Event Services Manager is responsible for supporting and implementing programs designed to enhance event and visitor experiences within the Madison area. This position is charged with delivering exceptional client services to meeting and event professionals and working to ensure high levels of satisfaction from visiting groups to encourage repeat business to Madison. 

About Us

Destination Madison reflects the inquisitive thoughts, inclusive spirit and independent vibe shared by those of us who call Madison, Wisconsin home. It's a city of five lakes where we splash in the summer and skate in the winter. Where we breeze along platinum-rated bike paths. Enjoy noshing on James Beard Award-winning cuisine and sipping classic brandy old fashioneds. Soak in culture framed by Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and invigorated by diverse neighborhood festivals. Destination Madison shows visitors from around the world that our city isn't a place you stumble across on a map; it's a city you seek out and return to again and again. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain pro-active working relationships with meeting and event professionals through consistent communication and by providing guidance on Madison’s venues, hotels, attractions and transportation options
• Provide ongoing assistance and support to event professionals and local planning committees, including pre-promotional options to promote Madison and maximize event attendance
• Collaborate with Convention and Sports Sales teams to ensure consistent practices across all events, including a high level of communication and ensuring secured events receive committed assistance
• Provide ongoing and post-event feedback to sales managers, including potential lead information
• Maintain booked business files and conversation logs in CRM (Simpleview)
• Set up, implement and provide client and guest support for event hotel blocks using third-party software (Meetingmax)
• Plan, coordinate, confirm and accompany sales managers on client site visits and familiarization tours
• Identify and explore opportunities to improve the meeting and event experience for attendees and event professionals by actively keeping apprised of innovative and forward-thinking industry trends
• Develop and maintain relationships with local facility representatives, the local lodging community and Destination Madison partners in an effort to develop and support events occurring in greater Madison
• Plan, manage and support programs to engage local hospitality leaders with Sales-related updates and initiatives
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support Destination Madison initiatives

 Desired Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree or higher in Event Management, Communications, Recreation Management or a related field with four years of professional experience in customer-facing roles; or equivalent combination of education, experience and training
• Industry experience in tourism, convention services, sports services or event management
• Familiarity with Madison area attractions, restaurants, hotels and major events preferred
• Proficiency with computer-based systems including experience working with an on-line database preferred 
• Previous experience with Simpleview CRM database and Meetingmax or other online housing software is a plus 

Required Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to build strong client relationships and use insight of customer or partner needs to deliver quality solutions
• Takes initiative and responsibility for work, holding self accountable to high standards of detail, quality and accuracy
• Strong organizational and work planning skills – prioritizes commitments in alignment with organizational goals and manages multiple deadlines, often working with frequent interruptions
• Excellent communicator across a variety of written and verbal platforms
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate solutions to resolve problems with speed and efficiency

Work Environment & Job Specifications

The work environment and job specifications listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primarily perform work in our downtown Madison office, with flexibility to work remotely based on job duties and current organizational policies
• Occasionally move around the office and access or use computers, office equipment, telephone, and any other pertinent supplies, space or equipment used to perform the duties of the position
• Work with frequent interruption and sit for long periods of time
• Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 35 pounds
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for travel, events and organization functions.
• Site visits and client tours require moving about the community – including pedestrian travel – to view various facilities and amenities

Compensation & Benefits The expected pay range for this position is $51,000 to $57,000 per year, commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered to all full-time team members. More information is available on our Careers page: www.visitmadison.com/jobs.

Destination Madison is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer