Senior Manager, Meetings (Conferences)

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Job Description:

The Senior Manager, Meetings manages the successful planning and delivery of ABA events, including conferences, schools, and special events for ABA members and other financial services professionals.

This position manages all aspects of in-person and virtual meeting logistics including venue evaluation, platform evaluation, site selection and contracting, agenda/specifications development, food and beverage selections, in-person and virtual event audiovisual/technical requirements, and auxiliary event activities. This role manages vendors to achieve event goals and is responsible for delivering a superior member experience.

This position interacts with senior management professionals from financial institutions, as well as, numerous ABA departments and team members to achieve event objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Event, Vendor and Venue Management

• Coordinates with key stakeholders, including senior staff and the event team to establish and meet event goals and objectives.
• Research and recommend venues that support event objectives and facilitate an excellent member experience. Conduct site inspections as needed to determine the viability of locations/venues for an event.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with national and on-property hotel sales staff. Represent ABA effectively and with the utmost integrity in all negotiations.
• Design and support hybrid conference experiences.  Collaborate with the virtual platform vendor to identify and consider new features to enhance virtual event experiences.
• Research, select, and manage third-party vendor negotiations including but not limited to AV/production companies, platform vendors, security and destination management companies. Serve as the primary contact for all designated vendors both pre-show and onsite. 
• Identify and implement the required security measures. Coordinate security procedures with venues, including crisis management/emergency plans.
• Anticipate, develop, and implement contingency plans. Troubleshoot and solve on-site problems.

Pre and Post Event Coordination

• Serve as the primary contact for all event venue personnel during pre-planning, on-site, and post-event wrap-up. Develop and manage all event specifications, including meeting room set-up, food and beverage, audiovisual/technical needs, platform requirements, and other services. Monitor and manage VIP accommodations and event spending.
• Maintains historical data, such as room block and attendance information, and attendee session counts from past events to assist with future planning to recommend process improvements to enhance the success of future events.

Financial Management

• Manage resources to meet budgeted expense targets, reach net income goals, and implement cost savings measures.
• Reconcile event expenses and ensure timely billing and payments. Assist with the creation and re-forecasting of budgets for assigned events.

Other duties as assigned by business needs

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Event & Conference Management, or related field preferred or commensurate experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in event management with proven evidence of progressive work experience and commitment to customer service.
• Experience developing, planning, and executing events ranging in size from 300 to 1500 attendees.
• Familiarity with event planning software planning and tools; Cvent experience preferred.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Extensive knowledge of standard meeting management processes and requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate change.
• Strong negotiating and relationship management skills with external providers and internal clients.
• Creativity and ability to interject new thinking/best practices to achieve positive outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills including the handling of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Ability to travel (<20%).

Target Salary Range for Role:

$95,000 - $100,000

Salary Band Range:

American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.