Manager, Convention Services

Houston First•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Convention Services oversees non-citywide events, conventions, trade shows, association events, and consumer events held at Houston First venues. The role develops, coordinates, and supervises event-related activities, including vendor coordination and the collection and distribution of event information. The Manager prepares event documentation, communicates with customers, and ensures successful event management from planning through move-out. The position supervises event staff and contractors and works closely with sales, client services, clients, and in-house partners. It involves conducting site visits, managing contractor staff, coordinating event services, explaining contracts, creating event plans and documentation, monitoring events, and ensuring accurate records and compliance with building and City of Houston fire codes. The work takes place in an essentially normal office environment. Evening and weekend work is required to support event schedules, and local travel to trade shows, conventions, conferences, or training and development is required for less than 10% of the year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or professional designation through IAVM.
At least 3 years of experience as an Event Manager in a convention center, hotel, or similar environment.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including expert-level skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with event management platforms such as Momentus.
Ability to work independently and proactively across a wide range of events and projects.
Adaptability and ability to manage shifting priorities and evolving program elements.
Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to collaborate effectively under pressure with diverse internal teams, external partners, and clients while managing multiple concurrent projects.
Excellent interpersonal and phone communication skills, with a professional, service-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with sales and client services at the start of event management to gather information and conduct client site visits.
Conduct site visits with sales and client services staff to promote venues and highlight facilities to potential clients.
Manage contractor staff to ensure event demands are met efficiently.
Oversee non-citywide events, conventions, trade shows, association events, and consumer events from move-in and setup through breakdown and move-out.
Use Momentus Event Management Software to enter data, generate reports, create event plans for departments, and complete related tasks.
Collect and manage information needed to produce events.
Create event documentation, including schedules, department instructions, and diagrams, using industry-specific software.
Execute and explain client contracts, confirming the accuracy of dates, times, facilities, and equipment and that contractual provisions are fulfilled.
Coordinate pre-planning with in-house partners and clients, identify required services, and communicate instructions, schedules, equipment, and inventory needs.
Monitor events from move-in and setup through the event, breakdown, and move-out.
Ensure compliance with building and City of Houston fire codes.
Complete and close event-related paperwork and files.
Ensure event information in the system is accurate and current.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.