Event Manager

Company Overview

The American Bonanza Society is dedicated to serving Beechcraft enthusiasts by providing valuable safety, technical, and educational resources. With a vibrant community of over 10,000 members who own, fly, or have a keen interest in Beechcraft models, the Society fosters interaction, advocacy, and shared passion among its members.

Overview

We are seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Event Manager to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of engaging events that connect our community and promote our mission. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your event marketing expertise, organizational skills, and hospitality experience while creating memorable experiences for our members and guests.

The Event Manager serves as the primary ABS representative onsite. This individual ensures our members feel welcomed, informed, and valued while maintaining strong relationships with venues, vendors, sponsors, and partners.

This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, manages details exceptionally well, and takes pride in delivering seamless events that strengthen member engagement and loyalty.

Duties

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of all ABS in-person events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and member value.
• Own venue sourcing and selection, manage RFP processes, negotiate terms, and oversee hotel room blocks and vendor agreements.
• Manage registration systems, attendee communications, and member inquiries from launch through post-event follow-up.
• Coordinate all event logistics including A/V, catering, room setup, signage, transportation, materials production, and onsite production schedules.
• Serve as ABS’s lead onsite, directing event operations, resolving issues in real time, and ensuring a consistent member experience.
• Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses, reconcile invoices, and complete financial reporting.
• Distribute post-event surveys, compile performance metrics, and recommend improvements for future events.
• Merchandise procurement and management to sell online and at events.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• 3 years of event planning or event operations experience (nonprofit, membership org, corporate, or association preferred).
• Comfort with event tech tools (registration platforms, spreadsheets, basic A/V coordination).
• Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts and managing budgets.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, problem solve quickly and make decisions under pressure.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings/weekends as required by event schedules.
• Ability to travel by air, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 40 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodation)
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field.
• Experience supporting events in a trade show or conference setting.
• Familiarity with aviation, membership organizations, and/or volunteer-driven events.
• Basic graphic/signage creation, coordination, and event communications experience.
• Experience with event registration platforms such as iMIS, Cvent or similar systems preferred.

What Success Looks Like at ABS

• Members consistently report high satisfaction with ABS events.
• Events are executed smoothly, professionally, and within budget.
• Vendors and venues view ABS as organized and easy to work with.
• Event operations run predictably with strong systems and documentation.
• Live events strengthen member loyalty and reinforce the value of belonging to ABS.

Work Environment

• Based in Wichita, KS with travel required, up to 12 times per year
• Event travel will require evenings and weekends. Most events are 3 days, two events are up to 10 days.
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Compensation days based Travel

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan