We are looking for an experienced event management specialist to support a high-volume corporate meetings and events function in Columbus, Ohio. This Long-term Contract position is suited for someone who can lead multiple programs at once, communicate confidently with senior stakeholders, and deliver high-quality event experiences from initial planning through final reconciliation. The role requires a hands-on approach, strong organizational judgment, and a consistent focus on compliance, logistics, and attendee experience in a fully in-office environment with occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, and travel.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning and execution of several corporate meetings, conferences, and special events simultaneously, overseeing each phase from concept development to post-event wrap-up.
- Build and maintain event budgets, monitor spend, support approval processes, and complete financial reconciliation and reporting after each program.
- Research venues and suppliers, coordinate sourcing activities, assist with contract and hotel arrangements, and help manage vendor negotiations in line with company standards.
- Organize event logistics such as travel, ground transportation, audiovisual needs, catering, décor, staffing, materials shipping, and on-site event support.
- Create detailed project timelines and tracking documents, ensuring business partners and external providers remain aligned on milestones, deliverables, and deadlines.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to shape event strategy, improve the attendee experience, and translate business objectives into well-executed programs.
- Oversee invitation and registration support, including website input, testing coordination, attendee tracking, and related communications.
- Identify potential risks early, escalate concerns when needed, and ensure all event activities follow established procedures, compliance expectations, and control requirements.
- At least 6 years of event planning experience with a demonstrated record of managing full-service programs from kickoff through closeout.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects at the same time while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and strong attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the confidence to work effectively with executives, business partners, and cross-functional teams.
- Experience handling budgets, invoices, reporting, reconciliation, and other event-related administrative and financial tasks.
- Working knowledge of vendor coordination, logistics planning, travel arrangements, registration processes, and on-site event execution.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, along with comfort using event tracking and reporting tools.
- Availability to work fully on site in Westerville, Ohio, with flexibility for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and business travel as needed.