Events Manager

Direct Travel • Toronto, ON

16d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for managing and leading the client,
leading the internal team, program planning, program execution, building client
relationships, managing client financials and Creative Group cash flow, engaging
suppliers with client priorities, and bringing creative solutions to our
clients.

This position is hybrid with 2 day in our Toronto, ON office and remote the rest
of the week.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning or a combination of education and work and experience is required
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the Hospitality and/or group/individual performance industry, with at least 3 years of meeting planning experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools
• Fluent in English
• Ability and willingness to work extended workdays and possible weekends
• Accessible during acceptable working hours identified per project/program
• Travel expectations – potential of 30% or more of time annually. Must be able to travel to any country.
• Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking
• College degree preferred
• Minimum of (5) years of experience in event planning/operations and travel
• CVENT experience (minimum 2 years)
• Quick learner-gets up to speed on systems/processes
• Experience with client invoicing, vendor payments, and company credit card reconciliation
• Highly skilled in time management to facilitate involvement in multiple projects
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Adobe, Teams
• Knowledgeable in video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools
• Professional manner and appearance
• Demonstrates the ability to think critically and strategically to anticipate opportunities and challenges
• Be able to actively listen, have the capability to instill confidence in clients and colleagues, and present information with confidence
• Must be able to take direction and work well with others
• Must be able to concentrate and perform accurately while meeting applicable productivity measures
• Must be able to manage changes proactively and manage tasks as assigned
• Must be able to lawfully work within the US and have unrestricted work authorization for US

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Meeting Planner (CMP) is a plus
• Bilingual in French or Spanish is a plus
• CMP or other Industry Certification
• Prior experience working for a TMC
• Strategic thinker

Responsibilities

• Functions as the main client contact and works diligently to develop a strong relationship; and manages clients
• Offers client dynamic experiences using the i|xperience™ methodology, working in conjunction with Marketing; leads client by providing workable and creative solutions
• Consults with client to determine goals, needs, objectives, and expectations of the program
• Remains current and knowledgeable about the industry to provide the client with creative and compelling concepts
• Understands client/group idiosyncrasies and adapts Creative Group services, accordingly; in the case a client’s request does not fit in the company’s service offerings, consults with the Design & Innovations and/or the Account Executive
• Schedules and facilitates client planning and debrief meetings to evaluate program results
• Is accountable for successful program outcome
• Collaborates with appropriate team members in internal kick-off, following program turnover from pre-sales to operations
• Executes overall strategy and choreography of meetings and events
• Leads clients and other team members on operational site inspections
• Negotiates and manages supplier contracts, including deposits, attrition, concessions, guarantees, room blocks, and master accounts in conjunction with internal team members
• Manages and works with hotel and supplier staff to exceed customer expectations. Provides best pricing, options, and program objectives. Maintains logistical accountability of meetings. Acts as liaison between customer, hotel, and all suppliers
• Creates and communicates all program specifications and program details and approve event orders
• Oversees design, marketing concepts and promotional campaigns, copywriting, and budget specific to the program in conjunction with the Project Manager
• Sends appropriate post-program correspondence to all stakeholders
• Manages client budget with a focus for client cost savings while maximizing revenue opportunities
• Understands and monitors estimated labor hours for team to maximize profit
• Manages cost-savings, reconciliation, and invoicing
• Be a sought-after partner, by building trust with clients, internal team, and external partners
• Provides confident leadership for the client, planning team, and company through all actions and to be able to successfully execute programs
• Establishes, communicates, and monitors all timelines and budget parameters
• Mentors Project Managers on an ongoing basis
• Works with all internal departments (as applicable per program) for the successful execution of the program, such as: Travel Services, Creative Services, Technology Services, Registration Services, Merchandise, and Finance
• Is responsible for on-site program execution and direction of travel staff. Implements contingency plans as needed onsite. Troubleshoots and solves onsite problems seamlessly
• Is responsible for identifying and sharing best practices and process improvements company-wide
• Gathers, shares, and applies learnings for continuous process improvement
• Can adapt and work successfully with any client, partner, and program
• Seek feedback, absorb, and act in the spirit of continuous personal development
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• employee rewards and recognitions program
• Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees