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Event Planning Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Do it Best Corp

Event Planning Specialist

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

... events/education sessions About the Role: The Market Planning Specialist primary responsibilities will focus on managing key member, vendor and staff Market related processes as well as several non ...

Purdue University

Event Manager

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

Responsibilities include overseeing event logistics, supporting event planning efforts within PMU and Stewart Center, and helping ensure a seamless experience for clients and guests. The ideal ...

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Event Planning information

See Indiana salary details

$19.5K

$71.6K

$135.1K

How much do event planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for event planning in Indiana is $71,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $85,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is event planning?

Event planning is the process of organizing and coordinating all aspects of professional, social, or entertainment events. This includes tasks such as selecting venues, managing budgets, coordinating vendors, arranging logistics, and overseeing the event’s execution. Event planners work closely with clients to understand their vision and objectives, then ensure every detail aligns with those goals. Their expertise helps ensure events run smoothly and successfully, from small meetings to large conferences or celebrations.

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 project management, often supported by a degree in hospitality or related fields. Familiarity with event management software (like Cvent or Eventbrite), budgeting tools, and vendor management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering seamless events that meet client expectations and efficiently handle 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 managing multiple vendors, adhering to tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders. To address these issues, successful planners rely on detailed project timelines, clear contracts, and regular check-ins with their teams. Utilizing event management software and fostering strong relationships with reliable vendors can also help mitigate risks and ensure that events run smoothly.

What is the difference between Event Planning vs Event Coordination?

AspectEvent PlanningEvent Coordination
ResponsibilitiesDesigning event concepts, budgeting, vendor selection, overall planningExecuting the event plan, managing logistics, coordinating vendors on the event day
Required SkillsOrganization, budgeting, vendor management, creativityCommunication, problem-solving, time management
Work EnvironmentPre-event planning phase, office or remoteOn-site during event, fast-paced environment
CertificationsEvent planning certifications (e.g., CSEP, CMP) often preferredLess formal certifications, focus on experience

Event Planning involves designing and organizing the entire event from concept to execution, focusing on pre-event tasks. Event Coordination is about managing the logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly during the event itself. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but they focus on different phases of event management.

How do I become an event planner?

To become an event planner, gaining relevant education such as a degree in hospitality, marketing, or communications can be helpful. Developing skills in organization, communication, and time management is essential, along with gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions. Certification programs like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) can also enhance credibility in the field.

Is being an event planning 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, creativity, and the ability to handle stressful situations, with many professionals working irregular hours and gaining certifications to enhance their prospects.

What exactly do event planners do?

Event planners coordinate all aspects of events such as weddings, conferences, and parties, including venue selection, budgeting, vendor management, and scheduling. They ensure the event runs smoothly by overseeing logistics, communicating with clients, and managing timelines, often using planning tools and requiring strong organizational skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planning jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Event Planning jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Event Planning jobs in Indiana?

For Event Planning jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Event Planning jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Planning jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Event Planning jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Event Planning job openings:

Event Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Planning job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,622 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Event Planning Specialist

