Manager, Event Experiences

Institute of Food Technologists • Chicago, IL

1d • $85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Manager, Event Experiences is responsible for planning, managing, and executing a broad portfolio of IFT event experiences with a strong focus on IFT FIRST annual event and expo. This role serves as a central integrator across departments, partners, international contacts, and executive-level stakeholders to ensure cohesive, high-quality attendee, exhibitor, student, and virtual experiences. The position oversees major components of program and experience developmentincluding strategy integration, master scheduling, content readiness, attendee engagement, onsite and virtual experience execution, media relations support, and select high-touch event elements such as ribbon cutting, decision-maker gatherings, and executive roundtables. Success in this role requires exceptional project leadership, the ability to coordinate across multiple teams, strong communication skills, comfort owning complex event-experience workflows, and the ability to manage both long-range strategic planning and real-time on-site execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or equivalent
• 5+ years of experience or demonstrated competency in meetings or exhibit management
• 5+ years of experience or demonstrated competency in project management
• 5+ years of experience or demonstrated competency in using and managing database systems and event technology
• Occasional domestic travel is expected including the ability to attend occasional evening, weekend, and overnight meetings

Nice To Haves

• Experience with a health or scientific organization
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation
• Prior experience in hotel or tradeshow management
• Prior experience in association meetings and events

Responsibilities

• Leads integration of Section events into IFTs broader event strategy, ensuring alignment, consistency, and shared standards.
• Serves as the IFT staff lead for all non-FIRST internal and staff-focused events, managing logistics, timelines, and cross-functional coordination.
• Oversees planning and execution of leadership focused dinners, gatherings, and other small-format high-value experiences.
• Leads development, maintenance, and communication of the master schedule and program agenda for IFT FIRST.
• Coordinates IFT FIRST expo hall tours, collaborating with internal teams, partners, and VIP stakeholders.
• Serves as primary IFT FIRST international liaison, supporting global delegations, partners, and associations.
• Develops and executes strategies for attendee engagement, including pre-event and onsite programming touchpoints.
• Oversees planning and production of the IFT FIRST ribbon-cutting ceremony, working closely with executive and communications teams.
• Acts as the website content lead for event-related pages, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely updates.
• Leads strategy, structure, and updates for the event app, coordinating with vendors and internal teams.
• Serves as point of contact for IFT FIRST student experience initiative, ensuring cohesive programming and support.
• Manages IFT FIRST virtual experience execution, including run-of-show development, platform coordination, and technical requirements.
• Provides media relations support, coordinating with communications staff to align messaging and experience design.
• Oversees event production management, including stage programming, run-of-show logistics, and vendor coordination.
• Plans and manages the content curation committee meeting, ensuring logistics, documentation, and stakeholder coordination.

Benefits

• IFT offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to reward and energize our employees, so they can live a balanced life and maintain their well-being.
• We offer medical, dental, and vision plans at affordable rates.
• Life and Long Term Disability insurance is completely free to all employees.
• Most benefits begin the first of the month following employees start date.

What This Job Offers

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