{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"c0396af679e8854a0d1c391c","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c0396af679e8854a0d1c391c","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c0396af679e8854a0d1c391c","title":"Event Program Manager","description":"Position Overview\nThe Program Manager (PM) is responsible for managing and leading the client, leading the internal team, program planning, program execution, building client relationships, managing client financials and Creative Group cash flow, engaging suppliers with client priorities, and bringing creative solutions to our clients.\nThis position can be remote or hybrid with 2 days in office if local to Schaumburg, IL or Appleton, WI.\nResponsibilities\nClient:\nFunctions as the main client contact and works diligently to develop a strong relationship; and manages clients\nOffers client dynamic experiences using the i|xperience™ methodology, working in conjunction with Marketing; leads client by providing workable and creative solutions\nConsults with client to determine goals, needs, objectives, and expectations of the program\nRemains current and knowledgeable about the industry to provide the client with creative and compelling concepts\nUnderstands client/group idiosyncrasies and adapts Creative Group services, accordingly; in the case a client's request does not fit in the company's service offerings, consults with the Design & Innovations and/or the Account Executive\nSchedules and facilitates client planning and debrief meetings to evaluate program results\nIs accountable for successful program outcome\nProgram Operations:\nCollaborates with appropriate team members in internal kick-off, following program turnover from pre-sales to operations\nExecutes overall strategy and choreography of meetings and events\nLeads clients and other team members on operational site inspections\nNegotiates and manages supplier contracts, including deposits, attrition, concessions, guarantees, room blocks, and master accounts in conjunction with internal team members\nManages and works with hotel and supplier staff to exceed customer expectations. Provides best pricing, options, and program objectives. Maintains logistical accountability of meetings. Acts as liaison between customer, hotel, and all suppliers\nCreates and communicates all program specifications and program details and approve event orders\nOversees design, marketing concepts and promotional campaigns, copywriting, and budget specific to the program in conjunction with the Project Manager\nSends appropriate post-program correspondence to all stakeholders\nFinancial Management and Insights:\nManages client budget with a focus for client cost savings while maximizing revenue opportunities\nUnderstands and monitors estimated labor hours for team to maximize profit\nManages cost-savings, reconciliation, and invoicing\nLeadership:\nBe a sought-after partner, by building trust with clients, internal team, and external partners\nProvides confident leadership for the client, planning team, and company through all actions and to be able to successfully execute programs\nEstablishes, communicates, and monitors all timelines and budget parameters\nMentors Project Managers on an ongoing basis\nWorks with all internal departments (as applicable per program) for the successful execution of the program, such as: Travel Services, Creative Services, Technology Services, Registration Services, Merchandise, and Finance\nIs responsible for on-site program execution and direction of travel staff. Implements contingency plans as needed Troubleshoots and solves onsite problems seamlessly\nIs responsible for identifying and sharing best practices and process improvements company-wide\nGathers, shares, and applies learnings for continuous process improvement\nCan adapt and work successfully with any client, partner, and program\nSeek feedback, absorb, and act in the spirit of continuous personal development\nPerform other duties as assigned.\nMinimum Requirements/Qualifications:\nBachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning or a combination of education and work and experience is required\nMinimum of 4 years of experience in the Hospitality and/or group/individual performance industry, with at least 3 years of meeting planning experience\nProficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint\nKnowledgeable in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools\nCertification in Meeting Planner (CMP) is a plus\nWorking Conditions\nAbility and willingness to work extended workdays and possible weekends\nAccessible during acceptable working hours identified per project/program\nTravel may be required to oversee projects through execution\nFrequent use of a computer and other office equipment\nAbility to lift 20 lbs.\nFrequent sitting, standing, and walking\nAbility to adhere to hybrid office policy\nYour Benefits Onboard\nIn addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, Direct Travel/ATPI offers a Total Rewards Package including Retirement Plans, Wellness, Recognition, Sustainability, DE&I, and Mental Health support.\nOur Brand Voyage: About Direct Travel and Creative Group\nA subsidiary of Direct Travel, Creative Group designs global programs and experiences that reward excellence and inspire people to reach their full potential – we call it Thrivability. Creative Group is a full-service performance improvement company specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel, employee engagement and recognition, sales incentives and channel loyalty programs. Creative Group serves a client roster of Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries.