Senior Event Marketing Associate

Senior Event Marketing Associate

We are looking for a Senior Event Marketing Associate to join our marketing and communications team in our Chicago (Merchandise Mart) office. This person will report to the event marketing manager. The primary focus of this role is to manage the strategy and coordination of in‑person and digital events, which include both ZS‑produced and external sponsored speaking engagements and events.

• Lead the execution of ZS‑produced and sponsored events from ideation and planning through onsite management and post‑event reporting, positioning yourself as a trusted partner to marketing and business stakeholders.
• Build and maintain detailed project plans, drive cross‑functional alignment, and conduct regular stakeholder touchpoints while proactively identifying and escalating risks to ensure events meet established KPIs.
• Collaborate with SMEs and the Growth Marketing team to align event content and experiences with audience needs and experiential best practices.
• Partner with content, design, web, and demand generation teams to ensure cohesive event assets, messaging, and execution.
• Work with Growth Marketing to develop and implement promotional strategies, including email campaigns, landing pages, internal communications, and paid media, to meet registration and engagement goals.
• Manage and optimize event registration processes using Cvent, ensuring seamless attendee experience and accurate data capture.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and support end‑to‑end budget tracking and reconciliation.
• Travel onsite to oversee logistics, production, and stakeholder experience, ensuring smooth execution and high satisfaction.
• Develop post‑event evaluations and data‑driven reports, including attendee insights, KPI performance, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Contribute to innovation by recommending new formats, technologies, and creative approaches to elevate the attendee experience and operational efficiency.
• Fluency in English.
• Client‑first mentality.
• Intense work ethic.
• Collaborative spirit and problem‑solving approach.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years of experience planning and managing business marketing events (e.g., conferences, digital events, trade shows, webinars, round tables) preferably in a B2B setting and product.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills: self‑motivated and independent.
• Effective when working in a collaborative environment and successful in developing strong working relationships.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with senior business leaders and managing multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to travel approximately 20% (more during peak event seasons).
• Preferred: CMP, Cvent platform.
• Preferred office locations:
  Hybrid in our Chicago, IL office.

• Cross‑functional skills development & custom learning pathways.
• Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities.
• Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s‑curves, individual contribution and role expansions.

ZS is committed to a Flexible and Connected way of working. ZSers are onsite at clients or ZS offices three days a week. Combined flexibility to work remotely two days a week is also available. The magic of ZS culture and innovation thrives in both planned and spontaneous face‑to‑face connections.

ZS offers a comprehensive total rewards package including health and well‑being, financial planning, annual leave, personal growth and professional development. Our robust skills development programs, multiple career progression options and internal mobility paths and collaborative culture empower you to thrive as an individual and global team member. We are committed to giving our employees a flexible and connected way of working.

A flexible and connected ZS allows us to combine work from home and onsite presence…