Conference Center Operations Specialist

18 month renewable term contract. Potential to extend multi-year/option to hire

Client: A major global corporation and a leader in their industry operating over 350 manufacturing facilities with annual revenue earning over $24B and employing over 15,000.

Overview:

The Conference Center Operations Specialist will direct, plan and organize the day-to-day operations of a conference/development center related to the center’s programs, conferences, workshops and events from end to end. Provide full customer service on event planning while consulting with internal clients on all of their event needs helping identify, schedule and set up the appropriate room, audiovisual needs, food requirements, materials, budgets, etc. Partner closely with both internal and external vendors to ensure client expectations are met. In addition to the day to day operations, coordinate full facility maintenance, repair, and cleaning schedules along with equipment maintenance.

Role:

• Direct, plan and organize all conference day to day operations.
• Consult with internal customers on their meeting space, food, and room setup needs. This will include large, scale global events that require accommodation of multi-cultural needs.
• Set up rooms for events including ensuring materials are ready and all rooms are fully equipped with working audio-visual equipment.
• Order and coordinate all food and beverage for events which includes setup and cleanup.
• Manage budgets for all events including the coordination and processing of chargebacks for food and beverages and other event costs.
• Coordinate all facility maintenance.
• Report on and evaluate the services provided including customer satisfaction and space utilization in order to implement continuous improvements, make adjustments to policies and continuously enhance the overall benefits of the conference center.
• Develop strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external resources including working with IT, meeting & travel, and site services to ensure all facility and customer needs are met.
• Develop communication and marketing pieces to promote the use of the facility.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 5 – 7 years of experience in end to end conference and/or large scale meeting management in a business environment
• Experience in food and beverage with emphasis on catering required.
• Experience with computer based technologies for tracking schedules (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Meeting Request System) required.
• Current certification in CMP (Certified Meeting Planner), CMM (Certificate in Meeting Management), and/or CSEP- Certified Special Events Professional and/or CTSM (Certified Trade Show Marketer) is a plus.
• Experience with accommodating the needs of multi-cultural audiences preferred.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work 7:00AM - 3:00PM M-F schedule.