\nEmbark on the next step in your career journey with Direct Travel!\nDirect Travel/ATPI is one of the fastest‑growing TMCs in the world. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative technology solutions, Direct Travel/ATPI enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. Direct Travel/ATPI has offices globally and is currently ranked among the top providers on Travel Weekly's Power List. For more information, visit https://www.dt.com/about-us/careers/.\nDirect Travel/ATPI is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer.\nIf you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel/ATPI.\n.\nRequirements:\nCollege degree preferred\nMinimum of (5) years of experience in event planning/operations and travel\nCVENT experience (minimum 2 years)\nQuick learner-gets up to speed on systems/processes\nExperience with client invoicing, vendor payments, and company credit card reconciliation\nHighly skilled in time management to facilitate involvement in multiple projects\nPossess strong verbal and written communication skills\nProficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Adobe, Teams\nKnowledgeable in video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools\nProfessional manner and appearance\nDemonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically to anticipate opportunities and challenges\nBe able to actively listen, have the capability to instill confidence in clients and colleagues, and present information with confidence\nMust be able to take direction and work well with others\nMust be able to concentrate and perform accurately while meeting applicable productivity measures\nMust be able to manage changes proactively and manage tasks as assigned\nMust be able to lawfully work within the US and have unrestricted work authorization for US\nCMP or other Industry Certification\nPrior experience working for a TMC\nStrategic thinker","company":"Creativegroup","rawCompany":"creativegroup","city":"Remote","state":"OR","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-04T20:38:40.445Z","occupations":[{"code":"13-1121.00","title":"Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners","slug":"meeting-convention-and-event-planners"},{"code":"13-1082.00","title":"Project Management Specialists","slug":"project-management-specialists"},{"code":"11-1021.00","title":"General and Operations Managers","slug":"general-and-operations-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"561920","title":"Convention and Trade Show Organizers","slug":"convention-and-trade-show-organizers"},{"code":"721110","title":"Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels","slug":"hotels-except-casino-hotels-and-motels"},{"code":"711320","title":"Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities","slug":"promoters-of-performing-arts-sports-and-similar-events-without-facilities"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Event Program Manager","description":"Position Overview\nThe Program Manager (PM) is responsible for managing and leading the client, leading the internal team, program planning, program execution, building client relationships, managing client financials and Creative Group cash flow, engaging suppliers with client priorities, and bringing creative solutions to our clients.\nThis position can be remote or hybrid with 2 days in office if local to Schaumburg, IL or Appleton, WI.\nResponsibilities\nClient:\nFunctions as the main client contact and works diligently to develop a strong relationship; and manages clients\nOffers client dynamic experiences using the i|xperience™ methodology, working in conjunction with Marketing; leads client by providing workable and creative solutions\nConsults with client to determine goals, needs, objectives, and expectations of the program\nRemains current and knowledgeable about the industry to provide the client with creative and compelling concepts\nUnderstands client/group idiosyncrasies and adapts Creative Group services, accordingly; in the case a client's request does not fit in the company's service offerings, consults with the Design & Innovations and/or the Account Executive\nSchedules and facilitates client planning and debrief meetings to evaluate program results\nIs accountable for successful program outcome\nProgram Operations:\nCollaborates with appropriate team members in internal kick-off, following program turnover from pre-sales to operations\nExecutes overall strategy and choreography of meetings and events\nLeads clients and other team members on operational site inspections\nNegotiates and manages supplier contracts, including deposits, attrition, concessions, guarantees, room blocks, and master accounts in conjunction with internal team members\nManages and works with hotel and supplier staff to exceed customer expectations. Provides best pricing, options, and program objectives. Maintains logistical accountability of meetings. Acts as liaison between customer, hotel, and all suppliers\nCreates and communicates all program specifications and program details and approve event orders\nOversees design, marketing concepts and promotional campaigns, copywriting, and budget specific to the program in conjunction