Registration and Housing Manager

Brief Description

The Registration and Housing Manager is responsible for managing and continuously improving SME’s event registration processes and group housing programs. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with strong expertise in registration systems, event housing logistics, vendor management, and data analysis. This position will work closely with internal teams, external vendors, and event participants to ensure efficient operations and a seamless experience for exhibitors and attendees. The ability to interpret data and collaborate with marketing teams to inform strategic decision-making is essential to the success of this role.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and implements all aspects of the event registration and housing process including coordination with registration and housing vendor, internal staff and external partners.
• Manages the preshow qualification and approval process for all registration types, ensuring that both online and on-site systems are fully operational and meet all scheduling requirements.
• Manages on-site registration operations, including ordering supplies, equipment, utilities, and creating efficient registration layouts and traffic flows. Collaborates with staffing agencies to train and oversee on-site temporary staff, ensuring efficient registration processes and smooth traffic flow during events
• Collaborates with registration and housing vendors to scope website requirements, perform acceptance testing, and ensure quality and acceptance criteria are met. Helps identify any necessary system integrations and data migration needs related to the registration and housing program, ensuring smooth data flow for reporting and analysis
• Oversee the entire project life cycle for registration and housing, ensuring timelines are maintained for all events and projects are completed from start to finish
• Helps evaluate vendors and contributes innovative solutions to enhance the registration experience.
• Prepare and deliver timely reports on registration data, including historical trends and analysis.
• Collaborates with marketing and event leadership to optimize the registration process and compile post-event analysis reports, incorporating stakeholder feedback and historical data comparisons.
• Develops and monitors annual revenue and expense budgets, including registration costs, commissions and invoice reconciliation.
• Maintains accurate registration records within the customer relationship management (CRM) system, ensuring proper data management and accessibility for internal stakeholders.
• Schedules messages to registered and prospective attendees, as well as works with the marketing department on timely and effective communications.
• Manages the third-party housing provider to secure necessary hotel rooms, concession levels and event accommodations.
• Plans for SME event housing needs three to five years in advance, ensuring long-term logistical readiness.
• Collaborates with event teams to create special packages or programs that boost occupancy among exhibitors, conference delegates, and attendees. Develop marketing materials and execution plans in support of these initiatives.
• Develops an annual housing strategy and associated goals for each event series and other SME functions as needed, including room blocks, price points, and other key metrics. Maintain accurate records and provides regular updates and reports on progress.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, or equivalent related work experience.
• At least five years of experience in B-to-B events and hotel operations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and manage event-related tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to interpret documents and training manuals and write clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Experience in budgets preparation and cost control management for event-related expenses.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to maintaining the security and confidentiality of client information and hotel data.
  
  

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Communications skills
• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Vendor Management
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment
• Regular, in-person attendance required
• Primary office location: Southfield, MI
• Travel required
  
  

Summary

POSITION TITLE: Registration and Housing Manager

GROUP: Events

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SME is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants must live in the United States and legally be authorized to work there without sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is $70,920 - $88,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. Offers typically fall within this range based on individual qualifications and budget availability. In addition to base salary, SME offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, generous paid time off and holidays, professional development and training opportunities, and additional wellness and work-life balance benefits. Certain positions may also be eligible for bonus/incentive compensation, subject to role and company policies.