The American Bankers Association is the banking industry's champion. Joining ABA makes you part of a team that: • has Extraordinary People - ABA experts are the "go to" sources for bankers, policy makers and the media for credible information and insights for the banking industry. • has Unmatched Scope and Scale - ABA's unparalleled information and services keep members current, knowledgeable and prepared. • is Impact-Driven - ABA has a proven record of bringing about positive change for our members and the industry. We take action and achieve results. Plus competitive pay, an outstanding benefits package, a convenient DC location, a professional collegial work environment and an opportunity to work on issues of national significance equals a winning combination!
Did you know that women and other marginalized groups are often reluctant to submit job applications if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements? We encourage you to take a chance! If you don’t satisfy every criterion, but know you can excel in the role, we urge you to apply! We’d love to connect and talk with you about joining our team.
Employer of Choice: ABA is recognized with a 2023Great Company Culture Award and 2023 Great Place to Work designation!
Job Description:
The Senior Meetings Manager manages the successful planning and delivery of ABA events, including conferences, schools, and special events for ABA members and other financial services professionals.
The position manages all aspects of both in-person and virtual meeting logistics, including venue evaluation, platform evaluation, site selection and contracting, agenda/specifications development, food and beverage selections, in-person and virtual event audiovisual/technical requirements, and auxiliary event activities. The position manages vendors to achieve event goals and to deliver a superior member experience.
This position interacts significantly with senior management professionals from financial institutions, as well as numerous ABA departments and team members, to achieve event objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Event, Vendor and Venue Management
Coordinate with key stakeholders, including senior staff and event team to establish and meet event goals and objectives.
Research and recommend venues that support event objectives and will facilitate a superior member experience.
Conduct site inspections as needed to determine the viability of locations/venues for an event.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with national and on-property hotel sales staff. Represent ABA effectively in all negotiations and with the utmost integrity.
Design and support hybrid conference experiences. Collaborate with the virtual platform vendor to identify and consider new features to enhance virtual event experiences.
Research, select, negotiate with and manage third-party vendors, including but not limited to AV/production company, platform vendor, security, and destination management companies. Serve as the primary contact for all designated vendors both pre-show and onsite.
Identify and implement security measures required for the meeting. Coordinate security procedures with venues, including crisis management/emergency plans.
Anticipate, develop, and implement contingency plans as needed onsite. Troubleshoot and solve onsite problems.
Pre and Post Event Coordination
Serve as the primary contact for all event venue personnel during preplanning, onsite, and post-event wrap-up.
Develop and manage all event specifications, including meeting room setup, food and beverage, audiovisual/technical needs, platform requirements, and other services.
Monitor and manage VIP accommodations and event spend.
Maintain historical data, such as room block, attendance information, and attendee session counts from past events to assist with future planning and recommend process improvements to enhance the success of future events.
Financial Management
Manage resources to meet budgeted expense targets, reach net income goals, and implement cost savings measures.
Reconcile event expenses and ensure that bills are paid in a timely manner. Assist with the creation and reforecasting of budgets for assigned events.
Qualifications:
A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in event management with proven evidence of progressive work experience
Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required
The ability to put members at the center of decision making and a desire to create and execute a stellar member experience onsite
Experience with vendor management including AV/Production and Destination Management companies
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage several events simultaneously
Experience in developing and managing complex budgets
Ability to meet multiple deadlines, show high attention to detail, and work independently
Ability to travel, no more than 20% of time
CMP preferred
Workday experience preferred
Cvent experience preferred
American Bankers Association (ABA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
ABA encourages and celebrates diversity so if you are motivated, hardworking and want to make a difference, come as you are!
The American Bankers Association is the united voice of America’s hometown bankers—small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2 million women and men, hold nearly $17 trillion in assets, safeguard $12.8 trillion in deposits and extend more than $9 trillion in loans. ABA believes that government policies should recognize the industry’s diversity. Laws and regulations should be tailored to correspond to a bank’s charter, business model, hometown markets and risk profile. This policymaking approach avoids the negative economic consequences of burdensome, unsuitable and inefficient bank regulation. Through a broad array of information, training, staff expertise and other resources, ABA supports America’s hometown bankers as they perform their critical role as drivers of America’s economic growth and job creation.
