Meeting Event Manager

Overview

Tangerine M/E is looking for a Meeting Event Manager who can make demanding meetings and events feel smooth, organized, and high impact. The team works as a strategic partner to clients, delivering disciplined execution from start to finish. This is a people-first environment that values doing the right thing, taking ownership, building strong client relationships, and keeping a positive mindset while delivering excellent results.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys a fast-moving setting, pays close attention to detail, and brings energy, accountability, and creative problem-solving to every program.

Role Summary

As the Meeting Event Manager, you will own assigned programs end to end rather than simply support them. You will act as the main client contact and be responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, and reconciling meetings and events with a strong focus on quality, financial control, and client satisfaction.

The position combines client leadership, operational delivery, and budget responsibility.

Client Leadership

• Act as the main day-to-day contact for assigned clients and programs.
• Run planning discussions, build confidence with clients, and help guide decisions early.
• Turn client objectives into practical event plans and attendee experiences.
• Identify risks or issues ahead of time and resolve them before they escalate.

Program Planning and Execution

• Coordinate meetings, incentive programs, and conferences from initial planning through completion.
• Create detailed project plans, schedules, and run-of-show materials.
• Manage logistics such as venue selection, food and beverage, AV/production, transportation, and staffing.
• Oversee on-site delivery to ensure attendees have a seamless experience.

Budget and Financial Management

• Build and manage event budgets, often in the range of $500K to $3M+.
• Monitor spend, forecast changes, and help protect program margins.
• Share budget updates, scope changes, and financial risks with clients and internal teams as needed.
• Review and approve vendor invoices and complete post-event budget reconciliation.
• Look for savings and efficiencies without reducing the quality of the experience.

Vendor and Partner Management

• Lead sourcing, negotiation, and contracting with hotels and other key suppliers.
• Develop strong partner relationships to secure added value and concessions where possible.
• Ensure all vendor deliverables align with the program goals and Tangerine’s standards.

Registration and Attendee Experience

• Oversee registration strategy and delivery using Cvent or similar tools.
• Maintain accuracy in registration data and reporting.
• Work closely with the attendee experience team to improve every guest touchpoint.

Teamwork and Leadership

• Collaborate with internal production, registration, and operations teams.
• Mentor and support junior colleagues when needed.
• Help with staffing plans and delegate work effectively.

Operational Excellence

• Follow company SOPs, tools, and best practices consistently.
• Contribute ideas that improve processes and support scalable operations.
• Track program performance and report key metrics.

Success Factors

Success in this position means clients trust you and want to work with you again, events feel effortless despite complex behind-the-scenes work, budgets stay controlled, timelines are met, and details are handled thoroughly. It also means you help raise the performance of the wider team.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience planning corporate or agency meetings and events.
• Proven ability to manage an entire program lifecycle independently.
• Strong understanding of event finances and budget management.
• Excellent client communication and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage several programs at once in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Cvent, including Registration, App, or Passkey, is strongly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• CMP certification or an equivalent meeting-planning credential.
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotech, or large corporate programs.
• Background in sourcing, contracting, and hotel negotiations.
• Prior experience in a third-party agency setting.

Location and Travel

This is a remote role, with preference for candidates based in Illinois or Wisconsin to support collaboration and time-zone alignment. The position requires approximately 25% to 30% domestic travel for on-site program execution.

Why Tangerine

Tangerine positions itself as a strategic event partner for high-stakes programs, combining strong agency-level precision with a people-first culture. The company offers the chance to work on meaningful programs for leading brands, develop alongside a collaborative and driven team, and have your ideas and contributions recognized.