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Event Planning Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Experience in managing attendees from multiple countries with varying country guidelines

StoneX

Planner, Global Events

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of successfully managing all aspects of event planning and execution, while coordinating across multiple stakeholders, vendors, and business ...

New

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA

Innovative Captive Strategies is seeking an experienced Sr. Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of client events, captive meetings, conferences, and travel programs. This role combines ...

New

Holmes Murphy

Sr. Event Manager

Waukee, IA

Innovative Captive Strategies is seeking an experienced Sr. Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of client events, captive meetings, conferences, and travel programs. This role combines ...

New

Cottingham & Butler

Event Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

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

Cottingham & Butler

Event Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

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

Cottingham & Butler

Event Coordinator

Dubuque, IA · On-site

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

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All JobsEvent Planning JobsEvent Planning Manager JobsEvent Planning Manager Jobs in Iowa

Event Planning Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$19.3K

$70.7K

$133.4K

How much do event planning manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for event planning manager in Iowa is $70,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,700.00 and $84,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Event Planning Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, project management experience, and a background in hospitality or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with event management software like Cvent or Social Tables, budgeting tools, and CRM systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you build strong client relationships and manage unexpected challenges. These competencies ensure seamless event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively.

What are some typical challenges an Event Planning Manager faces when coordinating large-scale events?

Event Planning Managers often encounter challenges such as managing tight timelines, coordinating multiple vendors, and adapting to last-minute changes or unforeseen circumstances. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as you'll regularly collaborate with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to keep everyone aligned. Additionally, balancing client expectations with budget constraints is a common aspect of the role, requiring creative problem-solving and negotiation skills to deliver a successful event.

What does an Event Planning Manager do?

An Event Planning Manager is responsible for organizing and coordinating all aspects of events, such as conferences, weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. They work with clients to understand their vision, manage budgets, select venues, coordinate vendors, and oversee logistics before and during the event. Their goal is to ensure that events run smoothly and meet the client's expectations, often handling unexpected issues as they arise. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Event Planning Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent Planning ManagerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires experience in event management, certifications like CMP or CSEP beneficialTypically requires basic event planning experience, certifications are optional
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple events, manages teams, works with vendors and clientsAssists in executing event details, works closely with the planning team
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, nonprofit, and hospitality sectors for leadership rolesCommon in event planning companies, hotels, and venues for support roles

The main difference is that an Event Planning Manager oversees the entire event planning process, manages teams, and handles higher-level responsibilities, while an Event Coordinator focuses on executing specific event tasks and supporting the planning process. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the manager position involves more strategic oversight.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planning jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Event Planning jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Event Planning Manager jobs in Iowa? For Event Planning Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Event Planning Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Event Planning Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Event Planning Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Event Planning Manager job openings:
Event Planning Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Planning Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,696 per year, or $34 per hour.

Event Manager

ITA Group Inc

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Event Manager – Internal Meetings coordinates the operation of pharmaceutical meeting including Sales Meeting, Regional POAs, National POAs, Launches, Leadership Meetings and Incentives for specific Life Sciences clients, and serves as a leader for the internal team. The Event Manager ensures all established quality control measures, deliverables, expectations and business practices are met across all applicable business units.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Residence in West Des Moines or Atlanta, or in core pharma markets (NJ, Boston, Philadelphia) to align with targeted industry growth
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Liberal Arts, Public Relations, or Communications, or Event Management preferred
  • Three years experience in the group travel industry in a position of similar accountabilities and responsibilities, or a minimum of two-years experience in ITA Group’s Event Management division
  • 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 managing attendees from multiple countries with varying country guidelines
  • Experience with planning global meetings
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage details.
  • Ability to handle numerous projects, prioritize workload and delegate responsibility.
  • Experience in effective communication and relationship building skills, business writing and client presentations. Ability to interact with all levels of client management.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft® PowerPoint, Microsoft® Word and Microsoft® Excel. Experience with Teams and Zoom preferred. Experience with Project Management Software, Visio and CRM system knowledge a plus, but not required.
  • Knowledge of financial and accounting principles with experience in preparing and assessing financial budgets and profitability.
  • Experience in negotiations in a business environment.
  • Excellent human relations skills with the ability to be flexible and sensitive to people's needs.
  • Ability to think and act in a proactive manner. Capable of seeing the big picture while understanding how each element contributes to the greater whole. Must be competent to project how a change or delay in one area will impact the overall project. Willingness to try new ideas and challenge status quo.
  • Experience in working with cross-functional teams. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and give direction within a matrix organizational structure and team environment.
  • Ability to generate enthusiasm and dedication to support team members in order to achieve client business objectives.
  • Ability to display a sense of urgency, ownership and accountability.
  • Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
  • Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.