Event Manager, Corporate Event Planning

Riverside, CA, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid holidays
sick leave
401(k) with employer match
short term disability
long term disability
Life insurance
Paid certifications
Paid industry memberships

Job Description

Cohera is a distinguished destination management company formed from the successful merger of 360 Destination Group and CSI DMC, uniting decades of comprehensive experience in destination management under one reputable name. Renowned for its commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence, Cohera specializes in crafting unique and customized event experiences that consistently exceed client expectations. As a prominent player in the corporate events sector, the company employs a client-centric approach to design and execute memorable events that leave lasting impressions. This approach is supported by a team of passionate and skilled professionals dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and experiences to their clients across various destinations.

Located in Palm Springs, Cohera is seeking a dynamic and hospitality-oriented individual to join their team as an Event Manager. This role focuses on orchestrating a variety of corporate events, ranging from themed seminars such as carnival-inspired gatherings to vibrant Latin nightclub receptions, reflecting the diverse and exciting nature of events that Cohera produces. The Event Manager will work alongside a team of equally enthusiastic professionals who share a passion for creating memorable and impactful experiences. This position is a full-time role offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience and includes eligibility for performance-based incentives related to program size and profitability.

The Event Manager position at Cohera encompasses comprehensive event management responsibilities, including contracting, detailed planning, budgeting, logistics management, and on-site execution of assigned programs. A critical part of the role is to serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process and during the event, ensuring seamless communication and client satisfaction. The Event Manager will oversee programs from initiation to post-event follow-up, maintaining strict adherence to budgets, timelines, and company standards while ensuring profitability and client retention.

In addition to managing individual events, the role involves operational site inspections, planning visits, and coordination with various stakeholders such as vendors, local leadership, and internal teams across sales, design, and finance. The Event Manager is expected to be flexible and available on-site during program dates to address any real-time challenges and ensure successful event delivery. They will also be tasked with fostering strong client relationships, generating upsell opportunities, and identifying innovative solutions to enhance event experiences.

Cohera supports its employees through an excellent benefits package, including health insurance covering medical, vision, and dental plans, discretionary paid time off, paid holidays, paid sick leave, employer-matched 401(k), company-paid disability insurance, and life insurance. Additionally, the company offers paid certifications, industry memberships, and professional development opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to employee growth and satisfaction. The Event Manager will also engage in training, networking, and industry representation activities, further solidifying Cohera's position as a leader in the destination management industry.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Six or more years of progressive event management experience
  • Three years of experience in the DMC industry
  • Proven ability to manage multi-day events and client portfolios
  • Strong budgeting and forecasting skills
  • Exceptional leadership capabilities
  • Experience in contract negotiation and vendor management
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to multitask and make decisions under pressure
  • Willingness to travel
  • Able to perform administrative work and ambulatory movement within office and event spaces
  • Occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds
  • Capable of working in environments with low noise and occasional exposure to fumes
  • Committed to accuracy and following company policies and procedures
  • Flexible with overtime work and fast-paced environments
  • Acts with honesty and integrity

Job Qualifications

  • Six or more years of progressive event management experience in a DMC, agency, or hospitality environment
  • Three years of event management experience specifically in the DMC industry
  • Proven track record managing multi-day events and client portfolios
  • Deep understanding of DMC industry operations and client lifecycle
  • Expert knowledge in budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis
  • Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills
  • Advanced contract negotiation and vendor management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strategic thinker capable of translating vision into actionable plans
  • Strong executive communication and presentation abilities
  • High proficiency in multitasking, decision-making, and navigating ambiguity
  • Skilled in relationship-building with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders
  • Solutions-oriented independent and team player
  • Ability to travel by vehicle or airplane to other Cohera offices

Job Duties

  • Lead all phases of event management including contracting, planning, budgeting, logistics, and on-site execution
  • Serve as the primary client contact throughout the planning process and event duration
  • Conduct operational site inspections, planning visits, and walkthroughs
  • Manage production of event materials such as diagrams, manifests, run-of-show documents, schedules, permitting, and vendor confirmations
  • Track costs, manage P&L, oversee billing with financial team to ensure profitability
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships through communication and problem-solving
  • Collaborate with sales, strategic accounts, design, and vendors to ensure cohesive program delivery
  • Communicate event success and best practices to local leadership and teams
  • Support training efforts by sharing best practices and knowledge
  • Oversee part-time event staff and manage vendor contracts and quality
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local venues, transportation, entertainment, and restaurants
  • Conduct post-event debriefs and provide vendor performance feedback
  • Participate in FAMs, hotel partner outings, and industry functions
  • Work with staffing coordinator on field staff assignments
  • Travel to assist support across different destinations

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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