Event Marketing Specialist- Distribution

The Event Marketing Specialist is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of high-profile corporate events that strengthen company culture, recognize top performance, and support executive engagement. This role manages all aspects of event planning from concept development through post-event analysis while ensuring exceptional attendee experiences, fiscal responsibility, and flawless execution.

The Event Marketing Specialist as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, executive leadership, third-party partners, hotels, venues, destination management companies, and vendors to deliver world-class events that align with business objectives and brand standards.

This role will sit in our Chicago, IL (Morton Grove) Location. While the position is designated as onsite, there is some flexibility to work from home a few days a month. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of domestic and international corporate meetings, incentive trips, recognition programs, leadership meetings, and special events.
• Develop event strategies that align with company objectives, budgets, and participant experience goals.
• Create detailed project timelines, workback schedules, and communication plans to ensure successful execution.
• Research destinations, venues, and suppliers to identify innovative event solutions.
• Manage large-scale, multi-day events from initial concept through final execution.
• Oversee venue sourcing, contract negotiations, room blocks, meeting space requirements, food and beverage planning, transportation, entertainment, décor, audiovisual production, and event logistics.
• Coordinate registration processes, attendee communications, VIP management, and onsite operations.
• Develop contingency plans and proactively manage operational risks.
• Partner with senior executives and internal leadership to understand business objectives and incorporate them into event programming.
• Coordinate executive presentations, recognition ceremonies, leadership meetings, and special VIP experiences.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for executive attendees and key stakeholders before and during events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with hotels, destination management companies, production companies, transportation providers, entertainment partners, and other vendors.
• Lead RFP development and venue sourcing initiatives.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing to maximize value while maintaining exceptional quality and service.
• Manage vendor performance before, during, and after events.
• Develop and manage event budgets ranging from small meetings to large-scale corporate programs.
• Monitor expenditures, forecast costs, reconcile final billing, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement and financial policies.
• Plan and execute employee recognition and incentive travel programs that celebrate organizational achievements.
• Coordinate awards presentations, themed events, farewell dinners, and unique attendee experiences.
• Create memorable moments that reinforce company culture and employee engagement.
• Work closely with Marketing, Communications, HR, Sales, Finance, Procurement, and Executive Leadership to ensure successful event delivery.
• Coordinate creative assets, branding, printed materials, signage, gifts, and promotional items.
• Manage external agencies and creative partners throughout the planning process.
• Lead onsite event operations and act as the primary decision-maker during programs.
• Manage event staff, volunteers, vendors, and production teams.
• Resolve issues quickly while maintaining a high level of professionalism and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure seamless execution of all program elements from arrival through departure.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and analyze attendee feedback.
• Identify opportunities to improve future programs and enhance participant experiences.
• Maintain best practices in event management, hospitality trends, and industry innovations.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of corporate event planning experience, including large-scale meetings and incentive travel
• Manage international events and executive-level programs.
• Strong contract negotiation and vendor management experience.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Proficiency with event management technology, Microsoft Office Suite, and registration platforms.

What's in it for you? 

The perks of being a Bunzl team member don’t stop at being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future.

• Bunzl salary range for this role is $70,000 - $90,000 based on education, experience and location
• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
• 401K with generous company match
• Additional benefit information can be found on the Bunzl Careers home page under Benefits and Perks. 
• Bunzl accepts ongoing applications until the position is filled.

Bunzl is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to exceed $10 billion in sales. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunzl North America operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 10,000 team members and over 400,000 supplies, Bunzl is recognized as a leading supplier across North America—and proudly certified as a Great Place to Work®. At Bunzl, you’ll find Unlimited Potential… your career, our future.

Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.