Career Opportunities: Director Conferences & Events (91882)
Requisition ID 91882 - Posted - Country (1) - Location (4) - Function (1) - Job Type (1)
Freeman is a global leader in events, on a mission to redefine live for a new era. With a data-driven approach and the industry's largest network of experts, Freeman's insights shape exhibitions, exhibits, and events that drive audiences to action. The integrated full-service solutions leverage a 96-year legacy in event management as well as new technologies to deliver moments that matter.
Summary
The Director Conferences & Events works directly with Operations, Sales, Digital, Strategy and Creative leadership to maintain the strategic vision of Operations. This position will be tasked with communicating, managing, and directing that vision within the department, as well as with both internal and external customers, other Freeman divisions and constituents outside of Freeman. This person must be able to provide clear and decisive direction to all members of the Conferences and Events team under their management as well as broader account teams and clients, utilize strong leadership and communication skills as well as demonstrable account and project management expertise.
This position will support our Conferences & Events team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office and/or show-site 2-3 days per week. The ideal candidate will be based out of any of the following locations:
- Chicago, IL
- Works cross-functionally with teams (sales, strategy, creative, digital, operations, production, audio visual and expo) to lead and manage corporate event programs including virtual events, trade shows, conferences, special and ancillary events and experiential activations.
- Collaborates with sales, operations, creative, and production teams on RFP process and manages sold programs from inception through execution and post event wrap-up.
- Manage one or more Conferences & Events Managers, Specialists, Coordinators, and / or Producers on programs or as direct reports.
- Conducts regular employee reviews along with annual Performance Evaluations.
- Assigns and monitors workload of staff with the ability to create, review and manage client budgets.
- Mentors and supports department employees in developing account management skills and experience.
- Assists in new employee training along with ongoing training of current employees while creating a goal-oriented atmosphere within the department.
- Typical project scope responsibilities include: the management of resources, teams and execution plans to fulfill venue management, digital platform management, audio visual, promotional items, print collateral, staffing, signage development, décor, food & beverage, security, transportation and graphics.
- Additional responsibilities may include: clear understanding of client goals and objectives, event timelines and vendor organization, digital asset management, track session management, speaker/keynote engagements/presentations, expo management and trade show sponsorship fulfillment.
- Creates and manages budgets, vendor invoice/expense tracking and final reconciliation.
- Develop and track project schedules, agendas and show flows as needed. Drives timeline with team and clients.
- Runs weekly team and client meetings and prepares follow-up notes and action item reports.
- Ensures programs are within budget and meeting profit margin goals.
- Ensures flawless execution, quality of service and timely delivery of all necessary components, properties, and materials for each event.
- Collaborates with other Freeman divisions and third-party vendors to efficiently and respectfully deliver services.
- Effectively communicate to clients, internal teams, and third-party vendors.
- Runs client and internal kick off, weekly meetings, and debrief.
- Works with client and account team on planning, execution and post-event reporting. Maintains consistent and thorough communication with all involved.
- Negotiates contracts/agreements with third-party vendors and team contractors.
- Provides various event reports, analytics and audits.
- Assess and audit non-Freeman produced programs.
Education & Experience
- Previous agency experience required.
- Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in event marketing and/or management.
- Previous experience in operations leadership and program management (event theme/messaging, speaker support, video, web/social media, mobile apps, live demo, etc.)
- Experience in managing account teams and clients, other Freeman division teams, vendors, equipment, and timelines.
- Experience managing programs with 5,000+ attendees.
- Experience in sourcing and managing all aspects of live and virtual events (both conferences and tradeshows) including but not limited to: AV (general session, breakouts, & entertainment) registration, graphics, event flow, creative, food and beverage, transportation, parties/evening events, venue management, expo and exhibit production, and sourcing and managing both US and international vendors.
- Strong venue sourcing and contract management.
- Exposure to and previous experience with budget management of $2,000,000+.
- Ability to quickly recognize or anticipate problem areas and quickly develop solutions.
- Flexible, self-motivated, energetic, and uses time productively and efficiently.
- Strong skills with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Efficient and organized, with a keen eye for details.
- Excellent customer service with proven written and verbal communication skills.
Travel Requirements
Travel up to 25%
What We Offer
Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Life, Accident and Disability
- Retirement with Company Match
- Paid Time Off
Diversity Commitment
At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.