Weekend Event Planning Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY

The Event Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, and continuous improvement of Lessiter Media's conferences, summits, educational programs, and special events. This role serves as the central project manager for all event-related activities, ensuring events are delivered on time, within budget, and at a level of excellence that strengthens attendee satisfaction, sponsor retention, and company profitability.

The Event Manager collaborates closely with editorial, sales, marketing, audience development, finance, and executive leadership teams to create industry-leading experiences that support Lessiter Media's mission and business objectives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Execution

· Develop and manage comprehensive event project plans and timelines.

· Coordinate all logistical aspects of conferences, summits, meetings, webinars, and special events.

· Manage venue selection, contract negotiations, meeting space requirements, and hotel room blocks.

· Coordinate food and beverage functions, audiovisual services, internet requirements, transportation, signage, and event materials.

· Oversee registration systems and attendee communications.

· Ensure all event milestones and deliverables are completed on schedule.

Speaker & Program Management

· Coordinate speaker logistics including travel, lodging, presentations, and onsite needs.

· Work closely with editorial teams to support program development and session execution.

· Manage speaker contracts, deadlines, presentation collection, and event schedules.

· Coordinate session room assignments and educational logistics.

Sponsor & Exhibitor Fulfillment

· Partner with sales teams to execute sponsor and exhibitor deliverables.

· Coordinate sponsor and exhibit hall logistics, booth assignments, move-in and move-out schedules.

· Ensure sponsor recognition and benefits are delivered accurately and on time. Serve as primary operational contact for exhibitors and sponsors.

Budget & Vendor Management

· Help develop and manage event budgets.

· Monitor expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities.

· Negotiate contracts with hotels, convention centers, decorators, transportation providers, and vendors.

· Approve invoices and maintain budget tracking reports.

· Ensure vendor compliance with contractual obligations.

· Manage, configure, and maximize the use of event tech stacks (e.g., event apps, lead retrieval systems for sponsors, and event platforms).

Onsite Event Leadership

· Serve as operational lead during events.

· Coordinate staff assignments and volunteer responsibilities.

· Troubleshoot attendee, exhibitor, sponsor, and venue issues.

· Manage event setup, execution, and teardown activities.

· Ensure professional and seamless attendee experience.

Post-Event Analysis

· Conduct post-event evaluations and debrief meetings.

· Analyze attendee feedback and event performance metrics.

· Identify opportunities for process improvements and future event enhancements.

Prepare event summary reports for leadership.

Administrative & Process Management

· Maintain event planning procedures, templates, and documentation.

· Develop standardized operating procedures for recurring events.

· Maintain event databases, timelines, and project management tools.

· Ensure compliance with company policies and contractual obligations.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Additional duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Event or Project Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Minimum 3-5 years of event planning or event management experience.

Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong organizational and project management skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite and event management software platforms.

Ability to travel and work flexible hours during event periods.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events, and lift/move event materials up to 30–40 lbs

Preferred

Experience with B2B an B2C conferences and trade shows.

Experience working with registration systems and CRM platforms.

Lessiter Media is an established and growing niche media company serving the equine and agricultural industries with our digital, print and event platforms.

We are viewed by the industries we serve as trusted market leaders and are a multi-award winner for outstanding journalism for American Farriers Journal in the equine market, Farm Equipment, Ag Equipment Intelligence, Rural Lifestyle Dealer, No-Till Farmer, Strip-Till Farmer, Cover Crop Strategies, Precision Farming Dealer and Farm Innovations in the agricultural market. In addition, we also host these industry-leading in-person events: International Hoof-Care Summit, National No-Tillage Conference, National Strip-Tillage Conference, Precision Farming Dealer Summit and Dealership Minds Summit.

Our culture, rooted in family ownership and entrepreneurship, fosters and rewards performance. We encourage all team members to take ownership of his or her position and take responsibility to lead and innovate. We consider our employees to be our most valuable asset and provide training and support for career growth and success.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, and an amazingly rewarding culture and environment. Modern design features innovative and collaborative bright open floor plan with a fantastic employee lounge and free coffee. Close to some of Brookfield’s finest shopping and restaurants. Enjoy an early morning or noontime walk along a scenic nature trail.