Direct Travel · 12 hours ago
Event Manager, Meetings & Incentives
Schaumburg, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
4+ years expDirect Travel is a fast-growing Travel Management Company that specializes in meetings and events. The Event Manager, Meetings & Incentives is responsible for leading and executing small to mid-size meetings and incentive programs, managing the full lifecycle of assigned programs while ensuring client satisfaction.
TravelSportsLeisure
Responsibilities
Serve as the main operational client contact, consulting on goals, objectives, budgets, and desired outcomes
Anticipate client needs and provide proactive solutions aligned with program goals
Lead planning calls, facilitate client approvals, and conduct post-program debriefs
Facilitate planning calls and debrief meetings
Communicate client and participant learnings to inform future program improvements
Develop, manage, and execute all aspects of meetings and incentive programs including non-hotel venue sourcing, food & beverage, audiovisual, transportation, and supplier coordination
Coordinate with internal departments (Creative, Technology, Travel, Field Operations) for seamless delivery
Oversee production of event materials, signage, and branded deliverables
Creates and communicates all program specifications and program details and approves event orders to ensure smooth transition to on-site team
Ensure compliance with company policies, contracts, and service level agreements
Is accountable for successful event outcomes and client satisfaction
Works in partnership with internal departments to manage program deliverables pertaining to website build, creative communications, and airline ticketing
Manage data accuracy, reporting, and manifests in partnership with internal teams. Produces and maintains reports and manifests as needed, with an understanding of how this data affects the program integrity
Provides and prints personalized print and digital materials based on registration data
Interacts directly with attendees on program related inquires contributing to the overall positive attendee experience
Ensure timely and professional responses to attendee inquiries
Acts as main contact for hotel block and manages all aspects of hotel room block including attrition submission, deadlines, special requests, etc
Manage program budgets, vendor contracts, and client financials
Provide client with accurate budget estimates and ensure post-event billing reflects these estimates
Negotiate with suppliers to achieve client savings while maximizing revenue and profitability goals
Process contracts, invoices, expenses, and reconciliations in a timely manner
Provide accurate pre-event budgets and post-event billing documentation
Provides timely financial reconciliation and supporting documents for applicable projects
Act as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders
Partner with internal teams (Creative, Air Operations, Technology, Finance) to deliver cohesive experiences
Mentor team members and share best practices
Gathers, shares, and applies learnings for continuous process improvement
Can adapt and work successfully with any client, partner, and program
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning, or a combination of education and work experience in event planning required
Minimum of 4 years of experience in a client-facing event, meeting, program, or registration management role
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Zoom
Familiarity with Cvent or similar event management platforms
CMP or PMP certification is a plus
Must be able to behave in a manner that reflects our organization's vision and values
Must possess excellent interpersonal skills to be able to provide superior customer service and client consultation from the spirit to serve others; be able to work cross-functionally and develop strong and positive internal and external relationships, and be a strong team player
Must possess excellent organizational and project management skills, ability to prioritize, detail orientation, and the ability to manage multiple customers and projects simultaneously with strict timelines/deadlines
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills
Must possess proven leadership skills to lead a team and mentor other roles
Must be able to actively listen, have the capability to instill confidence in clients and colleagues and present information with confidence
Must possess self-awareness to understand their own strengths and weakness and how their behavior impacts others
Must be professional in behavior with clients, suppliers, and colleagues
Must be a creative thinker with the ability to gather and analyze information and skillfully conceptualize solutions that go beyond the obvious paths
Must model a positive, solution-based approach and be flexible and open to change to adopt to different client styles
Must be able to work autonomously, while thriving in a team environment
Must be able to maintain confidentiality
Ability and willingness to work extended workdays and possible weekends
Accessible during acceptable working hours identified per project/program
Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment
Ability to lift 20 lbs
Frequent sitting, standing, and walking
Ability to adhere to hybrid office policy
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement Plans
Wellness
Rewards and Recognition
Sustainability
DE&I initiatives
Mental Health Support
Company
Direct Travel
Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2016-06-20Acquired
Leadership Team
Darryl Hoover
CTO
Jennifer A. Franz, MSHRM ☕️ 🦋
Senior Human Resources Business Partner (North America)
Recent News
GlobeNewswire News Room
2023-02-26
2022-11-08
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