Career Center

Overview:

The Director, Events is responsible for managing the planning and execution of IA conferences and events (both in-person and virtual) with a focus on creating a superb experience for attendees while streamlining internal processes to maximize attendee and sponsor satisfaction with IA events, and increase income, profit, retention and growth.

Responsibilities:

 Creates a vision for each event from the perspective of an attendee’s experience.

• Benchmarks other industry events to create a vision for how IA can raise the bar on its event activity
• Presents recommendations to the Events Committee regarding elevating IA events
• Thinks creatively and pragmatically with a willingness to consider many options, problem solve, build consensus and take directives as necessary.
• Works closely with the events team to manage all aspects of the event process before, during and after the event and ensures that all components of planning are on track.
• Manages each event’s budget and modifies as needed.
• Conducts site selection and inspections, RFPs, and contract negotiations with venues and related vendors, including DMCs, decorators, etc.
• Monitors/utilizes contracted concessions, deposit schedules, minimums.
• Assigns meeting rooms, prepares rooms sets and BEOs.
• Leads the vision for traffic flow, ensuring a good experience for attendees, and good traffic for sponsors and exhibitors.
• Serves as the onsite event primary point of contact for the venue and staff.
• Serves as the primary point of contact with decorators and assists in the design of the exhibit space layout development for trade show booths, as well as onsite signage.
• Identifies unique event experiences (location-specific outings, parties, dinners, etc.) and manages logistics for each (working with DMC where appropriate)
• Looks for new ways to add polish and sophistication to all aspects of events.
• Works with the VP, IT to ensure appropriate A/V sets in each meeting room, with particular focus on stage set/signage/lighting/music in general session room.
• Works with VP, Programming & Communications to deliver a complete and compelling event program.
• Work with Director, Research to measure and improve IA event satisfaction and experience.
• Manages all aspects of contracted room block, including addressing attendee inquiries regarding reservations, monitoring room lists, and adhering to cut-off and release dates.
• Handles all hotel accommodations for staff, Board, speakers and VIPs.
• Reviews and codes final venue invoices and approves for payment.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive onsite schedule/list of duties for staff attending events.
• Serves as co-staff liaison to the Events Committee.
• Provides event planning training to Chapter Boards for Chapter events, as needed.

• 7+ years of professional experience with both in-person and virtual events, with experience designing and managing events of 500+ attendees (including exhibitors and sponsors).
• Strong experience negotiating venue and related vendor contracts.

• Experience in the association and/or nonprofit field strongly preferred.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credentialing is a plus.
• Adept at creating and managing budgets.
• Must be highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.