Senior Event Producer

Senior Event Producer

This is a hybrid role working on average 2 days per week in an office in downtown Chicago.

PRA is the market-leading business event management firm, delivering unique experiences that move hearts, minds and businesses forward. Blending Passion, Reach and Authenticity, PRA works collaboratively with clients to craft creative, multi-sensory attendee journeys to leave a lasting impression.

Summary

The Senior Event Producer supports the Regional Director of Events in staff development, program management, and budget compliance while collaborating closely with team members to ensure seamless event planning and execution. This role oversees the planning and delivery of high-profile, high-budget events, managing vendors, budgets, timelines, and on-site operations across all event elements. The Senior Event Producer is expected to exceed client expectations, uphold superior service standards, and contribute creative, solutions-oriented thinking within a team-driven environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage all phases of assigned programs, from pre-planning and client communication through on-site execution and post-event evaluation.
• Serves as the primary contact for the client during the pre-planning and operation of the client's program post-sale and ensures the expectations of the client are exceeded to promote client satisfaction and account retention
• Lead supplier negotiations, develop strong vendor relationships, and ensure favorable terms, service standards, and cost controls.
• Oversee event budgets, monitor margins, and drive cost efficiencies while maintaining service quality.
• Prepare and manage production documentation, including service agreements, timelines, job costing, invoices, and financial reports.
• Support the Regional Director in assigning programs and balancing producer workloads.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to Event Producers and field staff, offering guidance during pre-planning and on-site operations.
• Assist with recruitment, training, and evaluation of field staff; assign roles and responsibilities to support program delivery. Assist in building rosters of field staff and lead staff in secondary markets
• Participate in site inspections, planning visits, sales initiatives, and pre-conference meetings as needed.
• Support strategic discussions to maximize profitability and operational efficiency.
• Serve as an escalation point for client or program challenges, providing timely and effective solutions.
• Represent the company and its affiliated brands at industry functions.
• Assist with program operations at other Company-owned offices as needed.
• Lead multi-day, multi-element, and complex programs requiring advanced expertise.
• Manage multiple complex programs simultaneously while maintaining high standards of service and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent relevant experience
• 5+ years of experience managing corporate meetings, incentives, or large-scale programs for a Business Events Company or DMC.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate Event Producer teams and field staff.
• Expertise in DMC operations, hotel and supplier partnerships, and the value of DMC services to clients.
• Destination expertise and a strong knowledge of attractions, hotels, parks, airports, venues, and supplier partners in local and regional markets.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and client service skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret client proposals, contracts, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple programs and deadlines.
• Proficiency in budget management, cost calculations, gross margin oversight, and financial reporting.
• Ability to provide creative solutions to complex program challenges and lead teams to deliver exceptional results.
• Knowledge of PRA's core values, differentiators, and strategic importance of supplier and hotel partnerships.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and holidays
• Some travel required to support region and PRA system as needed

Salary: $70,000-85,000 base with additional incentive plan.

Benefits include Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, 401(k) with Company Match, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Vacation Time and Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Pet Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, and others.

Whether in-person, remote, or hybrid, PRA guides organizations in bringing people together with strategic content, brand engagement and authentic destination experiences. PRA has local teams across the US covering more than 29 top destinations, and a remote execution team who can plan anywhere our clients envision an incomparable meeting or event.

Internally, we have a robust sustainability and social impact program that includes initiatives around carbon reduction, pushing towards zero waste, supporting the American Forest Foundation and PACT-USA, working with our supply chain to ensure we have sustainable and diverse suppliers for client events and a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion. Our plans and projects are ongoing and we are excited with the changes we've made and look forward to the continued and increased impact we will have through these programs and initiatives.

Our Corporate and Incentive Program Planning Capabilities Include:

Creative Event Design + Production; Local Excursions; Tours; Teambuilding; Offsite Events; Dine Arounds; Digital + Hybrid Programming; Health + Safety Logistics; CSR + Giveback Initiatives; Sustainable Planning Services; Transportation Logistics; Staffing; Content Creation; Graphic Design + Branding; Gifting.

Follow PRA on social @PRABusinessEvents and visit www.pra.com for more information.