Vice President, Conferences & Events - The Hospitality Show

Position Summary:

The VP of Events – The Hospitality Show will lead responsibilities for AHLA’s involvement in The Hospitality Show (THS) and the strategic relationship with Questex. In this role, you will help shape and define our large event strategy to meet brand, member value and financial objectives by owning organization-wide project management and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Serve a lead relationship point of contact with Questex, AHLA’s partner on The Hospitality Show, interfacing both internally within AHLA and with the partner, to drive strong financial results, enhance the attendee experience and increase brand reputational goals.
• Act as overall senior partner & project manager bringing disciplined organization and focus to joint THS relationship team, and within AHLA, to drive execution and improve communication and efficiencies.
• Manage AHLA’s responsibilities for The Hospitality Show including (but not limited to):
• Advisory board administration and correspondence
• Educational program development and execution
• Industry engagement initiatives
• AHLA proprietary meetings & events alongside THS: execute event logistics to include function specifications, food and beverage and audio-visual arrangements, and experience elements
• Vendor selection, contract negotiation, and relationship management as needed
• RFP, site research and contracting as needed
• Travel to event and associated planning meetings/site visits
• Responsible for all aspects of ongoing event priorities, including creating event concepts and strategies that deliver against stated objectives, establishing timelines, managing budget, tracking and reporting, maintaining strong internal and external relationships
• Ensure alignment on annual goals, budget projections, project management plans and milestones and develop regular updates for SVP-Conferences & Events, COO and CEO
• Ensure The Hospitality Show procedures and policies are aligned with the broader AHLA portfolio of conferences and events.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned including involvement in AHLA’s and the AHLA Foundation’s other proprietary and partnership events.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Large trade show and conference experience
• 8-10 years demonstrated track record of strategic events management
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification preferred

Skills and Attributes:

• Self-motivated individual who is also a team player with a high level of professionalism and emotional intelligence
• Strong & established project management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to write and edit clear, engaging, and relevant content; willingness to be coached
• Able to manage and influence large, complex partners
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented individual with exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Customer-service focused with a positive attitude; maintains grace under pressure
• Experienced computer and software knowledge, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and Salesforce preferred

Other:

• Position located in Washington, DC area.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to lift 35 pounds.
• Hybrid - 3 days in office (Tues, Wed & Thurs)
• Targeted salary range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000

Benefits

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.