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Event Planner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Athene

Sales Event Planner

West Des Moines, IA

As an Event Planner on Athene's Sales Operations team, you'll bring corporate meetings and conferences to life from initial concept through post-meeting reporting. You'll partner closely with Sales ...

New

StoneX

Planner, Global Events

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

StoneX Group Inc. is seeking a Planner, Global Events to join our team in West Des Moines, IA ... Source event venues and send out RFPs * Request and review hotel/venue and vendor contracts * Put ...

Leigh and Co.

Wedding Planner

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$400/wk

Events is a fast-growing wedding planning company - we are looking for planners. We provide wedding design, wedding coordination and planning services for engaged couples. The Lead Wedding ...

Leigh and Co.

Wedding Planner

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$400/wk

Events is a fast-growing wedding planning company - we are looking for planners. We provide wedding design, wedding coordination and planning services for engaged couples. The Lead Wedding ...

HyVee

RPC Event Manager

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

The manager oversees events from initial planning through completion, resolves issues in real time, ensures compliance with safety and service standards, and provides post-event follow-up. In ...

ITA Group Inc

Event Manager

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

Experience with Life Sciences event planning directly planning US based events as well as International Incentives * Willingness to travel for site visits and program operations * Experience in ...

ITA Group Inc

Pharma Event Manager

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

Experience with Life Sciences event planning directly planning events for HCPs, KOLs, US and International attendees * Experience in managing attendees from multiple countries with varying country ...

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Event Planner information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$28

$41

How much do event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for event planner in Iowa is $28.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an event planner do?

An Event Planner is someone who coordinates all aspects of an event to meet the needs and budget of the hosting organization. Whether they work within the organization or are employed by an outside event planning company, they ensure all events achieve the desired image, message, and purpose. An Event Planner can involved in organizing parties, conferences, exhibits, concerts, or anything else that involves a large amount of people gathering for recreation or work.

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

To thrive as an Event Planner, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in coordinating logistics, often supported by a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and vendor management systems is commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and creativity help professionals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering seamless, memorable events that meet client objectives and adapt to unexpected challenges.

What are some common challenges event planners face when coordinating large-scale events, and how can they be managed?

Event Planners often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes, vendor coordination, and managing tight budgets for large-scale events. Effective communication, detailed planning, and maintaining strong relationships with vendors are key to overcoming these issues. Utilizing event management software and creating contingency plans can help address unexpected problems, ensuring that the event runs smoothly. Staying organized and adaptable allows Event Planners to handle challenges professionally and deliver successful events.

What is the difference between Event Planner vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent PlannerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires certifications like CMP or CSEPMay not require formal certifications, but experience is valued
Work EnvironmentWorks on planning and designing events from start to finishFocuses on executing and managing event details on the event day
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across corporate, social, and nonprofit sectorsCommonly employed in similar sectors, often as a supporting role

While both roles are essential in event management, the Event Planner primarily handles the overall planning and design of events, including budgeting and vendor coordination. The Event Coordinator focuses on executing the event plan, managing logistics, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the event day. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Event Planner typically has a broader scope and strategic responsibilities.

How do you become an event planner?

To become an event planner, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in customer service, hospitality, or related fields. Many pursue a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, marketing, or a related area, and developing skills in organization, communication, and time management is essential. Certification programs are also available to enhance credibility and knowledge in event planning.

Is being an event planner a good career?

Event planning is a dynamic career that involves coordinating logistics, managing budgets, and working with clients to organize events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. Success in this field often requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle stressful situations, with many professionals working flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

What is the work of an event planner?

An event planner coordinates and manages all aspects of planning events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. They handle tasks including venue selection, budgeting, vendor coordination, and timeline management to ensure the event runs smoothly. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this role.
More about Event Planner jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planner jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Event Planner jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Event Planner jobs in Iowa?

For Event Planner jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Event Planner jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Planner jobs in Iowa are:

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Cities in Iowa with the most Event Planner job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Event Planner jobs in IA?

For Event Planner jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Event Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Planner job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,489 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Sales Event Planner

Athene

West Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Athene rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.

Purpose:

As an Event Planner on Athene's Sales Operations team, you'll bring corporate meetings and conferences to life from initial concept through post-meeting reporting. You'll partner closely with Sales, Marketing, internal stakeholders and external vendors to create thoughtful, brand-consistent experiences that support business priorities and strengthen relationships with our partners and attendees.

Accountabilities:

  • Lead end-to-end planning and execution for corporate meetings and conferences, partnering with Sales leaders and stakeholders to establish objectives, desired outcomes and an exceptional attendee experience.
  • Own meeting logistics and communications across the pre-event, onsite and post meeting lifecycle, including hotel agreements, room blocks, registration, transportation, food and beverage, speaker coordination and attendee communications.
  • Build and manage Cvent experiences, including registration websites, attendee engagement and management, sourcing and post-event reporting.
  • Manage vendor relationships, contracts and meeting budgets, negotiating for the right balance of quality and cost while tracking spending and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and value.
  • Partner across Sales and Marketing to develop meeting collateral, promotional materials and experiences that consistently represent the Athene brand and respond effectively as priorities evolve.
  • Measure and improve meeting effectiveness through attendance, spending and stakeholder feedback, using data, technology and AI-enabled tools where appropriate to streamline routine work, generate insights and continuously improve future experiences.


Qualifications and Experience:

  • 3+ years of relevant experience in corporate events or meeting planning, including end-to-end event execution, vendor management, logistics and budget management, or relevant experience, preferred.

  • Proficiency with Cvent, including registration website builds, attendee engagement and management, reporting and sourcing; financial services industry experience is a plus.

  • Strong project management, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with a bias for action and the agility to manage multiple priorities, solve issues quickly and adapt when plans change.

  • Strong customer focus and communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships, influence stakeholders and work effectively across organizational levels and with external partners.

  • Comfort using technology to improve how work gets done, including PowerPoint, Word and Excel, with curiosity and AI fluency to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency and better decision-making.

  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, business or a related field, or equivalent experience.

  • Additional Role Requirements: Ability to travel approximately 10%-20% and work occasional evenings, weekends or extended hours based on meeting schedules. Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds.

Drive. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Commitment. Learn more about working at Athene.

Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans.

Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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