American Public Works Association (APWA) serves professionals in all aspects of public works by providing innovative conference and education opportunities for professional development. The Meeting Planner / Registration & Housing Manager is a key member of the conference planning and delivery for two national conferences of over 2,000 attendees, as well as meeting planning for smaller events through out the year.
About the Registration & Housing Manager/Meeting Planner Role:
This position manages the registration and housing activities in support of APWA sponsored conferences during the pre, onsite, and post show phases. This includes coordination and management of vendors and associated contracts, working in a team environment to create engaging and smooth conferences, and delivering a high focus on customer service and attendee experience. APWA's Meetings team also supports our chapters with event planning contract review and by consulting on meeting planning activities at the chapter level. This role assists in the organization and execution of virtual and hybrid meetings, as needed, as well as management of the smaller association internal and external meetings, and events including the business travel guest room process. The Registration and Housing Manager/Conference Planner also provides customer service and planning support for PWX, North American Snow Conference (NASC) and National Equipment Roadeo including reports, data, and trend analysis for future conferences.
You’ll Love it Here If You…
Are truly committed and passionate about the world of registration, housing, and meeting planning.
Have a curiosity that pushes you to explore new opportunities for improved conference experience, as well as the focus to deliver time-sensitive results on schedule.
Have a high bar for excellence and attention to details.
Believe that teamwork leads to success.
Are energized by occasional travel for work, and by the prospect of meeting and working with our diverse members, volunteers, and vendors.
What You Will Need to Succeed:
5 years of experience working with event registration, ideally with a focus on housing for large events
Contract negotiation skills: ability to read, understand, and negotiate contracts.
Customer service and teamwork focus, able to communicate respectfully with a variety of different people and personalities
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, maintaining a high level of professionalism and responsiveness internally and externally in a fast-paced environment
Strong computer skills using Office 365 or higher.
Project Management through all stages of process: conceptualize, plan, and execute efficiently both independently, as well as as a contributor or leader within a team environment.
Ability to analyze data and present recommendations and trends.
Ability to prioritize workload, be comfortable writing for and presenting to various audiences, be flexible and detail oriented.
What Will Differentiate You
Leadership: the desire to take initiative and actively contribute to the team and association
Communication: the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of individuals, including volunteers
Association Experience: working with an association and understanding the customer service needs of members and volunteers.
Experience: Association experience is preferred, and CMP certification is a plus.
Why APWA? Check out our benefits!
We offer remote hybrid work schedules, excellent health, dental and vision insurance programs, matching retirement benefits, 37.5 hour work weeks with the opportunity to have 2 Fridays a month off. APWA also invests in the APWA staff with professional development opportunities, leave time and a flexible work culture.
We’re proud of the work we do because our work matters. Every role at APWA contributes to advancing the quality of life for others as we support those who operate, improve and maintain public works and infrastructure. With supporting over 30,000 members across North America, we’re always looking for motivated and inspiring people to join us.
Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills
Customer/member service minded approach to work
Maintain a high level of professionalism and responsiveness internally and externally in a fast-paced environment
Ability to analyze data and present recommendations and trends
Experience managing projects through all stages to include conceptualize, plan, and execute efficiently both with independent project as well as being a contributor or leader within a team environment based on the type of event.
Must have strong computer skills using Office 365 or higher.
Must be able to prioritize workload, be comfortable writing for and presenting to various audiences, be flexible and detail oriented.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Exposed to moderate noise levels typical in office environment
Exposed to loud noise levels when located on exhibit show floor at annual conferences (2 times/year)
Must be able to travel 3-5 times per year for up to 10 consecutive days including weekend travel
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Sedentary office work typical in an office environment / Moderate standing and lifting while performing work functions off-site at annual conferences (2 times/year)
Light lifting in accordance with typical office work in an office environment / Moderate lifting while performing work functions off-site at the annual conference (2 times/year)
The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.
Originally chartered in 1937, APWA is the largest and oldest organization of its kind in the world, with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, an office in Washington, D.C., and 67 chapters throughout North America. APWA provides a forum in which public works professionals can exchange ideas, improve professional competency, increase the performance of their agencies and companies, and bring important public works-related topics to public attention in local, state and federal arenas.
The association is a highly participatory organization, with hundreds of opportunities for leadership and service, and a network of several dozen national committees in every area of public works. Governed by a 17-member board of directors, elected at both the regional and national levels, APWA is an open, flexible association with a diversified membership of 30,000 and a reputation for quality services and products.
