The Director, Events is responsible for managing the planning and execution of IA conferences and events (both in-person and virtual) with a focus on creating a superb experience for attendees while streamlining internal processes to maximize attendee and sponsor satisfaction with IA events, and increase income, profit, retention and growth.
Responsibilities:
Creates a vision for each event from the perspective of an attendee’s experience.
Benchmarks other industry events to create a vision for how IA can raise the bar on its event activity
Presents recommendations to the Events Committee regarding elevating IA events
Thinks creatively and pragmatically with a willingness to consider many options, problem solve, build consensus and take directives as necessary.
Works closely with the events team to manage all aspects of the event process before, during and after the event and ensures that all components of planning are on track.
Manages each event’s budget and modifies as needed.
Conducts site selection and inspections, RFPs, and contract negotiations with venues and related vendors, including DMCs, decorators, etc.
Assigns meeting rooms, prepares rooms sets and BEOs.
Leads the vision for traffic flow, ensuring a good experience for attendees, and good traffic for sponsors and exhibitors.
Serves as the onsite event primary point of contact for the venue and staff.
Serves as the primary point of contact with decorators and assists in the design of the exhibit space layout development for trade show booths, as well as onsite signage.
Identifies unique event experiences (location-specific outings, parties, dinners, etc.) and manages logistics for each (working with DMC where appropriate)
Looks for new ways to add polish and sophistication to all aspects of events.
Works with the VP, IT to ensure appropriate A/V sets in each meeting room, with particular focus on stage set/signage/lighting/music in general session room.
Works with VP, Programming & Communications to deliver a complete and compelling event program.
Work with Director, Research to measure and improve IA event satisfaction and experience.
Manages all aspects of contracted room block, including addressing attendee inquiries regarding reservations, monitoring room lists, and adhering to cut-off and release dates.
Handles all hotel accommodations for staff, Board, speakers and VIPs.
Reviews and codes final venue invoices and approves for payment.
Develops and executes a comprehensive onsite schedule/list of duties for staff attending events.
Serves as co-staff liaison to the Events Committee.
Provides event planning training to Chapter Boards for Chapter events, as needed.
7+ years of professional experience with both in-person and virtual events, with experience designing and managing events of 500+ attendees (including exhibitors and sponsors).
Strong experience negotiating venue and related vendor contracts.
Experience in the association and/or nonprofit field strongly preferred.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credentialing is a plus.
Adept at creating and managing budgets.
Must be highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
The Insights Association protects and creates demand for the evolving Insights and Analytics industry by promoting the indisputable role of insights in driving business impact. IA is the non-profit trade association that serves as the hub of the Insights community, particularly in North America. Through the support of more than 30,000 Corporate and Individual members and guidance of its Board of Directors, the Insights Association works to Protect, Connect, Inform and Promote the Insights industry, allowing companies like Medallia to remain in the know and connected to initiatives, legislation, and the professionals in our community.
