Events Manager Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Role overview

The Events Manager leads the end-to-end execution of trade shows, product launches, and brand activations to amplify Stern Pinball’s market visibility and drive consumer engagement. This role oversees all logistical operations, vendor partnerships, and post-event ROI analysis to ensure alignment with brand objectives. 

Responsibilities

A. Event Planning & Strategy

• Maintain the Tradeshow Master list in coordination with Sales, Marketing, Product Development (PD), Production, and Logistics teams.
• Research and recommend relevant pinball events, gaming conventions, industry trade shows, and fan events.
• Manage the budget and establish event goals and KPIs.

 B. Pre-event coordination

• Secure booth space and ensure compliance with event-specific regulations (e.g., union labor guidelines).
• Coordinate the preparation and deployment of fully equipped Insider Connected (IC) network road cases to ensure reliable, localized game connectivity for every scheduled event.
• Coordinate shipping of pinball machines, IC network road case, promotional materials, signage, and other assets.
• Work with strategic partners (e.g., Dealers & distributors) to develop creative and unified booth presentations.
• Manage vendor contracts and utility provisioning, including booth fabricators, electricians, A/V, and on-site internet services.
•  Book travel and accommodations for staff.
• Partner with the IC team to ensure Badges and Quests are created and represented at shows.
• Register company personnel, manage credential distribution, and communicate venue access instructions to on-site staff.
• Schedule appropriate seminars and off-site customer events.
• Create simple digital advertisements and graphic assets for deployment on the booth display's video playlist loop.
• Flash and verify game code onto SD/microSD cards in advance to ensure every game at each event is updated to the latest software version.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams on live social media and event coverage to maximize brand visibility during scheduled shows.

 C. Onsite event execution

• Travel to the majority of events (approximately 20–30% of the year) to supervise on-site booth setup, event execution, and booth breakdown.
• Coordinate on-site staff schedules and assignments to ensure seamless brand representation at seminars, autograph signings, and other scheduled event activities.
• Source, manage and maintain relationships with key vendors (e.g., dealers, distributors, show organizers, and labor union representatives).
• Configure the on-site Insider Connected high-score leaderboard and manage the deployment of digital marketing assets in a continuous playlist loop across the booth display.
• Troubleshoot logistical issues in real time.
• Engage event attendees to drive brand awareness, articulate product value, and generate qualified sales leads.
• Maintain on-site technical tools and network access to download and flash game code for real-time troubleshooting and emergency updates.

D. Post-event analysis

• Collect feedback from staff and attendees.
• Analyze event ROI (leads captured, engagement, sales).
• Prepare post-event reports and recommend improvements.

 E. Stern Army support

• Assist the Director of Global Location Entertainment with administrative tasks related to Stern Army as needed.

 F. Deliverables

• Annual tradeshow and event calendar.
• Pre-event planning documents (timelines, checklists, budgets).
• Onsite staffing schedules and booth layouts.
• Post-event recap report within 10 business days of event conclusion.
• Vendor and budget tracking sheets. 

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of Event Management experience: Ideal industries include pinball/gaming, consumer electronics, high-ticket premium goods, or experiential marketing agencies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Hospitality, Communications, or a related field is a plus, or equivalent hands-on experience in trade show production and event logistics.

Technical & Logistical Skills required

• Trade Show Expertise: Strong understanding of convention hall logistics, including working with general contractors, managing union labor, and handling freight.
• Project Management Execution: Proven ability to manage end-to-end event lifecycles, drive cross-functional timelines, and coordinate multiple simultaneous projects under tight deadlines.
• Field Technical Skills: Comfort setting up local Wi-Fi/network routers for connected devices, basic AV troubleshooting, and a hands-on willingness to manage physical equipment.
• Administrative Execution: Proficient in budget tracking, vendor contract management, and asset inventory control
• Travel Elasticity: Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, with travel up to 30% during peak trade show seasons.

**This is a hybrid position requiring three days in the office and two days remote per week. During the initial onboarding period of six to nine months, the expectation is five days in the office to support training and team integration.**