What are the responsibilities and job description for the Event Manager - Incentives position at ITA Group Inc?
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Event Manager coordinates the operation of event travel and virtual event programs for specific clients and serves as a leader for the internal team. The Event Manager provides thought leadership, creating custom-crafted, powerful experiences that engage and inspire the attendees. Sometimes working independently and in other cases leading strategic teams for both international and domestic events, the Event Manager requires enthusiastic multi-tasking while managing simultaneous events in their entirety along with organizational skills ensuring no detail is left to chance.
The Event Manager collaborates with internal teams, ensuring deliverables are met, budgets are balanced, and client needs are anticipated and aligned to their vision. In addition, the Event Manager optimizes external relationships with third-party suppliers.
ACCOUNTABILITIES & PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
- Lead the development, implementation and execution of operational plans for assigned events. Possess ability to manage multiple events effectively.
- Possess ability to work in a team environment – act as a leader of an area or subject matter expert – not the entire event.
- Direct a multi-functional team of subject matter experts including technology, registration, communications, customer service, air operations, analytics, sponsorship and amenities, in support of the client event(s) and maintain consistency in meeting all established timelines and workflows.
- Facilitate client meetings with key client contacts and possibly other C-level or VIP level contacts; acting as an expert on their business & goals and objectives of their event(s). Communicating with excellence while showcasing expertise.
- Facilitate meetings with assigned team members to ensure events are being developed effectively for launch and operations throughout all event milestones. Evaluate ongoing status to ensure requirements are aligned with contractual agreements.
- Ensure all team members understand client expectations to position ITA Group as an extension of our client’s business. Provide on-going client intelligence to team members.
- Support and assist Buyer to conceptualize, research and formulate destination and hotel recommendations for future client events. Provide strategic recommendations on how to continuously elevate event experiences.
- Provide Account Executive (AE) support on program planning and with the client overall on the account. Keep the AE informed throughout the planning process, site inspections and on program operations.
- Alert AE to cross-selling opportunities with client or event. Be knowledgeable about other services ITA Group has to offer and listen when clients speak of their business concerns.
- Know your clients – have an understanding of your clients business, their goals and business objectives.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Liberal Arts, Public Relations, or Communications required.
- Three years’ experience in the event management industry in a position of similar accountabilities and responsibilities, or a minimum of two-years’ experience in ITA Group’s Event Management division.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage details.
- Ability to handle numerous projects, prioritize workload and delegate responsibility.
- Experience in effective communication and relationship building skills, business writing and client presentations. Ability to interact with all levels of client management.
- Proficiency with Microsoft® PowerPoint, Microsoft® Word and Microsoft® Excel.
- Knowledge of financial and accounting principles with experience in preparing and assessing financial budgets and profitability.
- Experience in negotiations in a business environment.
- Excellent human relations skills with the ability to be flexible and sensitive to people's needs.
- Ability to think and act in a proactive manner. Capable of seeing the big picture while understanding how each element contributes to the greater whole. Must be competent to project how a change or delay in one area will impact the overall project. Willingness to try new ideas and challenge status quo.
- Experience in working with cross-functional teams. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to take and give direction within a matrix organizational structure and team environment.
- Ability to generate enthusiasm and dedication to support team members in order to achieve client business objectives.
- Ability to display a sense of urgency, ownership and accountability.
- Ability to travel up to 25-30% of the year.
- Ability to listen, understand and respond to external and internal customers’ needs in a timely manner; customer service experience in a service-related industry preferred.
- Ability to work the time necessary to complete projects and/or meet deadlines.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
ITA Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Company will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Company.