Manager, Meetings & Expositions

Kellen•Washington, DC

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Meetings Manager role involves serving as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, taking ownership of planning and executing their events with precision and professionalism. Embracing Kellen Best Practices, this position contributes to the success of the Meetings & Expositions department by leveraging event planning expertise. The Meetings Manager is specifically responsible for planning and managing meetings, conferences, trade shows, and client functions. This role manages logistics, budget adherence, and client satisfaction, engaging closely with clients, vendors, and internal teams to ensure seamless event delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
5+ years of experience in event planning and execution.
Relevant certifications, such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), are advantageous.
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple events concurrently.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective client interaction.
Resourceful problem-solving capabilities and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Proficient in negotiation, vendor management, and budget management.
Customer-focused orientation with the ability to collaborate effectively with clients and internal teams.
Willingness to travel as required for client meetings and onsite event management.
Proficient in business intelligence and analysis tools to extract insights from data.
Proactive and collaborative working style.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, taking ownership of planning and executing their events with precision and professionalism.
Plan and manage meetings, conferences, trade shows, and client functions.
Manage logistics, budget adherence, and client satisfaction.
Engage closely with clients, vendors, and internal teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with assigned clients, understanding their goals and expectations for each event.
Collaborate with clients to determine event objectives, budget constraints, and desired outcomes.
Execute events in accordance with client specifications, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
Communicate effectively with clients throughout the planning process, providing updates and addressing concerns promptly.
Implement event planning best practices to ensure successful execution of assigned meetings.
Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring adherence to financial goals.
Coordinate logistics, including hotel RFP and contracting, online registration, and room block management.
Research, recommend, and select meeting sites and activities that align with client objectives.
Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, including coordination with hotels and other meeting venues.
Travel as needed for site selection and onsite event management.
Develop detailed meeting specifications, workplans, timelines, and budgets.
Work collaboratively with internal teams to achieve client objectives and maintain a high standard of service.
Track and report meeting metrics, including attendance, registration, and budget performance.
Provide regular updates to clients and internal stakeholders on the progress of event planning activities.
Address any issues or challenges that arise during the planning and execution phases.
Stay informed about industry trends and incorporate innovative ideas into event planning processes.
Contribute to the refinement and improvement of departmental processes and best practices.
Seek opportunities for professional development and stay updated on relevant certifications and industry knowledge.
Perform other duties that align with the mission and vision of the company as assigned.