Event Planner

Lions International • Oak Brook, IL

6d • $80,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lions International is seeking an Event Planner to join its Convention team. The role plans, coordinates, and executes the logistical elements of the annual international convention, educational seminars, and key organizational meetings. It combines creative event planning with operational oversight of convention center and arena operations, catering, AV production, freight management, exhibit hall services, temporary staffing, and special projects.

The Event Planner helps deliver the six-day international convention for 12,000–18,000 attendees, working with internal teams and external partners to create an experience for Lions members from around the world. The position also supports senior leaders, manages vendor relationships and agreements, and works with the department manager on budgeting and forecasting. The role may require international travel of approximately 30 days annually and participation in calls outside normal business hours due to the international nature of the convention.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, public relations, business, event planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least five years of experience in meeting planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a convention center or convention hotel setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel as needed, including approximately 30 days of international travel annually.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• International convention and trade show experience.
• Experience managing international events with more than 10,000 attendees is strongly preferred.
• CEM or CMP designation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the annual international convention and its logistical requirements in collaboration with the team.
• Develop and maintain detailed RFPs for services including AV, general service contractors, translation, freight logistics, and printing; evaluate bids and negotiate with potential vendors.
• Evaluate convention center and arena venues and determine use of space for general sessions, seminars, catered functions, registration, and exhibit halls.
• Support menu planning for large-scale catering, considering a global audience and diverse dietary requirements.
• Review, negotiate, and manage vendor and service-provider agreements.
• Communicate and maintain accurate event project timelines for internal and external partners.
• Keep projects on schedule and within budget; check team tasks and workload to support successful delivery.
• Provide responsive support to senior leaders during event planning and execution.
• Conduct and attend status meetings with client and project teams throughout planning, event operations, and ongoing programs.
• Conduct and attend pre- and post-event briefings with suppliers and facility providers, including calls outside normal business hours when needed.
• Work with the department manager on budgeting and forecasting, identifying ancillary opportunities and potential cost savings.
• Ensure payment and billing processes are completed accurately and in accordance with corporate policy.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned to support the team and event outcomes.

Benefits

• Three weeks paid time off.
• Flexible and hybrid work schedules, with two to three days per week in the office.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Reimbursable training.
• Casual dress.

What This Job Offers

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