Manager (m/f/d), Meetings & Events

Overall Responsibilities:

Plan and manage meetings and events for IAAPA EMEA.

IAAPA is looking for an Events Manager who has excellent organizational and planning skills to support the IAAPA EMEA team in Brussels, Belgium. The ideal candidate will have a natural helicopter view but is also a master of looking into details. The Event Manager will report to the Executive Director & Vice President of the EMEA region.

Position Description:

• Execute IAAPA EMEA’s meetings and events consistent with IAAPA’s standards as a world-class exhibition and event producer for the amusement park and attractions industry.
• Develop individual event budgets, and manage budgets on a continuous basis within established financial parameters.
• Liaise with other IAAPA departments to provide meetings services as assigned – to include (sub)committee meetings, networking events, and education seminars.
• Serve as primary conduit between the IAAPA team and vendors on meeting/event management.
• Build and manage meeting registration for events as required using on-line registration software.
• Manage process for meetings and event service provider RFP, bid solicitation, evaluation, selection, and contract negotiation in conjunction with IAAPA senior management.
• Serve as primary point of contact and IAAPA representative for vendors including but not limited to: hotels, travel agencies, bus and transportation operators, DMCs, tour groups, AV and technology service providers, entertainment and general service contractors.
• Establish and manage room blocks and provide reports to senior management on utilization, working to minimize financial obligations (such as attrition, F&B minimums, and cancellation penalties).
• Preparation and distribution of function sheets/books, meeting specs, and sign orders.
• Coordinate room layouts (seating charts) and stage sets for optimal capacity and usage.
• Onsite event management (room sets, AV and signage placement, F&B consumption, entertainment, décor, transportation).

Qualifications:

• Degree in event management, communications, marketing or equivalent experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Fonteva and events software knowledge preferred but not required.
• 3-5 years experience in meetings and special events management, preferably in non-profit (trade association), international experience preferred.
• Professional demeanor.
• Must be extremely detail-oriented and able to balance several projects at once.
• Keen ability to prioritize, meet strict deadlines, and make productive use of time under pressure.
• Ability to anticipate problems and opportunities and the initiative to follow through quickly and independently.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and preferably one more European language.
• Self-starter and ability to work with a team as well as by oneself with little supervision.
• Must be able to adapt to all personality types and variety of subject matter.
• Travel and Flexibility Required.
• Ability to work weekends and after hours during busy periods.
• Physical requirements include ability to travel, walk, and stand for long periods of time, and willingness to perform manual labor specific to job (i.e. packing boxes, carrying signage, hail taxicabs, move tables and chairs etc.).

Our offer

• Market based compensation (Group insurance, medical insurance, meal vouchers, work-home net allowance, bonus eligible).
• Flex work regime (minimum 2 to 3 days @ our trendy and modern office in Brussels (WeWork building) – the other days you can work from home or at the office.
• A truly international work environment; you will be travelling within the EMEA region to host events, do site visits, team building, or other get togethers.
• Become part of a small, fun, and highly motivated international team.
  Growth and learning opportunities with a lot of work variety & responsibilities.