Meeting / Event Manager

SUMMARY

Join our team and help change the world for the better, one experience at a time! We manage business and community events that inspire positive change. We give participants a chance to learn, connect, celebrate, and leave the room feeling like their time was well spent. After 30+ years of working in all 50 United States and beyond, we know the impact of virtual and live meetings and events. At all times we are establishing, cultivating, and stewarding relationships for the purpose of advancing our mission – Gather with Purpose.

The ideal candidate realizes that their work will have a significant impact on our mission, and works passionately, with creativity and business acumen, to provide a superb event experience.

Culture: Culture matters here. So, we expect everyone to demonstrate our company’s core values. They are not aspirational. They are not just words on paper. Our core values were selected based on feedback we have received from clients, and we live them every day. We are collaborative, accountable, empathetic, and we “Roll with It”.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan

• Consult with clients and event team offering fresh ideas, strategic analysis and best practices based on experience.
• Establish, communicate, and achieve meeting/event goals and objectives.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans and budgets.
• Participate in (and potentially facilitate) planning meetings.
• Be creative; brainstorm and recommend creative event elements and technology.
• Exercise cost control, negotiate and perform billing reconciliations.
• Manage event elements including but not limited to site selection, registration, food and beverage, audio visual, ground transportation, speakers, trade shows, talent, décor, etc.
• Provide onsite management and supervise team members and suppliers.

Practice Empathy

• Practice participant-led meeting/event design. Cultivate authentic, supportive internal and external relationships. Ask, “how can I help?”.

Roll With It

• Identify challenges, opportunities and solutions under pressure while remaining flexible and friendly.
• Identify and communicate solutions.

Collaborate

• Meet your commitments.
• Mentor and direct staff, contractors and/or interns as needed.
• Support the organization’s growth.
• Contribute to sales and marketing activities.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• 5-7 years of experience in event planning/management (i.e., corporate events, conferences, tradeshows) and vendor management/relations (i.e., selection process, negotiations, understanding of contracts, conflict resolution).
• Bachelor’s Degree (major or concentration in event, hospitality or commercial recreation management or public relations/marketing preferred, but not required).
• Experience designing and running virtual events through Zoom Meeting, Zoom Webinar or other platforms such as Aventri, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate clear, concise information to a variety of internal/external stakeholders, vendors, etc.
• Experience leading virtual project meetings reviewing tasks, assigning deadlines, discussing status and highlighting action items and next steps.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create lasting partnerships with colleagues, suppliers, etc. Excellent organizational, administrative, project management, and time management skills.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Balance organization and client needs. (Agency experience a plus.)
• Exceed client and meeting/event participant expectations.
• Consult and negotiate effectively.
• Analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports.
• Travel, sometimes on short notice.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.

CERTIFICATION PREFERRED

• CMP, DES, CSEP, VEMM or CTSM certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Light physical activity. Daily work may involve occasional assistance of others in the manipulation of heavy objects and some standing or walking, usually for not more than 2 hours a day. On site during an event, the physical activity can be more strenuous (unpacking and moving boxes) and standing for longer periods of time.

LOCATION AND TRAVEL

• Special D Events is a virtual organization, so this position is remote. However, we maintain a hub location in Detroit and Royal Oak where team and client meetings are often held.
• Many of our clients’ events are held in Detroit and Metro Detroit. However, we manage events in all 50 states, so domestic travel is often required for site visits and events. Pre-COVID, employees traveled approximately once a month and that is likely to continue in the future.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Special D Events is a great company to work for! We expect a lot from our people, so it’s fair for them to expect a lot from us. Your compensation will be commensurate with experience and a sample of the benefits we provide includes:

• Remote/Virtual Work Environment
• Flexible Work Schedule
• 401(k) Match
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Healthcare Expenses
• Paid Time Off (includes birthday)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off to Vote
• Ongoing Education and Training
• Company-Sponsored Events
• Cell Phone Stipend

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you reside in the Detroit Metropolitan area?

Experience:

• Events management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote