NexlintoEvent Planning Manager
Company : Stryker
Location : Wilmington, IL, 60481
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 17 February 2026
Job Description
The Event Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of events from concept to completion. This role manages logistics, budgets, vendors, and event teams to ensure successful, high-quality experiences that meet organizational goals. The ideal candidate is highly organized, creative, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects in fast-paced environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate, and execute events such as conferences, meetings, corporate functions, and special programs
- Develop event timelines, schedules, and project plans to ensure smooth execution
- Manage event budgets, track expenses, and ensure cost efficiency
- Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with vendors, venues, and service providers
- Coordinate logistics including transportation, catering, equipment, and materials
- Lead and supervise event staff, volunteers, and support teams
- Ensure events meet brand standards, quality expectations, and organizational objectives
- Conduct site visits and oversee on-site event operations
- Identify potential risks and implement contingency plans
- Evaluate event success through feedback, reporting, and performance metrics
Success Factors:
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Excellent leadership and team coordination skills
- Creative problem-solving and adaptability under pressure
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality execution
- Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively
Required Skills:
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with event management software and productivity tools
- Budget planning and financial tracking abilities
- Project management and logistics coordination expertise
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or travel as needed
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or related field preferred
- 3+ years of experience in event planning or program coordination
- Experience managing large-scale or multi-day events preferred
- Professional certification in event planning is a plus
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and move for extended periods during events
- Capability to lift or transport event materials up to 30 lbs
- Ability to travel and work on-site at event locations
Work Environment:
Hybrid work environment involving office planning time and on-site event execution. The role may require travel, extended hours during event periods, and coordination with multiple teams, vendors, and stakeholders in dynamic settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Wilmington's event scene, managers often leverage local vendor relationships to secure competitive rates, balancing quality with budget constraints. This involves thorough contract reviews and strategic negotiation to ensure cost efficiency without compromising event standards, a key skill for event planning professionals aiming to excel in this area.
Certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) are highly valued in Illinois' corporate event sector. They demonstrate advanced knowledge and commitment to quality, helping planners stand out amid competitive hiring in the Wilmington area’s event management market.
Effective leadership in event planning hinges on clear communication, adaptability, and the ability to delegate tasks efficiently. Managing diverse teams across simultaneous projects requires foresight, conflict resolution skills, and motivating staff to align with tight deadlines and high-quality standards.
Daily activities often include developing event timelines, coordinating with vendors, managing budgets, and overseeing on-site logistics. Prioritizing tasks, problem-solving unexpected challenges, and ensuring brand alignment are critical to maintaining smooth operations and successful event execution.
Growth can involve advancing to senior managerial roles, specializing in niche event types, or expanding into corporate communications. Wilmington’s growing business community offers chances to build a diverse portfolio, with experience in hybrid event formats enhancing career prospects.
Stryker emphasizes innovation and quality, expecting Event Planning Managers to reflect these through meticulous event execution, vendor partnerships aligned with ethical standards, and creating memorable experiences that reinforce corporate identity and stakeholder engagement.
Handling extended events demands advanced logistical planning, continuous team coordination, and proactive risk management. At Stryker, this includes ensuring consistent brand messaging, managing fatigue among staff, and adapting quickly to evolving circumstances over several days.
Wilmington exhibits moderate demand for skilled event planners, with competition influenced by local industries and corporate events frequency. Job seekers benefit from honing specialized skills and certifications to differentiate themselves in this steady but selective market.
Salaries typically range between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and event scale. Corporate sectors such as healthcare often offer competitive pay aligned with complex event demands, making Wilmington a promising location for event planning professionals.
Stryker favors robust event software platforms that facilitate budget tracking, vendor management, and timeline creation. Familiarity with tools like Cvent or Eventbrite enhances efficiency, allowing managers to handle complex logistics seamlessly within hybrid work environments.