Event Marketing Specialist- Distribution

Bunzl Distribution NA • Morton Grove, IL

5d • $70,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Event Marketing Specialist is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of high-profile corporate events that strengthen company culture, recognize top performance, and support executive engagement. This role manages all aspects of event planning from concept development through post-event analysis while ensuring exceptional attendee experiences, fiscal responsibility, and flawless execution. The Event Marketing Specialist acts as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, executive leadership, third-party partners, hotels, venues, destination management companies, and vendors to deliver world-class events that align with business objectives and brand standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of corporate event planning experience, including large-scale meetings and incentive travel
• Manage international events and executive-level programs.
• Strong contract negotiation and vendor management experience.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Proficiency with event management technology, Microsoft Office Suite, and registration platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of domestic and international corporate meetings, incentive trips, recognition programs, leadership meetings, and special events.
• Develop event strategies that align with company objectives, budgets, and participant experience goals.
• Create detailed project timelines, workback schedules, and communication plans to ensure successful execution.
• Research destinations, venues, and suppliers to identify innovative event solutions.
• Manage large-scale, multi-day events from initial concept through final execution.
• Oversee venue sourcing, contract negotiations, room blocks, meeting space requirements, food and beverage planning, transportation, entertainment, décor, audiovisual production, and event logistics.
• Coordinate registration processes, attendee communications, VIP management, and onsite operations.
• Develop contingency plans and proactively manage operational risks.
• Partner with senior executives and internal leadership to understand business objectives and incorporate them into event programming.
• Coordinate executive presentations, recognition ceremonies, leadership meetings, and special VIP experiences.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for executive attendees and key stakeholders before and during events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hotels, destination management companies, production companies, transportation providers, entertainment partners, and other vendors.
• Lead RFP development and venue sourcing initiatives.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing to maximize value while maintaining exceptional quality and service.
• Manage vendor performance before, during, and after events.
• Develop and manage event budgets ranging from small meetings to large-scale corporate programs.
• Monitor expenditures, forecast costs, reconcile final billing, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement and financial policies.
• Plan and execute employee recognition and incentive travel programs that celebrate organizational achievements.
• Coordinate awards presentations, themed events, farewell dinners, and unique attendee experiences.
• Create memorable moments that reinforce company culture and employee engagement.
• Work closely with Marketing, Communications, HR, Sales, Finance, Procurement, and Executive Leadership to ensure successful event delivery.
• Coordinate creative assets, branding, printed materials, signage, gifts, and promotional items.
• Manage external agencies and creative partners throughout the planning process.
• Lead onsite event operations and act as the primary decision-maker during programs.
• Manage event staff, volunteers, vendors, and production teams.
• Resolve issues quickly while maintaining a high level of professionalism and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure seamless execution of all program elements from arrival through departure.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and analyze attendee feedback.
• Identify opportunities to improve future programs and enhance participant experiences.
• Maintain best practices in event management, hospitality trends, and industry innovations.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
• 401K with generous company match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level