Description

Department

Events

Position Reports To

CEO/President

General Purpose 

The Event Director is responsible for the overall success and long-term planning, budgeting and execution of a portfolio of events supporting Brewers Association (BA) mission, vision, and strategic goals, including but not limited to the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America; Great American Beer Festival and Competition; Paired; World Beer Cup Competition and National Homebrew Competition.

 
This includes oversight of timeline and planning, logistics, budgets, site selection as well as venue, hotel and contractor negotiations. This position is responsible for providing excellent event experiences and managing large budgets with a focus on expense management. This position works closely with Marketing, Finance, Creative and Programs/Division Directors to effectively integrate all aspects of promoting and executing events to target audiences and media. This position requires a high degree of skill in managing multiple projects and events simultaneously, and the ability to see the big picture while focusing on detail and process.

Essential Duties

- Direct and oversee planning, budgeting and successful event operations of all association events

- Supervise, mentor and support four full time direct reports.

- Oversee management of multiple contracted staff, external vendors, suppliers and service providers.

- Oversee and manage future venue site selection process. Inspect and determine host cities and venues with input from stakeholders.

- Negotiate contracts with convention & visitor bureaus, convention cents and hotels for event times, space and optimal rates.

- Design, implement and facilitate annual plan and budget for all association events.

- Supervise, direct and coordinate the activities of event staff, independent contractors and vendors. 

- Ensure excellent event related customer service provided by staff.

- Oversee event operations team in development of event layout within the space constraints of the site selected.

- Develop key vendor relationships to secure optimal pricing and service for event related services. 

- Responsible for Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup trademark compliance, including update of Licensing Agreements as needed.

- Ensure all event staff understand BA policy and represent the BA in a positive manner.

- Develop and maintain key vendor relationships.

- Review content on event related correspondence and event related print pieces and websites.

- Collaborate with leadership on keynote speaker selection for the Craft Brewers Conference.

- Collaborate with Sales Director to support event sponsorship efforts. 

- Collaborate with Vice President of Marketing & Communications in support of event marketing and communication plans.

- Work closely with contracted Security Director to ensure robust event safety plans.

- Work closely with Finance Director via regular financial review to ensure adherence to budget.

- Quarterly meetings with Brewers Association Event Committee.

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Leadership in Event Planning and Production

- 8 years’ experience in planning and executing multi-million dollar, complex public festivals and B2B conferences & trade shows

- Excellent decision making & critical thinking skills

- Thorough knowledge of best practices in convention and meeting management

- Site selection and contract negotiation skills

- Thorough knowledge of legal issues, contract language, and potential risks related to event production

- Knowledge of permitting events with alcohol being served, legalities of sampling alcohol at events

- Ability to provide excellent attendee and exhibitor experience

- Ability to perform well in time-pressured environment with a large volume of communications and projects

- Strong work ethic

- Tactful, discreet, sound personal and business ethics

Communication

- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to motivate and manage 

- Excellent written and oral communication skills 

- Comfortable with public speaking

- High-energy team player who can easily collaborate with multiple departments and outside vendors

- Build and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders

- High level of creativity and business acumen

- Comfortable with having candid/difficult conversations in person and on the phone, when needed

Budget and Financial Acumen

- Highly skilled at preparing and managing multi-million dollar budgets

- Strong focus on financial acumen and expense management

o Ability to collaborate with Finance Director on financial trends and projections

Organization

- Strong ability to set and manage deadlines/timelines

- Excellent attention to detail while keeping a focus on the big picture

- Creative problem solver

- Excellent organizational and project management skills

Working Environment/Physical Activities

- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent event related experience) required 

- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation preferred

- Extensive computer usage during event planning - multiple projects and deadlines that create a demanding work environment are standard

o Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint and aptitude to learn other software

o Familiarity with Slack, email , Basecamp

- Ability to move and lift 25 pounds

- Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time while on-site at meetings

Travel Required

- Travel required throughout the year for annual events, future meeting planning site and other travel as necessary

- International travel as assigned

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this job.

Equal Opportunity Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status.