Event Manager

Wichita, KS, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $54,996.00 - $60,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

401(k) matching

employee discount

flexible schedule

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Job Description

The American Bonanza Society (ABS) is a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Beechcraft aircraft enthusiasts. With a passionate community of over 10,000 members who own, fly, or have a keen interest in various Beechcraft models, ABS provides valuable safety, technical, and educational resources that help deepen members' knowledge and enjoyment of their aircraft. The Society not only fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm among members, but it also actively supports advocacy efforts to enhance safety standards and promote the general welfare of the Beechcraft community. Located in Wichita, Kansas, ABS has established itself as an important pillar for Beechcraft owners and aviation aficionados through engaging content, interactive forums, and well-organized events tailored to their unique interests.

As a dedicated membership organization, ABS values strong community engagement and provides its members with a rich array of events designed to facilitate networking, learning, and celebrating their shared passion for Beechcraft aircraft. These events range from smaller regional meetings to large conferences and trade shows, each planned to deliver exceptional member experiences and strengthen loyalty. The Society aims to create lasting outcomes for members by ensuring access to expert knowledge, innovative solutions to aviation challenges, and unforgettable in-person gatherings.

The Event Manager role at ABS is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution. This salaried position offers between $55,000 and $60,000 annually and is based in Wichita, KS. The role requires a vibrant, detail-oriented professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and can successfully manage complex logistics to produce seamless events. The Event Manager will be the face of ABS onsite, ensuring that each event reflects ABS’s commitment to member satisfaction and organizational excellence. Candidates will need to demonstrate proven experience in event management, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to nurture relationships with venues, vendors, sponsors, and partners.

The successful applicant will coordinate everything from venue selection and registration management to onsite production and post-event follow-up. This includes leading the RFP process, contract negotiations, budget development, staffing, audiovisual coordination, catering, signage, transportation, and merchandise management. This hands-on position requires excellent project management skills, adaptability, and the capacity to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Strong communication and organizational abilities are essential as is the willingness to travel regularly—up to 12 events per year—often requiring evening and weekend work. Travel demands include the ability to travel by air, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds. The Event Manager will contribute significantly to sustaining member engagement and advancing ABS’s mission by delivering memorable, professional events that enhance community value and participant satisfaction. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates passionate about event marketing, hospitality, and aviation communities to apply their expertise in a meaningful and impactful way.

Job Requirements

3+ years of event planning or event operations experience
Comfort with event tech tools
Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts and managing budgets
Strong organizational and project management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and problem solve
Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends
Ability to travel by air, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Authorization to work in the United States

Job Qualifications

3+ years of event planning or event operations experience (nonprofit, membership org, corporate, or association preferred)
Comfort with event tech tools (registration platforms, spreadsheets, basic A/V coordination)
Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts and managing budgets
Strong organizational and project management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently, problem solve quickly and make decisions under pressure
Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as required by event schedules
Ability to travel by air, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation)
Valid U.S. driver’s license and authorization to work in the United States
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field (preferred)
Experience supporting events in a trade show or conference setting (preferred)
Familiarity with aviation, membership organizations, and/or volunteer-driven events (preferred)
Basic graphic/signage creation, coordination, and event communications experience (preferred)
Experience with event registration platforms such as iMIS, Cvent or similar systems (preferred)

Job Duties

Lead end-to-end planning and execution of all ABS in-person events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and member value
Own venue sourcing and selection, manage RFP processes, negotiate terms, and oversee hotel room blocks and vendor agreements
Manage registration systems, attendee communications, and member inquiries from launch through post-event follow-up
Coordinate all event logistics including A/V, catering, room setup, signage, transportation, materials production, and onsite production schedules
Serve as ABS’s lead onsite, directing event operations, resolving issues in real time, and ensuring a consistent member experience
Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses, reconcile invoices, and complete financial reporting
Distribute post-event surveys, compile performance metrics, and recommend improvements for future events
Merchandise procurement and management to sell online and at events
Other duties as assigned