Event Planning Internship Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Event Specialist Intern

Organization: Palisade Chamber of Commerce

Location: In-Person Palisade, Colorado

Duration: Fall 2026 - Winter 2026 (end of September start date)

Reports to: President & CEO

Up to 20 hours/weekFlexible Schedule | Some Evenings & Weekends RequiredUnpaid, eligible for creditPosition SummaryThe Palisade Chamber of Commerce is seeking an Event Specialist Intern interested in gaining hands-on experience in event planning, community engagement, nonprofit operations, and economic development.This internship will have a strong focus on coordinating the Chamber's Olde Fashioned Christmas activities and beginning preparations for the 2027 Palisade Peach Festival. The intern will also assist with Chamber member events and programs throughout the fall and winter semesters.This is an opportunity to work directly alongside Chamber leadership and take meaningful responsibility for real community events, from early planning and vendor coordination through event-day execution and follow-up.Primary ResponsibilitiesOlde Fashioned ChristmasAssist with planning and coordinating Chamber-led Olde Fashioned Christmas activities.Coordinate participating businesses, vendors, volunteers, partners, and other event stakeholders.Develop event timelines, checklists, layouts, schedules, and logistical plans.Help coordinate event setup, operations, guest experience, and cleanup.Communicate with participating businesses and community partners before and after the event.Help identify opportunities to improve the event experience and support local businesses.2027 Palisade Peach FestivalAssist Chamber staff with early planning for the 2027 Palisade Peach Festival.Research and communicate with prospective vendors, entertainers, partners, and suppliers.Help organize vendor applications, contracts, event records, timelines, and planning documents.Assist with sponsorship fulfillment and partner coordination as needed.Participate in planning meetings and help track deadlines and follow-up items.Support development of event logistics, activities, and guest experiences.Chamber Member EventsAssist with Business After Hours, Lunch & Learns, ribbon cuttings, networking events, and other Chamber programs.Coordinate RSVPs, supplies, venues, speakers, volunteers, and event logistics.Provide on-site support during Chamber events.Help ensure members, sponsors, and guests receive a welcoming and professional experience.Assist with event follow-up, including attendance records, thank-you communications, and feedback.

• Other administrative duties as needed to support the team.

What You'll LearnThis internship is designed to provide practical experience in:Event planning and project managementVendor and partner coordinationVolunteer managementSponsorship and event revenueBudget awareness and cost managementMember and customer serviceCommunity and economic developmentNonprofit and Chamber operationsWorking with businesses, community organizations, and local partnersManaging multiple projects and deadlinesIdeal CandidateWe are looking for someone who is:Organized and dependableComfortable communicating professionally with businesses and community partnersDetail-oriented and able to manage multiple deadlinesWilling to take initiative and solve problemsComfortable working independently after receiving directionFriendly and service-orientedInterested in events, hospitality, business, tourism, nonprofit management, or community developmentComfortable working occasional evenings and weekends when events require itFamiliar with Google Workspace or willing to learnPrevious event experience is helpful but not required. We are more interested in finding someone who is eager to learn, dependable, organized, and willing to take ownership of their work.Internship SuccessBy the end of the internship, a successful Event Specialist Intern will have helped deliver a well-organized Olde Fashioned Christmas, supported a variety of Chamber member events, and created a strong planning foundation for the 2027 Palisade Peach Festival.The intern should leave the experience with tangible examples of event plans, timelines, vendor coordination, project management, community partnerships, and large-scale event preparation that can be added to a professional portfolio or résumé.I intentionally removed the marketing KPIs, social media, newsletter, graphic design, advertising sales, destination marketing, and brand management responsibilities. I also removed most of the formal KPIs because I don't think an intern should be held accountable for things like event profitability or attendance that they don't fully control.One addition I'd recommend before posting is a short Internship Structure section specifying expected hours per week, internship dates, hourly wage/stipend, and whether you can coordinate with a college for academic credit. That will make the distinction between this role and a regular staff position much clearer.