Event Development Manager, Business Events

Explore Edmonton Corporation•Edmonton, AB

12d

About The Position

Explore Edmonton is seeking an Event Development Manager to join the Business Events team. The Business Events team fosters economic growth by working collaboratively with tourism businesses, stakeholders, and economic development partners. By attracting and supporting business events, the team helps position Edmonton as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and events while generating economic impact for the city. Reporting to the Director, Business Events, the Event Development Manager leads the planning and delivery of event enhancements, servicing initiatives, marketing activations, and partnership opportunities for major business events. This role is responsible for creating exceptional client experiences by building strong relationships, maximizing event potential, and connecting planners with local partners, sponsors, and community resources. The Event Development Manager plays a key role in strengthening Edmonton's visitor economy and ensuring organizers receive seamless, high-value support from bid win through event delivery. This is a temporary position for 12–18 months, starting in late November 2026.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in project management, event management, hospitality, marketing, or a related discipline
Three to five years of related experience in event execution, project management, marketing, tourism, sales, Indigenous relations, or a related field
Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve problems, and deliver creative, client-focused solutions
Experience managing partnerships, stakeholder relationships, and cross-functional initiatives
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment
Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional client service
Knowledge of event management, partnership development, and marketing principles
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, CRM systems, and Asana
Valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Edmonton's tourism industry, visitor economy, and local attractions is considered an asset
Knowledge of Indigenous inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable event practices is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Lead the transition of business events from sales to event development, ensuring a seamless client experience
Manage sponsorship fulfillment, marketing activations, and partnership deliverables for business events
Collaborate with event planners, internal teams, and stakeholders to enhance event services, processes, reporting, and the overall client experience
Work with Marketing and Communications teams to maximize event visibility through media, digital channels, and promotional opportunities
Develop delegate programs, visitor experiences, social impact initiatives, and Responsible Event Program outcomes
Champion authentic Indigenous inclusion by supporting meaningful opportunities to celebrate Treaty 6 culture and community engagement
Support event attraction efforts through site visits, familiarization tours, attendance-building initiatives, and partner activations
Build and maintain relationships with event planners, venues, suppliers, attractions, community organizations, and industry stakeholders
Identify and develop partnership opportunities that create value for clients, delegates, and Explore Edmonton
Represent Explore Edmonton at industry events, conferences, networking functions, site visits, and community engagements
Support strategic initiatives, service enhancements, onboarding activities, and continuous improvement projects
Assist with budgeting, forecasting, contract administration, reporting, and organizational systems management