Event Planning and Technology Manager

AFL-CIO; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AFL-CIO is seeking an Event Planning & Technology Manager to serve as the department's expert for event technology, registration systems, and complex meeting operations in Washington, DC. You will independently manage a high-volume portfolio of mid-sized to large events and lead the development of registration platforms, mobile apps, attendee communications, and reporting.

The role combines strategic event planning with technical leadership, overseeing on-site operations, vendor management, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience planning complex meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Demonstrated expertise administering Cvent, including registration websites, reporting, attendee management, and onsite solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with event mobile applications and meeting technology solutions.
• Cvent Certification within 12 months of placement.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage meetings, conferences, ancillary convention convenings, and special events from inception through post-event reconciliation.
• Lead stakeholder discovery meetings to establish objectives, attendee experience, budgets, and logistical requirements.
• Negotiate contracts with hotels, transportation providers, audiovisual companies, decorators, caterers, and suppliers.
• Develop comprehensive project timelines and oversee milestones throughout planning lifecycle.
• Manage on-site operations, registration teams, vendors, and volunteers, and handle troubleshooting.
• Provide guidance on event technology, registration policies, workflows, and governance.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Event technology proficiency

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality/Event Management

Tools

Cvent

Job description

Are you passionate about economic fairness and social justice? Do you want to improve the lives of working people and strengthen the labor movement? If you answered, "Yes!" then the AFL-CIO may be the right place for you. We are the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, and our team of dynamic professionals is dedicated to growing worker power and ensuring every working person has a voice on the job. When you work at the AFL-CIO, you’re more than just an individual employee—you’re helping to lead a movement with a proud history and a bright future ahead.

The Event Planning & Technology Manager serves as the department's primary expert for event technology, registration systems, and complex meeting operations. This position combines strategic event planning with technical expertise, leading the development and administration of registration platforms, mobile event applications, attendee communications, reporting, and event technology solutions while independently managing a high-volume portfolio of mid-sized to large events.

The position serves as the department's internal consultant for meeting technology, providing guidance to staff and stakeholders while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency through innovation, automation, and data-driven decision-making

Duties and Responsibilities:

Event Planning & Operations

• Independently manage assigned meetings, conferences, ancillary convention convenings, and special events from inception through post-event reconciliation.
• Lead stakeholder discovery meetings to establish event objectives, attendee experience, budgets, and logistical requirements.
• Negotiate contracts with hotels, transportation providers, audiovisual companies, decorators, caterers, and other suppliers.
• Develop comprehensive project timelines and oversee milestone completion throughout the planning lifecycle.
• Manage and lead on-site operations, registration teams, vendors, and volunteers, and handle troubleshooting activities.
• Recommend process improvements that increase efficiency, improve data integrity, and reduce operational risk.

Event Technology & Registration

• Serve as the department's technical lead for Cvent and other event tech stack applications.
• Design, build, and maintain registration websites, event workflows, attendee journeys, payment processing, reporting, and communications.
• Manage mobile event applications, speaker portals, exhibitor portals, appointment scheduling, surveys, and digital engagement tools.
• Develop registration policies, workflows, standard operating procedures, and governance for all Federation events.
• Create dashboards, reports, analytics, and performance metrics to support organizational decision-making.
• Evaluate and implement emerging event technologies that improve operational efficiency and attendee experience.
• Train and mentor department staff on registration systems, event technology, and operational procedures.

Customer Service & Collaboration

• Serve as a trusted advisor to AFL-CIO departments, affiliate unions, and external partners.
• Collaborate with Communications, Digital Strategies, Information Technology, Finance, Security, and other departments to ensure successful event delivery.
• Demonstrate proficiency in digital platforms and tools; understand functionality, user experience, and troubleshooting; consult clients on configuration best practices.
• Lead internal meetings, including platform demos and technical discussions within area of expertise.
• Proactively identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies

Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience planning complex meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Demonstrated expertise administering Cvent, including registration websites, reporting, attendee management, and onsite solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting competing deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with event mobile applications, reporting platforms, and meeting technology solutions.
• Cvent Certification within 12 months of placement in the position.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak event periods.