ability to operate independently and with a high degree of autonomy requiring excellent organization, time management skills and self-motivation. 
  • Participates in customer site inspections and appointments as necessary.
  • Collaborates with the Director of Sales (DOS) to support the hotel's overall sales strategy and planning by providing valuable research and informed insights.
  • Consistently achieve and surpass revenue-driven upsell sales targets by utilizing a profitable, solution-oriented sales approach that benefits both the company and the client
  • Lifting of supplies occurs occasionally, usually not more than 10 lbs. but may be up to 50 lbs.
  • Able to stand and walk 40% of the workday.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong and effective organizational skills.
  • Highly developed customer service skills.
  • Effective business writing and presentation skills.
  • Reliable transportation and ability to make outside sales calls.

 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

  • Experience in a hotel is preferred with a proven track record of success. 
  • A degree in Hospitality Management is desirable. 
  • Hyatt operating system experience preferred but not required, such as Opera, Envision, and PrO.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation a plus, but not required

 

HOURS

Due to the business demands of the hospitality industry, and the fact that the hotel provides guest services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, work schedules will vary according to business needs, including some weekends and night shifts. 


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