Senior Events Manager

About Us
We're a leading provider of independent investment research globally. Since 1984, we've grown from a start-up company in a one-bedroom apartment to a global organization working in sync from Chicago to Mumbai. Morningstar's mission is to empower investor success. We accomplish our mission by working directly with investors, as well as the advisors and institutions that serve them. We offer enriching work with an open, modern environment where talented, driven people can grow and where they're trusted to help investors reach their financial goals.
The Team: The Content & Platforms group on the Marketing team is made up of four core pillars: content strategy, research amplification, portfolio marketing, and Morningstar's signature events. The team's mission is to increase brand relevance and differentiation for our mission, pillars, values and diverse set of commercial capabilities. This global team-consisting of marketers, event planners, and content strategists-acts as a center of excellence, working closely with designers, writers, corporate communications professionals, digital strategists, behavioral scientists, and more, to support our demand generation marketing team and broader business. We are data-driven experimenters who work to deliver the right messages to the right people at the right time. The team works globally to maintain a consistent brand experience everywhere Morningstar serves investors.
Position Overview: We are seeking a highly organized and dynamic Senior Event Manager to oversee the planning and execution of our annual Morningstar Investment Conference, along with additional events as assigned. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in event logistics, vendor management, and a proven track record of delivering exceptional events that meet organizational objectives. Working in the Marketing team, and as part of the global Content & Platforms group, this role reports to the Senior Director of Experiential Marketing.
We follow a hybrid policy, and this role requires you work onsite in our Chicago office at least 3 days per week.
Key Responsibilities:

• Event Logistics Management: Plan and coordinate all aspects of the flagship event, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.

• Vendor Coordination: Manage food and beverage orders, audio-visual requirements, and other vendor contracts to guarantee a successful event experience.

• Speaker Management: Liaise with speakers, handling all communication, scheduling, and logistical needs to ensure their participation is smooth and successful.

• Venue Contracts: Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, ensuring optimal pricing and service levels that align with event requirements.

• Budget Management: Oversee the event budget, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.

• On-Site Management: Oversee all on-site operations during the event, ensuring all logistics are executed as planned and addressing any issues that arise promptly.

• Post-Event Evaluation: Conduct post-event evaluations to assess success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement for future events.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in event management, with a focus on large-scale events.

• Proven track record of managing all aspects of event logistics, including vendor relationships, budgeting, and contract negotiation.

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and the ability to adjust communication style to suit audience. Must be professional dealing with senior or external stakeholders and able to build rapport in short timeframe.

• Proficiency in event management software and tools, (e.g. Cvent or equivalent) webinar platforms (e.g. Zoom or equivalent), digital event platforms (e.g. Cvent Attendee Hub & Speaker Resource Center), project management software (e.g. Asana) is preferred.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office with the ability to quickly learn new systems (e.g. event management software, project management software, payment processing software, email marketing platform etc.).

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Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. We've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, at least three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.