with the Project Manager\nSends appropriate post-program correspondence to all stakeholders\nFinancial Management and Insights:\nManages client budget with a focus for client cost savings while maximizing revenue opportunities\nUnderstands and monitors estimated labor hours for team to maximize profit\nManages cost-savings, reconciliation, and invoicing\nLeadership:\nBe a sought-after partner, by building trust with clients, internal team, and external partners\nProvides confident leadership for the client, planning team, and company through all actions and to be able to successfully execute programs\nEstablishes, communicates, and monitors all timelines and budget parameters\nMentors Project Managers on an ongoing basis\nWorks with all internal departments (as applicable per program) for the successful execution of the program, such as: Travel Services, Creative Services, Technology Services, Registration Services, Merchandise, and Finance\nIs responsible for on-site program execution and direction of travel staff. Implements contingency plans as needed Troubleshoots and solves onsite problems seamlessly\nIs responsible for identifying and sharing best practices and process improvements company-wide\nGathers, shares, and applies learnings for continuous process improvement\nCan adapt and work successfully with any client, partner, and program\nSeek feedback, absorb, and act in the spirit of continuous personal development\nPerform other duties as assigned.\nMinimum Requirements/Qualifications:\nBachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning or a combination of education and work and experience is required\nMinimum of 4 years of experience in the Hospitality and/or group/individual performance industry, with at least 3 years of meeting planning experience\nProficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint\nKnowledgeable in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools\nCertification in Meeting Planner (CMP) is a plus\nWorking Conditions\nAbility and willingness to work extended workdays and possible weekends\nAccessible during acceptable working hours identified per project/program\nTravel may be required to oversee projects through execution\nFrequent use of a computer and other office equipment\nAbility to lift 20 lbs.\nFrequent sitting, standing, and walking\nAbility to adhere to hybrid office policy\nYour Benefits Onboard\nIn addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, Direct Travel/ATPI offers a Total Rewards Package including Retirement Plans, Wellness, Recognition, Sustainability, DE&I, and Mental Health support.\nOur Brand Voyage: About Direct Travel and Creative Group\nA subsidiary of Direct Travel, Creative Group designs global programs and experiences that reward excellence and inspire people to reach their full potential – we call it Thrivability. Creative Group is a full-service performance improvement company specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel, employee engagement and recognition, sales incentives and channel loyalty programs. Creative Group serves a client roster of Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries.\nEmbark on the next step in your career journey with Direct Travel!\nDirect Travel/ATPI is one of the fastest‑growing TMCs in the world. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative technology solutions, Direct Travel/ATPI enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. Direct Travel/ATPI has offices globally and is currently ranked among the top providers on Travel Weekly's Power List. For more information, visit https://www.dt.com/about-us/careers/.\nDirect Travel/ATPI is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer.\nIf you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel/ATPI.\n.\nRequirements:\nCollege degree preferred\nMinimum of (5) years of experience in event planning/operations and travel\nCVENT experience (minimum 2 years)\nQuick learner-gets up to speed on systems/processes\nExperience with client invoicing, vendor payments, and company credit card reconciliation\nHighly skilled in time management to facilitate involvement in multiple projects\nPossess strong verbal and written communication skills\nProficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Adobe, Teams\nKnowledgeable in video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools\nProfessional manner and appearance\nDemonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically to anticipate opportunities and challenges\nBe able to actively listen, have the capability to instill confidence in clients and colleagues, and present information with confidence\nMust be able to take direction and work well with others\nMust be able to concentrate and perform accurately while meeting applicable productivity measures\nMust be able to manage changes proactively and manage tasks as assigned\nMust be able to lawfully work within the US and have unrestricted work authorization for US\nCMP or other Industry Certification\nPrior experience working for a TMC\nStrategic thinker","datePosted":"2026-08-04T20:38:40.445Z","dateModified":"2026-08-04T20:38:40.445Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Creativegroup","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Remote","addressRegion":"OR","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"c0396af679e8854a0d1c391c"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c0396af679e8854a0d1c391c"}}