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Director of Convention Operations and Meetings

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) seeks a Director of Convention Operations and Meetings to create dynamic business exchanges and attendee experiences by managing the overall logistics for the Society’s annual conferences as well as other meetings and events.

Primary Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree required. CMP, PMP, or equivalent certification preferred.
• 10+ years of experience managing in-person and digital meetings, conferences, conventions, and expositions of up to 120,000 square feet, with up to 8,000 attendees.
• Proven financial acumen, negotiation expertise, and contract management experience.
• Strong relationship-building and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Team player with an emphasis on leadership with a track record of collaboration.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating agility and a commitment to delivering successful events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create a master plan for the convention logistics – event space allocation, detailed convention schedule, room sets, food and beverage, AV, electrical, internet, etc.
• Primary contact on all logistics (including audio/visual, DMC, catering, convention services, housing blocks, VIP/staff lodging, security, temporary staffing, shipping, etc.).
• Exhibition management of general service contractors, exhibitors, show floor features, etc.
• Manages conference registration, including at least two major expos and other smaller events as needed.

• Develop the annual convention budget that includes input from all vendors to develop a precise budget. Responsible for invoice/payment management and post-show budget reconciliation. 
• Utilize strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms, pricing, and services that align with event objectives and budgetary constraints.

• Works with the education team to develop conference education materials, room assignments, setups, room monitor staffing, VIP speaker management, etc.
• Works with the sales and marketing teams to develop and promote exhibitions and conferences.
• Works with vendors, sales, and marketing teams on sponsorship/partner contract fulfillment.
• Serve as staff liaison to SAMPE's events committees. Ensure efficient allocation of resources and facilitate communication among relevant groups. 
• Approximately 25% of travel required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Requirements:

• Knowledge of tradeshow operations and sales, including exhibition management tools like MapYourShow, A2Z, and others.
• Proficiency in current trade show industry trends and industry best practices.
• Proven customer service experience.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Relationships:

• Reports to the CEO.
• Interacts with SAMPE staff, members, volunteers, and business vendors. 

EEO:    

SAMPE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and hiring. In addition to federal law requirements, SAMPE complies with applicable CA state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

This job description is not designed to cover or comprehensively list the activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Work Location:

SAMPE offers a hybrid workplace model – required to be in the office at least twice weekly. This hybrid work environment encourages face-to-face engagement with the flexibility to support our staff.