Manager, Meetings and Events

Summary

The Manager, Meetings and Events brings a focus on innovation and continuous improvement to support the U.S. Travel Association Events and Education team in delivering high-impact, resource-mindful events that align with the Association’s strategic goals. Working closely with internal teams, stakeholders, and vendors, this role has key responsibilities for events tied to our board and advocacy efforts and works on special projects for the IPW trade show. The Manager, Meetings and Events works with the team to create dynamic event networking and learning, and manages the processes necessary to support this work, engage participants, and attract new audiences. This position also tracks budgets, analyzes event data, and implements best practices to optimize efficiency and enhance future events.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute seamless, high-impact event logistics by orchestrating all event elements, including room setups, audiovisual enhancements, transportation, signage, and culinary experiences. Drive efficiency while ensuring flawless onsite execution and an unforgettable attendee experience.
• Curate and produce unforgettable networking experiences through cost-conscious design and deliver partner events, executive and sponsor dinners, and themed receptions that captivate attendees, foster engagement, and attract new audiences through unique, interactive elements.
• Cultivate exceptional customer relationships as a solutions-driven partner who actively listens, identifies and meets needs, and creatively designs event experiences that consistently exceed expectations.
• Creatively innovate vendor partnerships and elevate event production taking responsibility to strategically source, negotiate, and collaborate with vendors across audiovisual, décor, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.
• Champion collaboration across teams for event success by engaging closely with key stakeholders, committees, and internal teams (e.g., Sponsorship, Marketing, Registration, Education, and others) to ensure cohesive event execution and goal alignment.
• Revolutionize event planning through efficiency and best practices - streamline workflows, drive efficiency through event planning best practices, implement cutting-edge event technologies, and establish new industry-leading standards to enhance operations and maximize impact.
• Leverage data-driven insights for smarter event planning by supporting the team to track and analyze budget projections, actual expenses, and post-event engagement metrics to enhance future event strategies. Maintain cost controls without compromising on innovation and high-quality service.
• Develop scalable logistical strategies for emerging event segments; build robust operational frameworks, standardize processes, and introduce game-changing support systems to set new benchmarks for excellence.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and push creative boundaries, continuously exploring new travel industry innovations, audience engagement techniques, and experiential trends to shape the future of events and drive excitement.

Key Attributes

• Highly organized, meticulous, and deadline-driven, while able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter able to anticipate needs and identify potential challenges and solutions while achieving goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate clearly and build rapport in writing, in person, and over the phone.
• Demonstrated customer relations skills, including conflict mitigation, management, and negotiation.
• Willingness to learn and look for ways to improve processes to achieve greater efficiency in pre-, during, and post-planning phases.
• Committed to strong relationships and quality service to internal team members and external clients and partners.
• Ability to remain focused and be effective during event setbacks. Must be able to juggle the demands of customers, vendors, and team members while remaining calm.
• Receptive to feedback and direction, and in search of constant self-improvement. 

Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or equivalent of three to five years of experience in a trade association, nonprofit, or business environment. Preference given to current CMP designation.
• Experience interacting with executive teams and high-profile stakeholders to create a white-glove service in planning and on-site execution.
• Experience handling high-volume, production-based projects, including prioritizing, organizing, and tracking details, effectively managing deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Other

• Position based in Washington, DC. U.S. Travel staff members work in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.
• Salary range: 70-90K 
• Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.