Associate Event Manager

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Date: May 26, 2026

Location: US, Chicago , Virtual , United States, NOAM

Company: BCD

About Us:

At BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E), we provide more than meeting and event planning services: we create connections that inspire, motivate and change behavior for our customers. As the world’s most trusted and innovative meetings and events agency, BCD M&E cultivates a culture of people, passion and purpose to drive business forward. 

 

Headquartered in Chicago, with locations in 60+ countries across the world, BCD M&E’s team of 2,000+ people are committed to sustainability and driving success for our customers, our business and ourselves. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we look for people that want to be a part of something special, can rise to our standards and love to bring their unique perspective to the table.

 

While we can’t guarantee every day will be the best (who can?), we can promise a community of people who genuinely care and lead with empathy, a flexible workplace with awesome perks and challenging work that means something. 

 

See what life is about at BCD M&E at bcdme.com/careers

 

About the Role

 

Join The Collective, the fast-moving creative agency arm of BCD Meetings & Events, as an Associate Event Manager and help bring standout events to life. In this role, you’ll support high-end incentives, meetings, conferences, and special events while building your project management and onsite operations expertise. You’ll work closely with clients, internal teams, hotels, and vendors to keep programs running smoothly from planning through execution. If you’re energized by fast pivots, smart teamwork, and creating memorable experiences, you’ll fit right in.

 

You’re Good At

  • Supporting event planning and operations for meetings, incentives, conferences, trade shows, and special events
  • Managing timelines, budgets, project details, and team coordination across multiple programs at once
  • Building trust with clients, suppliers, and internal partners through clear, professional communication
  • Staying organized under pressure, solving problems quickly, and knowing when to escalate issues
  • Using tools like Microsoft Excel, Cvent, SmartSheets, QuickBooks, and other event tech to keep projects on track

 

You Might Also Have

  • 2+ years of experience in event operations, hotel operations, or a DMC environment
  • Hands-on onsite event experience across different types of programs and roles
  • A bachelor’s degree, ideally in Hospitality or Event Planning
  • Familiarity with registration platforms, event apps, or web-related event tools
  • Availability to travel 30%–50% and, if based in Chicago, work in the downtown office Tuesday through Thursday for the first 6 months

 

You Should Know

  • This role is virtual, operating on Eastern or Central Standard business hours
  • This role requires up to 50% travel annually, both international and domestic 

 

THE PERKS

 

Flexible Working
We believe that a flexible working environment is key to getting the best out of our teams. We will support you to work where you need to and when you need to, depending on how you work best.

 

Room to Grow
Our line of work and business structure challenge our people in a way that inspires growth, with learning and development built into every role. We give individuals ownership over the direction and speed in which they grow.

 

Everyone has a voice
We thrive on conversations that spark curiosity and empathy. No matter how big or how small, every voice is heard, considered and respected.

 

Make your move
The diversity of roles across BCD M&E’s global locations means that our people often find new adventures during their time with us. Join us as a meeting planner role in the UK, stay for a global marketing career — there’s always room to move.

 

We’ve got you covered
Our extensive benefits include comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, continued education support, diverse work locations, travel and hotel discounts, volunteer and sustainability opportunities and a successful employee recognition program.

 

We’re positive. You’ll love it.
It starts from the top. Our leaders lead with positivity, believe in our people and trust us to do the right thing. There will always be support along your journey, in little and big ways.

 

Travel requirements for this role are as follows:25% to 50% 

We carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors, including your professional background and experience. The salary range for candidates in applicable jurisdictions in the US for the position of Associate Event Manager  is between $55,000 - $65,000. The actual pay depends on your skills, qualifications, experience, geographical location, and project budget.

 

 

 

 

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