Conference Senior Coordinator

Smithbucklin is a well-established employee-owned professional services company with over 650 employees and more than 70 years of success in serving the association market. Headquartered in Chicago and Washington, D.C., Smithbucklin specializes in providing comprehensive solutions to associations, offering expertise in event management, strategic planning, and other professional services. The company's culture is built on optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, empowering every team member to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results for their clients. Smithbucklin operates with a collaborative spirit and a deep commitment to client success, creating an environment where innovation and professional growth are highly encouraged.

The Event Services unit at Smithbucklin focuses on managing meetings, conferences, events, and trade shows on a global scale. With a team of skilled meeting professionals, the unit handles every detail of client events to ensure seamless execution, enjoyable experiences for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors, and successful outcomes aligned with client objectives. This unit plays a critical role in supporting client organizations by delivering tailored event strategies and comprehensive logistical management from planning through execution.

The Event Services Conference Senior Coordinator role within Smithbucklin's Event Services unit is a key position based in either the Washington, D.C. or Chicago office. This full-time role commands a salary range of $74,000 to $80,000 for Chicago and $78,000 to $84,000 for Washington, D.C., reflecting factors such as experience, training, and certifications.

As a Conference Senior Coordinator, you will lead the overall delivery of meetings and events for a portfolio of clients, acting as a specialist in meeting planning and execution. The role involves developing and implementing effective event strategies, managing project timelines, budgets, and cross-team coordination. You will be accountable for all facets of event delivery, including financial oversight, team supervision, supplier relationships, and on-site event execution. From selecting venues and managing housing blocks to coordinating audiovisual requirements and ensuring top-notch food and beverage services, this role requires a proactive and detail-oriented approach.

In addition to managing event logistics, the Conference Senior Coordinator collaborates closely with client leaders and internal teams such as Education and Marketing to align event programming and staging with overall client goals. They also lead RFP processes for third-party suppliers, oversee special events, networking sessions, and volunteer committees, and manage risk and VIP services during onsite event delivery.

The position encourages creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement, inviting the Conference Senior Coordinator to seek opportunities to enhance processes and performance. This role involves regular travel—up to 25% domestically and internationally—and may require occasional overtime and weekend work to attend events and meetings.

Smithbucklin offers a hybrid work environment with office days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday and promotes a supportive, respectful workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a 100% employee-owned company, team members share ownership stakes, contributing to a collective mission to build a great, enduring company. Working at Smithbucklin means joining a vibrant community of smart, hardworking professionals who are committed to mutual growth and success while enjoying competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.