Director of Meetings

Job Description

Department: Meetings and Events

Reports to: Sr. Director of Conference & Event Strategy

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: US (Remote)

ABOUT CEDIA

CEDIA is the association for smart home professionals. Established in 1989, CEDIA remains founded on the principles of advocacy, connection, and education. Globally, CEDIA defends the rights of technology integrators in governmental bodies, gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople, and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the smart home industry advances and draws fresh talent. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver home technology solutions that enrich our lives. Learn more about CEDIA at www.cedia.org.

Joining our team presents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking a dynamic environment working alongside the tech industry that focuses on making a positive difference in peoples lives. Joining CEDIA means becoming an integral part of a passionate and driven global community, where your contributions will not only be recognized but also play a pivotal role in the success of our collective endeavors. If you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience, this is the team where you can make a meaningful impact and thrive in your career journey.

CEDIA offers competitive compensation and an attractive benefits package including remote work (US), generous vacation and holidays, mental health days, volunteering time off, professional development, and more. As a global organization, you will get the opportunity to work with colleagues across the globe and build relationships through virtual team building activities and an annual weeklong company gathering.

SUMMARY

The Director of Meetings and Events will possess a strong blend of leadership, organizational prowess, and strategic vision to oversee all aspects of our meetings and events portfolio. This role requires a seasoned, hands-on professional with a proven track record in managing large-scale events, negotiating contracts, and ensuring flawless execution within budgetary constraints. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating memorable experiences, the Director of Meetings and Events will play a pivotal role in shaping CEDIAs events strategy and contributing to its overall success.

As the Director of Meetings and Events, you will be accountable for overseeing the strategic planning and flawless execution of all company events, ensuring they align with organizational objectives and exceed stakeholder expectations. You will lead a team of event professionals, providing guidance and support to ensure events are delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality. Additionally, as the Director of Meetings and Events you will be responsible for fostering strong relationships with internal departments and external partners, collaborating closely to understand event needs and objectives, while continuously seeking opportunities for innovation and improvement to enhance event experiences and drive business success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned.

Oversee team and implement all logistical needs for the CEDIA conferences held during CEDIA Expo, ISE, and regional events.

Work with Leadership team to help build out calendar of events for CEDIA one year in advance.

Responsible for supervising Meetings & Events team with the coordination of activities involved in the planning, implementation, and execution of the department duties.

Work to develop the necessary Global Registration Process for all CEDIA Events.

Create all processes and procedures to vet, organize, and implement all global events.

Consult with key stakeholders to determine programs goals and objectives. and budget.

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of event data management, including ownership of event data and management of post-event processes such as surveys, attendee lists, session scans, and related tasks.

Meeting & Event Planning duties when required.

Research, recommend and select meeting and event venues and activities that support objectives.

Initiate proposals with vendors; negotiate and manage vendors and contracts.

Develop meeting specifications including banquet event orders and work plans including timeline and budget.

Coordinate and manage pre-planning meetings with project team; coordinate all information for meetings and events and disseminate appropriately.

Coordinate logistics planning including agenda/program development, speaker care, food and beverage menu selections, air and ground transportation arrangements, registration and housing process and audiovisual/technical needs.

Track meeting and event expenditures to stay within or below budget. Oversee P&L adherence.

Track attendance, registration, hotel history and attendee satisfaction. Recommend best practices to assess satisfaction.

Prepare and compile routine and ad hoc status reports on group activities, such as meeting statistics and metrics.

Coordinate with all vendors to ensure services and materials are professional and appropriately reflect company standards. Complete checklists for event to ensure proper execution.

Provide onsite management of meetings and events to include oversight of vendors.

Implement contingency plans as needed onsite.

Troubleshoot and solve onsite problems seamlessly.

Complete post-event tasks including reconciliation of expenses, evaluation of event and report on meeting results.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Strong organizational and project management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Leadership qualities to manage a team effectively.

In-depth understanding of event planning and execution.

Proficiency in budget management and financial planning.

Negotiation skills for vendor contracts and partnerships, especially in the realm of hotels and convention centers.

Problem-solving capabilities to address unforeseen challenges during events.

Creativity and innovation in designing memorable event experiences.

Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge of industry trends and best practices in meetings and events.

Familiarity with event technology and software for registration, scheduling, and logistics management.

Attention to detail to ensure flawless execution of events.

Flexibility and adaptability to accommodate changing requirements and schedules.

Customer service mindset to meet and exceed client expectations.

Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements related to events and meetings.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, event management, business administration, or a related field.

Minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in event planning and management, with progressively increasing responsibilities.

Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.

Experience with trade associations is strongly preferred.

Certification in event management (e.g., Certified Meeting Professional - CMP) is highly preferred.

Demonstrated success in managing large-scale events, including conferences, conventions, and corporate meetings.

TRAVEL

This position will require you to travel to organizational off-site events, and multiple conferences and trade shows annually,

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly supervises the Meetings and Events Manager and 2 Meetings and Events Planners, encouraging cross-functional collaboration to achieve optimal team performance. This role carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Duties include, but are not limited to, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; developing goals; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

CEDIA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.