Vice President, Conference and Events

American Hotel & Lodging Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Salary: 150-160K USD

Job summary

American Hotel & Lodging Association in Washington, DC is seeking a Vice President, Conferences and Events to lead the planning, management and execution of AHLA and AHLA Foundation's conference portfolio. The role oversees day-to-day development and delivery of high-quality events, guiding internal teams, partners, vendors, sponsors, and stakeholders from concept through on-site delivery.

This hands-on leader will manage budgets, timelines, program development, staff leadership, and attendee

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8-10 years of demonstrated experience in strategic conference, event, or association event management.
• Experience leading large-scale conferences, trade shows, member events, or complex multi‑stakeholder events, including budgets, vendors, contracts, timelines, and cross‑functional project teams.
• Association, hospitality, nonprofit, or member‑based organization experience preferred.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute AHLA/AHLA Foundation's conferences and events portfolio.
• Lead project teams with clear objectives, timelines, budgets, deliverables, and accountability.
• Shape event experiences to grow engagement and attendance.
• Oversee educational program development, speaker coordination, and program execution.
• Manage budgets, revenue/expense projections, and post-event evaluations.
• Travel to events and coordinate across internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Vendor/contract management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

CMP certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Salesforce

Event technology platforms

Job description

Position Title: Vice President, Conferences and Events

Reports to: Vice President, Conferences and Events

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Conferences and Events will lead the planning, management, and execution of AHLA & AHLA Foundation's conference and events portfolio. This role is responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day development and delivery of high‑quality events that enhance member engagement, create exceptional attendee experiences, and support AHLA's revenue and organizational goals. The Vice President will serve as a hands‑on leader, working closely with internal teams, external partners, vendors, sponsors, and stakeholders to manage event operations from concept through execution. This position is accountable for project management, budgeting, logistics, program development, stakeholder engagement, staff leadership, and on‑site event delivery, ensuring all events are executed efficiently, professionally, and with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Work with the VP of Conferences & Events to plan, manage, and execute AHLA/F's events portfolio, including signature conferences, proprietary meetings, partner‑supported events, member engagement programs, and special events.
• Serve as a project lead for assigned conferences and events, ensuring clear objectives, timelines, budgets, deliverables, and accountability across internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a thought partner in helping shape event experience to grow engagement and attendance year over year.
• Oversee AHLA's responsibilities across its broader conference and events portfolio, including but not limited to:
  • Educational program development, speaker coordination, and program execution
  • Member, industry, sponsor, and partner engagement initiatives
  • Event logistics, including function specifications, registration support, food and beverage, audio‑visual arrangements, production needs, and attendee experience elements
  • Venue research, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and relationship management
  • RFP development, site research, site visits, and contracting support
  • Travel to events, planning meetings, site visits, and other related activities as needed
• Establish and manage event budgets, revenue and expense projections, timelines, reporting tools, and post‑event evaluations; provide regular updates to senior leaders on event strategy, planning milestones, risks, budget status, and outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve event processes, strengthen operational efficiencies, enhance attendee engagement, and elevate the overall quality and impact of AHLA events.
• Ensure event policies, procedures, and planning practices are consistent across AHLA's broader conference and events portfolio; support other special projects and duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required
• 8-10 years of demonstrated experience in strategic conference, event, or association event management
• Experience leading large-scale conferences, trade shows, member events, executive meetings, or complex multi‑stakeholder events, including budgets, vendors, contracts, timelines, and cross‑functional project teams
• Association, hospitality, nonprofit, or member‑based organization experience preferred
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification preferred

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic, self‑motivated leader who is also a collaborative team player with a high level of professionalism and emotional intelligence
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events, priorities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate goals, expectations, updates, and event‑related information to internal and external audiences
• Ability to build strong relationships with members, sponsors, partners, vendors, senior leaders, and cross‑functional teams
• Experience managing complex event partnerships, vendors, venues, and contractors
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment
• Detail‑oriented, highly organized, and able to anticipate needs, solve problems, and maintain calm under pressure
• Customer‑service focused with a positive attitude and commitment to delivering a strong attendee and member experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event‑related technology platforms; Salesforce experience preferred

Other

• Position located in Washington, DC area.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds.
• Salary: 150-160K.
• Hybrid - 3 days in office (Tues, Wed & Thurs)

AHLA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

EOE

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer‑paid disability and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)