Senior Vice President, Conferences and Events

Company: American Hotel & Lodging Association
Job type: Full-time

Position Summary:
AHLA is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Vice President to lead our Conferences and Events department. As the Senior Vice President, you will play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth & expansion of our current events offerings and identifying new business opportunities. Your leadership and vision will be instrumental in driving the revenue growth, profitability, and innovation of our conferences and events portfolio. This is a senior executive position that requires a proven track record in event management, business development, and strategic planning.Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and execute a strategic vision and global roadmap for the conferences and events portfolio, aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
Collaborate with other senior executives to ensure that conferences and events initiatives are integrated with the overall organizational strategy.
Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and ensure the organization remains at the forefront of event planning and execution.
Growth Mindset:
Identify opportunities to expand and diversify our current events offerings to meet the evolving needs of our target audience.
Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, industry gaps, and potential areas for growth.
Develop business cases and proposals for new events, including market potential, financial projections, and feasibility assessments.
Business Development:
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders, sponsors, and key stakeholders to enhance event offerings and generate new business opportunities.
Lead negotiations and contract discussions with potential sponsors, vendors, and event partners.
Develop and implement effective marketing and promotional strategies to maximize event participation and revenue generation.
Event Planning and Execution:
Oversee the planning, development, and execution of a diverse portfolio of conferences, seminars, workshops, and other events.
Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand event objectives, target audience, and desired outcomes, ensuring events are strategically aligned and meet organizational goals.
Budget and Resource Management:
Develop and manage the department's budget, ensuring financial goals are met and resources are allocated effectively.
Monitor and track event budgets, expenses, and revenues, providing regular reports to senior leadership.
Team Leadership and Development:
Manage and develop a high-performing team, providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to enhance individual and collective performance.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork, creativity, and innovation.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Cultivate and maintain relationships with industry professionals, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to enhance the organization's reputation and influence.
Represent the organization at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events, leveraging opportunities for partnership and business development.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in business administration, event planning, or a related field
PMP Certification preferred
12+ years of relevant experience.
Significant project management experience
Skills and Attributes:
Proven track record of success in event management, business development, and strategic planning, preferably in a similar senior leadership role.
Strong business acumen with the ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
Experience in large tradeshow/conference management
Track record including international events
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
Excellent negotiation, networking, and relationship-building skills.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing event budgets.
Strong ability for collaboration is key to success in this role.
Other:
Position based in the Washington DC area
Rotating hybrid work schedule: In-office Tues-Thurs and Mon-Thurs every other week.
Moderate travel required
Salary: $200,000-$230,000
AHLA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
EOE
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long Term Disability
Training & Development
Work From Home
Free Food & Snacks

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