Events Project Manager at DERSE INC – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Derse is a complete face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder. We bring a smarter approach to building client sales while managing their trade show, marketing environments and event programs. Our teams are made up of smart and forward-thinking people who bring experiential marketing solutions to life!

We believe in committing to a long-term investment in your career with a total rewards package including:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
• A bright and energetic culture where your ideas are valued
• 75+ years of financial stability

Derse employs nearly 600 people in marketing, program management, creative & skilled production, and corporate support. Locations include Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and various communities in Poland & Germany. Visit our website derse.com to learn more!

As an Events Project Manager supporting our corporate Event Services team, you'll take ownership of all assigned projects by working with various teams to monitor & manage project statuses. Additionally, the Events Project Manager will be responsible for the creative solution implementation, budget allocation, and resource distribution on event and event service projects. This role interacts with many unique projects in the growing world of experiential marketing & Derse's unique clients! Read through and apply if this sounds like the opportunity for you!

Events Project Manager Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of assigned projects, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and aligned with client and creative expectations.
• Serve as the primary client-facing production lead, managing expectations, approvals, and post-event follow-up.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, estimates, schedules, and run-of-show documentation.
• Maintain company-standard project margins and overall profitability.
• Source, evaluate, onboard, and monitor vendors aligned with creative, production, and operational requirements. Negotiate vendor pricing to achieve Derse standard margins.
• Proactively identify project risks and operational challenges.
• Reconcile all project costs, report expenses accurately, and ensure timely client invoices.
• Document all project data, files, and deliverables within Derse systems (CRM, CPQ, Server, etc.) and ensure information is accessible at all times.
• Contribute to team meetings, post-event debriefs, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to scope, price, and produce new event opportunities.
• Participate in site visits, pre-production planning, rehearsals, and on-site execution.
• Support the Director, Event Services during absences and travel.
• Meet monthly charge-out goals.

Events Project Manager Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, and/or 5+ years of related experience and training.
• Experience with Cvent, WorkFront, or comparable event and project management platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of project management of a proprietary event(s) a must; tradeshow & event estimating preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; familiarity with event-specific software tools a plus.
• Ability to travel (25% - 50%) to oversee show/activation efforts and attend client meetings, as needed.