Fort Wayne, IN

Do it Best Corp.
See more jobs at Do it Best Corp.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Market Planning Specialist
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Level: Salaried
Division: Merchandising
Travel: 10% Travel. Spring amp; Fall Markets - Tuesday arrival with following Monday departure (extended as needed); site visits as necessary; possible occasional attendance at other industry events/education sessions
About the Role:
The Market Planning Specialist primary responsibilities will focus on managing key member, vendor and staff Market related processes as well as several non-Market related tasks such as our local hotel discount program, multiple training schools’ hotel contracts, etc. Strong organization and communication skills are essential to this position as well as the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
Responsibilities include:
  • Own the end-to-end process of identifying requirements, soliciting bids, selecting, and managing partnerships with security, shuttle bus, scooter, copier, and temp agency companies for each Market. This includes negotiating contracts, overseeing payment schedules (from deposit to reconciliation), and ensuring service excellence.
  • Reconcile millions of dollars in Market invoices from the convention center, hotels, caterer, audio video provider, etc., file any disputes, and ensure accuracy as well as prompt payment.
  • Proactively gather and consolidate internal stakeholder meeting room requirements for each Market and independently manage the sourcing, negotiation, and coordination of catering and audio-visual services, ensuring all needs are met on time and within budget.
  • Lead all catering arrangements for each Market by collaborating closely with the caterer to review menu options, place and refine Banquet Event Orders, and adjust based on registration figures to optimize quality and cost.
  • Oversee audio-visual requirements for each Market by working in partnership with AV providers to review technical specifications, place orders, and adapt as needed to align with changing registration numbers.
  • Establish and own relationships with local Fort Wayne hoteliers to secure annual business traveler discount rates; partner with Graphics and Communications to develop promotional materials and ensure clear visibility on Blink.
  • Manage hotel partnerships for all annual Fort Wayne–based training schools (CORE, LDI, Rental, LBM, etc.), including leading negotiations for preferred dates, rates, and contract concessions while maintaining productive, long-term relationships.
  • Verify and reconcile invoices from local hotels for all corporate-booked rooms, ensuring accuracy, prompt payment, and resolution of any discrepancies.
  • Own the creation and maintenance of each Market mobile app, incorporating stakeholder feedback, driving user adoption, and ensuring a seamless attendee experience.
  • Coordinate and monitor Board of Directors Market housing logistics, including hotel bookings and registration, to provide a smooth travel and lodging experience.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the department’s software platforms (Map Your Show, BlueSkyz, ExhibitorPro, etc.) and leverage these tools for effective Market floor plan management, registration, booth sales, and service kit coordination.
  • Partner proactively with the Market registration company to escalate and resolve issues, propose process improvements, and drive continuous enhancement of the registration experience.
  • Develop and manage the comprehensive Market task list and timeline, ensuring all internal stakeholders receive clear directives and are held accountable for on-time completion of their respective tasks.
  • Collaborate with Communications each Market to provide impactful website content and updates, ensuring accurate and timely information for attendees and vendors.
  • Work closely with Graphics and Communications to create and publish the Market map on both the Market website and Vendor Portal, ensuring clear navigation for participants.
  • Manage and refine all Vendor Portal information and documents for each Market, taking full responsibility for timely updates and accuracy, and driving continuous improvements in user experience.
  • Oversee and fulfill all print requests for Market-related forms (merchandise removal passes, donation forms, shipping documents, etc.), maintaining brand standards and timely availability.
  • Lead the creation of Vendor Packets for placement in each booth, ensuring all essential materials are accurate, assembled, and delivered on schedule.
  • Manage the Market Registration Desk by overseeing the badging process for members, vendors, and staff, owning the coordination, distribution, and on-site support needed to ensure attendees are credentialed smoothly.
  • Administer vendor early entry requests in partnership with Merchandising and the badging company, balancing vendor needs with operational logistics.
  • Design and coordinate a streamlined staff registration process with the badging company, including pre-printing of staff and prospect badges, ensuring efficient pick-up and distribution.
  • Serve as an on-site registration expert at the Market, assisting attendees with badges, on-site registrations, and addressing any immediate concerns.
  • Track and document Market office supply inventory at event close, taking full ownership of ordering and restocking the Market crate to ensure readiness for subsequent events.
  • Lead supplier procurement each Market for badge holders, lanyards, wristbands, and other essential supplies, including soliciting bids, negotiating terms, and managing ongoing relationships.
  • Review, refine, and enhance the Market Planning procedures to document best practices, process improvements, and critical tasks.
  • Provide exceptional customer service as the primary point of contact for members, vendors, and staff, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of all Market-related tasks and commitments.
  • Remain alert to industry trends, consistently seeking opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and supplier changes when beneficial, acting swiftly to implement improvements.
  • Undertake other duties as assigned, applying the same high level of ownership, proactive problem-solving, and commitment to excellence in all tasks.
Education amp; Qualifications
  • Associate’s degree (minimum)
  • Experience working in the Microsoft 360 suite of products with advanced knowledge of Word and Excel
Desired:
  • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification or willingness to pursue
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Experience in hospitality, event or planning industry
  • Familiarity in working with Do it Best Group vendors, members and staff
  • Experience working with web publication software
Skills and Abilities
Minimum:
  • High degree of organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to make independent decisions while working with members, vendors and staff alike
  • Self-motivated
  • Exceptional communication and customer service skills (telephone, email, and in person)
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Able to meet deadlines
  • High degree of professionalism
  • Maintain confidentiality and effectively process sensitive information (high degree of confidentiality in handling sensitive information including advance knowledge of Market related events, the multimillion-dollar Market budget, mass billings to members and vendors as well as member credit card numbers)
  • Able to adapt to ever changing environment, problem-solve, multi-task and work independently
Benefits available to you:
  • Full insurance benefits package including Medical, Dental, amp; Vision
  • Paid time off to foster work/life balance
  • Profit sharing
  • Bonus Pay opportunities
  • Retirement funding opportunities
  • Education reimbursement
  • Health club reimbursement
  • Career advancement opportunities
About Do it Best Group
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN, the Do it Best Group is the world's largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With nearly $6 billion in annual sales, we support thousands of independently-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Partners in the company have the flexibility to operate under the Do it Best, True Value, or their own local store identities, offering a diverse range of branding options to best serve their communities.
Culture:
Each team member is valued as an individual - with their intrinsic value at the forefront. We prioritize your career growth through one-on-one training, conferences, tuition assistance, mentoring and more. We encourage authentic relationships by hosting social events and fostering a culture where lasting friendships are made. In fact, the three most valued aspects of being a part of the Do it Best team are the culture, the compensation, and the level of fulfillment that each team member experiences from their role.
Our Philosophy: Serving others as we would like to be served
Our Mission: Making the best even better
Our Goal: Helping members grow and achieve their dreams

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