Events Manager

About Us:

At BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E), we provide more than meeting and event planning services: we create connections that inspire, motivate and change behavior for our customers. As the world’s most trusted and innovative meetings and events agency, BCD M&E cultivates a culture of people, passion and purpose to drive business forward. 

Headquartered in Chicago, with locations in 50+ countries across the world, BCD M&E’s team of 2,000 people are committed to sustainability and driving success for our customers, our business and ourselves. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we look for people that want to be a part of something special, can rise to our standards and love to bring their unique perspective to the table.

While we can’t guarantee every day will be the best (who can?), we can promise a community of people who genuinely care and lead with empathy, a flexible workplace with awesome perks and challenging work that means something. 

See what life is about at BCD M&E at bcdme.com/careers

Event Manager
Sydney, Australia

The Event Manager is a hybrid role in that it includes aspects of leadership, account management and operations delivery. This is no small task; it demands professional maturity, reasonable event experience, superb relationship-building skills and compelling team dynamics.

The Event Manager works on a variety of programs and serves as the day-to-day planning contact for identified clients.

Your responsibilities:

The Event Manager is accountable but not limited to:

·       The development, planning and overall operational execution of meetings, conference, incentive programs and special events for customers. 

·       Day-to-day project planning functions, including but not confined to overseeing elements such as website development, attendee management and budget management.

·       Where necessary, documentation of operating processes and ensuring adherence to customer compliance processes and regulations.

·       Revenue management of projects, including project reconciliation and working with the Event Operations Manager, Event Solutions on final program billing and reporting of P&L to Finance.

·      Work with Event Operations Manager, Event Solutions on pitch submission and attend pitch presentation where required.


Overall:

·       As a key point of contact with clients, provide a consultative approach to program planning, ensuring the client has identified clear objectives for the outcome of the meeting, event or program.

·       Work with clients to develop, source and meet the objectives and identified goals of the event.

·       Assist in selling in the solution to the client/prospect as part of the pitch team.

·       Develop proposal and estimated budget for pitches and attend pitch presentation where required.

·       Troubleshoot issues and propose solutions to Event Operations Manager, Event Solutions; where necessary, escalate issues to Client Account Manager and/or Event Operations Manager, Event Solutions.

Pre-Event:

·       Assist in the planning and management of site inspections, serve as BCDME representative for suppliers and clients as required; follow up with site inspection takeaways, insights and recommendations, including updated estimated budgets, program itineraries and timelines.

·       Negotiate and purchase hotels, venues, ground transportation, technology, media and production (audiovisual), speaker bureaus, entertainment and décor elements via preferred Destination Management Companies and/or direct vendors.

Planning & Execution:

·       Plan and manage meetings, conferences, conventions or special events that could include large numbers of participants, multiple hotels and venues, multiple internal client staff, multiple client audiences and corresponding agendas, and on-site staff.

·       Demonstrate strong audio‑visual (AV) knowledge, including end‑to‑end management of sound, lighting, video, staging, and hybrid event technologies, working closely with AV vendors to deliver seamless event execution.

·       Prepare all necessary documentation required for client planning/strategy meetings, program walk-through meetings and client debrief meetings.

·       Facilitate the creative direction and fulfillment of program-related participant and host communications materials.

·       Onsite execution and management of event.

·       Reconcile all final billings on-site prior to final billing being sent to Finance and ensure final billing timeline is met.

·       Track and manage vendor attrition, cancellation and payment schedule.

·       Ensure the meeting is managed in a compliant manner according to clients’ requirements, including safety and security.

Day-to-day:

·       The Event Manager will collaborate with the internal team and sales to create proposal and develop/procure costs in facilitating new and repeat business proposals.

·       Manage program budgets; present program budgets to Event Operations Manager, Event Solutions for review and approval prior to sending to the client.

·       Train and coach team members (Event Coordinator) and provide ongoing support to new team members

·       Escalate feedback/suggested changes to Event Operations Manager, Event Solutions

·       Hybrid working arrangement

We’re looking for you if your profile matches the following:

Essential

·       The inherent ability to work seamlessly under pressure whilst adapting to ever-changing scenarios.

·       Correspondingly, proven problem-solving capabilities - anticipating, initiating and resolving issues.

·       Meticulous to details

·       Excellent customer service skills.

·       Experience in managing events in Australia and overseas

·       An undergraduate degree in a field relevant to the role could help greatly.

·       A minimum of 5 years’ experience in planning meetings, incentives, conventions, conferences and special events.

·       A minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing external partners, suppliers and vendors, sourcing and negotiating contract services.

·       Proven audio‑visual (AV) expertise, including sound, lighting, video, staging, and hybrid event technologies, with demonstrated experience managing AV for corporate events.

·       Experience in account management.

·       Experience in leading/working in a team.

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·       Proficiency in software/apps including but not limited to Cvent, On24, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex.

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Database Management.

·       Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred                                                               

·       CMP/PMP certification strongly preferred
 

THE PERKS

Flexible Working

We believe that a flexible working environment is key to getting the best out of our teams. We will support you to work where you need to and when you need to, depending on how you work best.

Room to Grow

Our line of work and business structure challenge our people in a way that inspires growth, with learning and development built into every role. We give individuals ownership over the direction and speed in which they grow.

Everyone has a voice

We thrive on conversations that spark curiosity and empathy. No matter how big or how small, every voice is heard, considered and respected.

Make your move

The diversity of roles across BCD M&E’s global locations means that our people often find new adventures during their time with us. 

We’ve got you covered

Our extensive benefits include continued education support, diverse work locations, travel and hotel discounts, volunteer and sustainability opportunities and a successful employee recognition program.

We’re positive. You’ll love it.

It starts from the top. Our leaders lead with positivity, believe in our people and trust us to do the right thing. There will always be support along your journey, in little and big ways.

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