Conference Services Manager

Washington-Duke-Inn-; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k Matching

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Onsite Parking

Birthday pay

Job summary

Washington-Duke-Inn- in Durham, NC seeks a Conference Services Manager to orchestrate all aspects of conference and event services from planning to execution. Lead cross-functional teams, manage client relationships, and ensure events meet quality, timeline, and budget targets.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in conference services or hospitality management, a bachelor’s degree, and a proven track record delivering high-quality events for diverse clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in conference services, event planning, or hospitality management.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and coordinate with multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their needs and expectations for each event.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to promote conference services and secure new business opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate all logistical aspects of conferences and events, including venue selection, catering, AV, and transportation.
• Create detailed event proposals and budgets, ensuring alignment with financial constraints.
• Lead and manage cross-functional teams to ensure successful event execution.
• Oversee setup, execution, and breakdown of events, ensuring smooth operations.

Skills

Client relations

Budget management

Team leadership

Event planning

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Tools

Cvent

Event management software

Job description

The Conference Services Manager is responsible for orchestrating and overseeing all aspects of conference and event services within the organization. This role involves coordinating with clients, vendors, and internal teams to ensure seamless execution of events, from initial planning through to completion. The Conference Services Manager plays a pivotal role in enhancing client satisfaction and achieving business objectives by delivering high-quality, memorable events that align with the organization's standards and client expectations.Responsibilities:Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their needs and expectations for each event.Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to promote conference services and secure new business opportunities.Plan and coordinate all logistical aspects of conferences and events, including venue selection, catering, audiovisual requirements, and transportation.Create detailed event proposals and budgets, ensuring all aspects of the event are accounted for and within financial constraints.Lead and manage cross-functional teams, including event coordinators, vendors, and support staff, to ensure successful event execution.Oversee the setup, execution, and breakdown of events, ensuring all activities are conducted smoothly and efficiently.Monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met for all deliverables.Conduct post-event evaluations to gather feedback, measure success, and identify areas for improvement.Stay informed about industry trends and innovations to continuously enhance the quality and competitiveness of conference services.Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and legal regulations during event planning and execution.Resolve any issues or conflicts that arise during the planning or execution of events in a timely and effective manner.Prepare and present reports on event outcomes and performance metrics to senior management.Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick, effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.Preferred Education:Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.Required Experience:Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in conference services, event planning, or hospitality management, with a proven track record of successful event execution.Experience in managing a team and coordinating with multiple departments to ensure seamless event operations.Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial planning for events.Previous experience in a customer-facing role with a focus on delivering exceptional service.Benefits:401 (k)401 (k) MatchingMedical, Dental, and Vision benefits offeredAdditional Supplemental Coverages Offered - Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Critical IllnessPaid Time OffHoliday Pay for 8 holidays, Birthday payEmployee Assistance ProgramComplimentary Employee MealOnsite Parking