A culture of purpose: Where will your BCD M&E career take you
As perfectionists, artists, strategic thinkers and leaders in the industry, we believe culture is defined by its people. We are looking for exceptional people who rise to our standards while bringing their unique perspective to the table. Are you interested in adding to both our mission and our energy If so, we want to hear from you!
Event Manager
We are looking for a one (1) year contract Event Manager with the potential for a conversion to a permanent position to join our dynamic team. This incumbent will have the opportunity to explore two (2) business areas: Strategic Meetings Management & Event Solutions.
The Event Manager is a hybrid role in that it includes aspects of leadership, account management and operations delivery.
The incumbent will be the first line response to clients and will act as a specialist in providing the necessary response of client's requests through engagement, interaction and understanding to source, negotiate and contract the best possible options in accordance with specific meeting and event needs. Interest and understanding of a broad spectrum of destinations, venues will be an advantage adding to your ability to advise and consul during client interactions and meetings. A clear communicator, you are not afraid to question, ask and negotiate your way with both clients and vendors. A clear understanding of systems, processes in accordance with client's tools will be required for precise and accurate updates, reports, contracting and payments.
Your responsibilities
Account Management
- Continually evaluate, communicate, measure, and monitor client expectations and service level requirements. Accountable to adjust/modify appropriately where needed and ensure delivering against all client objectives
- Source destination, hotel and venue options that meet the goals and objectives of the client.
- Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and keep up to date engagements with individual clients processes and procedures
- Negotiate all supplier contracts for the best possible prices and concessions to meet client's expectation of savings on meeting spend.
- Prepare and distribute Requests for Proposals (RFP) Perform contract and rate negotiations
- Ensure accuracy of all programme-associated and client facing documents such as venue availability grids and programme budgets & proposals
- Coordinate site inspections with suppliers, client, and program manager.
Event Solutions
Overall:
- As a key point of contact with clients, provide a consultative approach to program planning, ensuring the client has identified clear objectives for the outcome of the meeting, event or program.
- Work with clients to develop, source and meet the objectives and identified goals of the event.
- Assist in selling in the solution to the client/prospect as part of the pitch team.
- Troubleshoot issues and propose solutions to Senior Event Manager where necessary, escalate issues to Client Account Manager and/or Senior Event Manager.
Pre-Event:
- Assist in the planning and management of site inspections, serve as BCDME representative for suppliers and clients as required follow up with site inspection takeaways, insights and recommendations, including updated estimated budgets, program itineraries and timelines.
- Negotiate and purchase hotels, venues, ground transportation, technology, media and production (audiovisual), speaker bureaus, entertainment and decor elements via preferred Destination Management Companies and/or direct vendors.
Planning & Execution:
- Plan and manage meetings, conferences, conventions or special events that could include large numbers of participants, multiple hotels and venues, multiple internal client staff, multiple client audiences and corresponding agendas, and on-site staff.
- Prepare all necessary documentation required for client planning/strategy meetings, program walk-through meetings and client debrief meetings.
- Facilitate the creative direction and fulfillment of program-related participant and host communications materials.
- Onsite execution and management of event.
- Reconcile all final billings on-site prior to final billing being sent to Finance and ensure final billing timeline is met.
- Track and manage vendor attrition, cancellation and payment schedule.
- Ensure the meeting is managed in a compliant manner according to clients requirements, including safety and security.
Day-to-day:
- The Event Manager will collaborate with the internal team and sales to create proposal and develop/procure costs in facilitating new and repeat business proposals.
- Manage program budgets present program budgets to SEM and/or Lead, Event Operations for review and approval prior to sending to the client.
- Train and coach team members (Assistant Event Manager, Event Coordinator or Intern) and provide ongoing support to new team members
- Escalate feedback/suggested changes to Senior Event Manager
We're looking for you if your profile matches the following:
- An undergraduate degree in a field relevant to the role could help greatly.
- A minimum of 5 years experience in planning meetings, incentives, conventions, conferences and special events.
- A minimum of 5 years experience in managing external partners, suppliers and vendors, sourcing and negotiating contract services.
- Experience in account management.
- Experience in leading/working in a team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in software/apps including but not limited to Cvent, On24, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Database Management.
What we offer you
- A culture of purpose where we are invested in your happiness and career growth
- Competitive salary and benefits package
How to apply
Click apply now to be considered.
Get to know BCD M&E:
At BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E), we provide more than meeting and event planning and execution. We are in the business of creating impactful human connections that matter. Connections that inspire, motivate and change behavior for our customers. As the world's most trusted and innovative meetings and events agency, BCD M&E cultivates a culture of people, passion and purpose to drive business forward.
Headquartered in Chicago, with locations in 50+ countries across the world, BCD M&E's team of 1,500+ people are committed to driving success for our customers, our business and ourselves.
See if you belong at .
This position is not open to third-party recruiting agencies.
#27170
