Job Details
Director of Meetings and Events
MLR Media is a Philadelphia-based media and events company serving public and private company directors, leaders and owners of multi-generational family businesses, and C-suite executives. MLR Media brands include Directors & Boards, Family Business, Private Company Director, and FO Pro and the Character of the Corporation, Transitions, Private Company Governance Summit, and Family Business Legacy and ALIGN conferences. We produce, and are known for, our unique and innovative conferences and live events for each of these brands. Many attendees tell us that our events are the best they ve ever attended.
The Event Director will work with the publishing director, marketing director, sales and content teams and art director to consistently deliver best-in-class live and digital events, and will supervise the events coordinator. Detail-, business- and results-oriented, with a strong creative and innovative mindset. Strong focus on internal and external customer service. Demonstrated creativity and innovation to ensure that our events remain relevant and must-attend.
The position is in Philadelphia, with at least three days a week in office.
Performance Measures
Meet and exceed event attendee and sponsorship goals through effective, well-written and well-planned marketing
Ensure events are planned and populated 9-12 months in advance
Detailed and precise execution of pre-event, event and post-event responsibilities
Development of new event opportunities
Deliver an exceptional customer service experience to our attendees, speakers, sponsors and internal staff
General
Manage the budget and exceed goals for all live and digital events
Create and track event budgets and schedules, up to two years in advance
Identify venues and negotiate contracts with venues and service providers
Work with publishing director to establish sponsorship and registration rates
Travel to attend and participate in events, and sales calls
Effectively represent MLR Media and its products
Oversee development of timelines for conference locations, dates, themes, topics and potential speakers at least one year out from each event
Create and oversee execution of event timelines in coordination with Publishing Director
Develop and track performance against annual conference budgets and goals
Develop and maintain prospective attendee databases
Special focus on keynote speaker identification and confirmation
Manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and constantly improve event processes
Strong copywriting skills
Pre-event
Create, track and monitor weekly event meeting agendas, schedule meeting and deliver notes and assignments
In concert with Publishing Director and Editorial team, develop conference and live event themes, topics, and sessions
Schedule and execute conference marketing, digitally and in print, in concert with Marketing Director and Publishing Director. Work with concierge sales team to build registrations.
Create and update event websites, ensure the site is proofread and accurate
Create list of potential speakers, manage speaker database, and track confirmed speakers
Manage speaker communications, including confirmations, full contact details, travel plans
Schedule and participate in speaker preparation meetings with moderators/facilitators and assigned editorial team members
Manage flow of conference presentations, edit and format to standards
Develop, execute and distribute attendee pre-conference surveys
Acquire, edit, and format Attendee Bios and Photos
Prepare and publish all conference materials for print and digital distribution, including Evaluation Forms, Conference Program, Pre-Conference Survey Results, Welcome Letters, Presentations and Attendee bios
Create final name badge and ribbon database for each event, assign conference sessions, table seating, create personal schedules for attendees
Create and distribute conference script
Responsible for attendee customer service prior to and after each conference
Assist with manual conference registrations and changes, as needed.
Pre-event attendee communication, including follow up for photos and bios, sending attendee information forms, and attendee preparation for the event emails
Event
Manage events onsite
Coordinate and assist with event set up and tear down
Onsite coordination with venue, catering and AV personnel
Assist with onsite registrations and materials distribution
Ensure speakers are present, with microphones, and on stage on time
Deal with sponsor and attendee concerns and issues
Oversee on-site registrations, handbook sales and other ancillary revenue generating opportunities
Post-Event
Schedule and lead post-event de-briefings
Calculate final evaluation scores, distribute evaluation report
Post-event attendee communications, including attendee and speaker thank yous
Track cancelations and registration changes, and potential re-application of registrations to future events.
Webinars
o Manage the schedule of available webinars
o Participate in webinar sales calls
o Coordinate webinar topic and speaker preparation with sales team and clients
o Secure additional speakers as needed
o Schedule and execute webinar attendee marketing in concert with marketing director
o Work with webinar platform provider to schedule events, set up registration page, and track attendance
o Participate in webinars behind the scenes, assisting with attendee technical questions and questions for the speakers
o Deliver reporting to the client with appropriate follow up
Key Experience Requirements include:
Minimum 10 years events experience
Strong experience with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Acrobat, html, Google Docs, CMS systems Magazine Manager/Sales Force or other CRM systems, experience with Cvent or similar events platform
Demonstrated project management ability
Key personal characteristics include:
Ability to show leadership in a team environment
Thrive in a fast-paced, creative and detail-oriented environment
Maintain positive relationships with all stake holders
Remain calm and reasoned under pressure
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with grace and precision
Excellent written and verbal skills