Events & Experiences Manager

The PCMA Events team is made up of passionate business event professionals who embrace change and are agile and diverse. We design, drive, execute, and measure live and digital events targeting members, customers, partners, and prospects to deliver business results. This highly visible role is an integral part of PCMA’s team, based at our headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

About the role

The Manager, Events & Experiences will lead one or more events within PCMA's North American portfolio from initial planning through flawless on-site execution. Reporting to the Director, Events & Experiences, this role ensures event success and maximizes impact by enhancing participant experiences and driving business results. Collaboration with internal departments, external stakeholders, and service providers is key to executing events that align with PCMA's vision and goals. This hands-on role requires project management, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration to translate strategic direction into flawless execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of assigned events, focusing on target communities and managing resources to achieve KPIs while adhering to budgetary constraints.
• Manage all logistical aspects of events, including designing programs tailored to event professionals, enhancing attendee experiences, and ensuring seamless execution.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and agencies to ensure optimal value and cost-effectiveness.
• Foster cross-collaboration among internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate efforts and ensure seamless event execution.
• Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, from conceptualization to post-event evaluation, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved.
• Manage event resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to maximize effectiveness and minimize costs while maintaining high quality.
• Develop and manage budgets for assigned events, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and providing timely reporting and reconciliation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of events management and/or marketing experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Financial acumen and experience setting and managing budgets.
• Strong planning skills and attention to detail.
• Experience utilizing AI tools to create efficiencies in project management.
• Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional stakeholders, both internal and external, to accomplish event objectives.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, prioritize workload, and deliver with urgency.
• Data-driven mindset focused on setting and measuring KPIs and pipeline targets.
• Flexible and agile, with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in both digital and in-person event environments, with knowledge of managing internal and external production teams.
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and driving clarity for the team.
• High integrity, excellent judgment, and strong relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the time as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform work using a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to pull or push objects of varying weights.
• Fine motor manipulation (e.g., grasping objects).
• Ability to travel by air or ground transportation.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.