Senior Director, Meetings & Housing

Description

This leadership role is responsible for managing and expanding AMT’s meetings and events, ensuring they deliver the highest value and quality for members and the manufacturing technology community. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with a diverse skill set, strong energy, and adaptability, excelling in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments. This position requires extensive experience in contract negotiations and sourcing for all AMT shows and meetings, including managing over 100 hotel contracts and city-wide events ranging from 25,000 to 100,000 attendees.

Duties and responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning:

· Lead the Meetings & Housing Department in executing AMT’s strategic plan and annual objectives.

· Develop and implement strategic initiatives that support the Association’s overall goals.

· Collaborate with the executive team to define event objectives, key attributes, and desired outcomes.

· Act as an industry advocate, promoting manufacturing technology industries to AMT’s various audiences.

· Strengthen and maintain relationships with AMT Members.

· Strategic & Financial Oversight

· Oversee the development and management of departmental and project-based budgets to ensure responsible use of AMT resources.

· Analyze departmental performance metrics and implement improvement strategies as needed.

· Collaborate with relevant AMT teams to market, promote, and grow AMT events, enhancing both attendance and profitability.

· Exercises significant problem-solving, judgment, and investigative skills to navigate complex procedures and recommend effective courses of action.

· Operates with broad autonomy in determining procedures for personal and team tasks, with work reviewed primarily at the highest executive level.

Meeting & Event Management:

· Direct and oversee the production of all internal and external meetings (range from 25-400 people), both domestic and international as needed.

· Support content development and event promotion, including speaker procurement and logistical arrangements.

· Conduct site inspections, select event locations and hotels, and negotiate contracts for AMT meetings and events.

· Manage relationships with hotel staff, suppliers, event facilities, and service contractors to ensure seamless execution.

· Oversee meeting room assignments for exhibiting companies at IMTS.

· Supervise catering and event functions associated with IMTS.

Contract Negotiation & Vendor Management:

· Negotiate contracts for speakers, venues, hotels, suppliers, and other event service providers.

· Collaborate with AMT’s Global Housing Solutions team to manage hotel room blocks for IMTS and other partnered exhibitions and meetings.

Departmental Oversight & Team Management:

· Develop and manage the department’s work plan, setting priorities and ensuring successful execution.

· Supervise and mentor departmental staff, fostering professional growth and operational efficiency.

· Maintain and improve documentation of departmental workflows and processes.

Global Housing Execution:

· Negotiate and secure contracts with hotels for IMTS and other AMT events.

· Oversee the Housing team’s daily operations, providing guidance and support as needed.

· Strategically plan and manage the IMTS housing process, ensuring efficiency and optimal room allocation.

· Negotiate best rates meeting & housing partners.

· Secure prime meeting spaces for exhibitors and members.

· Coordinate hotel services for sponsors, including key card branding, show daily drops, and media placements.

· Work with the Exhibitions Team to allocate hotel room blocks and plan bus routes.

· Oversee the management of complimentary rooms for AMT staff, vendors, and partners.

· Review and approve key housing documents, including rate sheets, event maps, and reports.

· Liaise with key exhibitors, IMTS guests, and hotel representatives to address high-level concerns.

· Monitor hotel booking space and make adjustments as needed to optimize room allocations.

· Contract with overflow hotels as necessary.

· Review the housing website and marketing plan for accuracy and consistency.

· Oversee the pricing strategy for available complimentary rooms.

· Address hotel-related issues such as overbookings, relocations, and unexpected closures.

· Manage the process for all payments on commissions, subsidies, cancelation fees, complimentary room sales

· Contact hotels sales representatives and Global Reps to expedite all show payments when necessary

Requirements

Education & Experience:

 · Bachelor’s degree in Meetings Management or a related field.

 · Minimum of 10 years of directly related experience, including at least 5 years in a management role, preferably within an association.

 · Strong knowledge of organizational management, with expertise in meeting planning, adult education program development, marketing, and execution.

 · Proven leadership, project management, facilitation, and motivation skills.

 · Experience in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial planning.

 · Ability to plan, organize, and direct a team effectively.

Technical Skills & Industry Experience:

 · Advanced proficiency in computers and business software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

 · Experience with Cvent Event Management Software and Salesforce preferred.

 · City-wide event experience; familiarity with IMTS/McCormick Place is a plus.

Certifications & Additional Requirements:

 · Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) preferred.

 · Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

 · Extensive travel required to fulfill assignments and represent AMT at various events and venues.

Highlighted Benefits

· Full-time AMT employees are eligible to receive the following benefits:

· Medical | Dental | Vision coverage – 100% of premiums covered for employees and eligible dependents

· Paid Time Off (PTO) – up to 5 weeks if start date is before July 1. After July 1, receive 2.5 weeks

· Paid Winter Break and select holidays

· 401k Plan (100% company match up to 6%, no vesting period)

· Free drinks/snacks/lunch catered monthly and so much more….

Equal Opportunity Employer

AMT is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic disposition or any other reason protected by law.