Experiential Director, Events (Financial Services Client)

THE JOB / Experiential Director, Events (Financial Services Client)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (2-3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL, or Atlanta, GA.***

Do you love events and creating experiences? Do you have a passion for developing consumer experiences across various onsite activations? Do you love working in a fast-paced environment and figuring out solutions? If so, this may be the opportunity for you.

Do you see the standard Tradeshow event as a blank canvass to develop unique and engaging interactions with attendees but also understand the complexity of balancing brand objectives and crafting fulfilling consumer experiences?

Do you have what it takes to create successful branded experiences and have the relationships, networks, and experience to bring it to life?

If the answer is yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you. We are looking for an Event Director to help expand the success of our clients’ programming at B2B events and Tradeshows. As the Event Director you will be the day-to-day account lead for all aspects of our client’s Tradeshow programming. This includes event planning, coordination of concept development with our creative and account teams, design and development of program, management of staff, oversight of on-site planning & activation, and oversight of program budgets. This person will work closely with our clients from briefing and planning to on-site execution and recapping.

In addition to being the lead on this account, the Event Director will manage a team of (2) coordinators to manage client communication and workflow, prioritize account tasks, work under pressure and lead the successful activation of programming in a deadline-oriented environment.

Our ideal candidate will be highly organized, diligent, and a great communicator. We are looking for someone who is highly collaborative, a self-starter and is comfortable taking the lead and voicing their opinions and ideas. If you love events and want to be part of an experienced team of passionate marketers, this may be the job for you.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Lead planning and implementation of 60 events, including travel to marquee events
• Focused on overall project management, agendas, budget, communication, etc.
• Develop workflow timeline, planning and program execution and measurement
• Create templates of program description and event concepts for internal client presentations
• Create and present professional documents, including event briefs and post event recaps
• Create and manage event staffing schedules
• Day to day contact with Manager to ensure needs are being met
• Manage and execute on-site activities including pre-communication with show organizers, event set-up, engaging the clients on staffing, premium distribution and event breakdown
• Provide oversight, management, leadership and direction to direct reports: Event Manager and Senior Event Executive
• Lead day-today communication with client, internal service groups and 3rd party vendors to fulfill activation asset(s) and premium needs
• Lead procurement, contracting and execution of all 3rd party products and/or services vendor(s) to drive maximum program success
• Tradeshow equipment (of varying configurations) and logistics management
• Other Administrative duties and related duties as assigned

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Sports”, Octagon is the global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group.

We take pride in being Playmakers – finding insightful, bold ways to create play in our work, our lives, and in the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

We can put ourselves in the shoes of fans because we ARE fans – of sports, entertainment, and culture at large. This expertise allows us to continually evolve the fan experience across sports and entertainment alongside some of the biggest brands and talent in the world.

The world needs play more than ever. Are you a Playmaker?

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Have a passion for and expertise in experiential marketing events, such as tradeshows and conventions, B2B events, sports, entertainment, music and/or celebrity & lifestyle culture
• 7-10 year(s) work experience in event marketing/event production/tradeshow execution
• Extreme attention to detail and proactive management of ongoing tasks
• Experience managing program budgets and actively tracking of program costs
• Leadership presence, with the ability to communicate concisely, persuasively and effectively, through both written and verbal mediums
• History of building positive relationships, both internally and externally – finding opportunities to made valuable contributions with every interaction
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under short deadlines and lead a team
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple programs and work streams
• Superior organization skills and a standard of excellence and consistency across your team
• Not afraid to “pitch in”, “roll up your sleeves” and get it done. You take initiative
• Have demonstrated experience in positions requiring discretion, judgment, tact, and poise and you are absolutely reliable and trustworthy
• Can lead client meetings, staff planning and keep all parties on task, on time and on budget
• Can motivate others, driving team to success
• Have the ability to forecast and mitigate issues/challenges effectively
• Willing to work non-traditional hours including weekend/holiday travel
• Willingness to travel to various event sites throughout the U.S.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than eight hours at a time
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L5: The base range for this position is $70,000 – 80,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

Octagon’s comprehensive benefit package includes:

1. Unlimited PTO policy – we understand you need time for play!
2. Competitive medical/dental/vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options. Pet Insurance for those who need it too!
3. Generous Family and Parental Leave Policy (12 weeks) with eligibility extended to all parents regardless of gender or primary/secondary caregiver status
4. Access to our parent company (IPG) Savings plan (401K program) with company match as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
5. Pretax Transportation/Commuter Benefits and Parent Travel Program
6. Dedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership, Employee Assistance Program (CCA) and more
7. Discount portal for everyday goods and services
8. Employee Resource Groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiatives
9. Personal Development programs

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.