Manager-Events and Activations

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a year-round calendar of events including listening sessions, roundtables, partner gatherings and industry convenings, all designed with clear engagement and revenue objectives
• Lead the development and execution of the annual meeting as a flagship event, including program design, stakeholder engagement and full integration of sponsorship opportunities, positioning the event as a key revenue driver and brand moment
• Manage and evolve signature programs such as Hospitality Heroes, including nomination processes, storytelling, stakeholder participation and event execution, with a focus on both recognition and sponsor integration
• Lead planning and execution of the annual meeting, including program development, stakeholder engagement and integration of sponsorship opportunities in partnership with the Sr. Director of Business Development
• Build and support a scalable sponsorship framework for events in partnership with the Sr. Director of Business Development, including tiered opportunities, branded integrations and measurable value for partners
• Ensure every event has a defined role within the partner lifecycle, contributing to acquisition, engagement, retention and upsell opportunities
• Activate and showcase the Experience Network through events, highlighting stakeholders, experiences and local assets in ways that support sales, storytelling and visitor experience
• Design event formats that drive meaningful participation, collaboration and business outcomes, not just attendance, all within budget parameters
• Manage all logistics including venue sourcing, vendor coordination, run-of-show and on-site execution
• Collaborate with Manager of Community Engagement & Fulfillment to ensure strong partner participation and alignment
• Partner with Stakeholder Communications to drive targeted attendance, pre-event positioning and post-event engagement
• Capture actionable insights and stakeholder feedback to inform partnership strategy and Experience Network development
• Track and report on event performance, including contribution to sponsorship revenue, partner pipeline and retention

Primary KPIs

• Attendance, stakeholder mix and targeted sector engagement
• Repeat participation and progression into deeper partner engagement
• Event satisfaction and qualitative feedback
• Sponsorship revenue generated through events, including annual meeting and signature programs
• Contribution to partner retention, upsell and new partner pipeline
• Experience Network activation metrics including partner visibility and utilization

Qualifications

• Proven experience planning and executing both large-scale events and smaller, high-touch stakeholder gatherings
• Experience managing revenue-generating events, including sponsorship development, partner integration or fundraising components
• Experience managing multi-faceted programs such as annual meetings, conferences or recognition programs
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously and deliver high-quality execution
• Ability to build and incorporate events that drive engagement, relationship building and business outcomes
• Experience working with sponsors or partners to integrate brand presence in a way that delivers value and aligns with organizational goals
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups and build trust
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage logistics, vendors and timelines effectively
• Collaborative mindset with experience working cross-functionally with marketing, communications and partnership teams
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt quickly in live event environments

Ready to create memorable experiences that drive engagement and business development?  Bring your energy and creative expertise to join us in leading the strategy, planning and execution of immersive experiences and corporate events.  Explore St. Louis offers a robust compensation and benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance as well as pension, paid holidays and PTO.  Apply on our Explore St. Louis Careers URL or email a resume and cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com.  Please include your cover letter and resume when applying online. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

Explore St. Louis is the sales and marketing organization responsible for selling and promoting St. Louis as a convention, meeting site, and leisure travel destination. Explore St. Louis manages and operates the America’s Center Complex which includes the Cervantes Convention Center, the Dome at America’s Center, the Ferrara Theatre, and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement: Explore St. Louis values diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, past or present military service, marital status, gender identification or expression, medical condition or any other protected characteristic as established by law.