Freelance Event Manager Jobs

Freelance Conferences Manager

Event Management Ottawa/ Gatineau (Virtual)

Description

Our Executive Director, an association management company in the National Capital Region, is looking for an experiencedMeetings and Events Managerto join our small team as an Independent Freelance Contractor. In addition to association management services to small nonprofits and associations, our company provides meeting, convention, event and trade show management services where we manage every facet and detail of our client organizations' events.We specialize in virtual conferences directed to the small association conference market.

Only individual event planners (not companies) who are independent contractors will be invited to a meeting. This is not a job posting. We are not looking to partner with a business of several associates or employees themselves.

Our goal is to work closely with a client organization's leaders to create an enjoyable conference experience for all attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, while ensuring a successful outcome based on the organizations' event objectives. TheMeetings and Events Managerplays a critical role in developing creative and strategic event solutions for our clients and providing outstanding customer service. This individual is the leadership of the event planning team and are integral in taking the lead in this critical line of business for Our Executive Director and our clients.

What You Will Do

• For trade shows, oversee floor plan management, management of general service contractors, security, exhibitor service kit development, database management, development of exhibitor prospectus, virtual trade shows, VIP management, event and year-round sponsorship management and booth display rules
• Manage project plans and ensure consistent communication with clients regarding show updates, project milestones and deliverables
• Take accountability to review and ensure adherence to all project documents, contracts and agreements
• Conduct and take part in one-on-one meetings
• Build, develop and grow any business relationships vital to the success of each project
• Counsel clients on industry best practices and contribute innovative and effective ideas to client strategic planning and process analysis
• Lead and coordinate all aspects ofconferences, meetings, trade shows and other events for multiple clients, including pre-planning, on-site execution and post-event wrap-up; specifically, coordination of housing, registration, audio/visual, shuttle bus, food and beverage coordination, site selections, city-wide events, off site events, VIP events and VIP management
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to appropriate resources such as interns (when onboarded to our company) or fellow team members.
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential crises and devise contingency plans
• Manage, coach, mentor and motivate teams as well as internal/external clients
• Financial management, including budget creation, monitoring revenue/expense performance and reviewing staff time against fees

This Role Might Be for You If…

• You have the ability to travel with a willingness to travel outside of the geographic area as needed for training, meetings and on-site staffing role
• You possess the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks conforming to shifting priorities, demands and timelines
• You are highly detail oriented and exhibit the ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously
• You demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to resolve situations in a professional and calm manner
• You have strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of responsibility, initiative and professionalism
• You have the ability to work directly with clients in a responsible, appropriate and service-oriented manner
• You have a proven ability to supervise, mentor and support staff
• You possess strong written and oral communication skills
• You have demonstrated ability as team leader, team member and ability to work independently to best serve client

Required Qualifications

• Fluency in French and English (written, spoken and oral)
• A minimum of 2 years of direct supervisory experience
• 4+ years relevant professional experience in the in convention/event/meeting/trade show planning industry

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management experience to include meeting deadlines on time and on budget
• Familiarity with venues, facilities, convention centres and convention city packages
• Experience with international meetings and trade shows is a plus
• Experience managing and producing both virtual and hybrid conferences
• Proficiency with basic computer programming, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Digital marketing and sales background to assist in marketing a selling registrations, exhibit spaces and sponsorships
• Excellent knowledge of meeting industry terminology and comprehensive knowledge of meeting planning, trade show and registration processes
• Experience in nonprofit organizations and associations

Where Do You Fit?

Whether you are just beginning your career or are a mid- or senior-level professional, partnering with Our Executive Director will offer you countless opportunities to develop transferrable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace.

We view this opportunity as ideal for an event planner just looking to pick up a few extra billable hours or even a start up event planner.