[Hiring] Manager, Conference and Event Operations @Hilton

Role Description

As a Manager, Conference and Event Operations, you will manage, plan and implement Hilton's premier internal conferences, including Brand, Owner, Commercial and Leadership Conferences. Reporting to the Senior Director of Special Events, you will collaborate with internal partners to understand their objectives, messaging, requirements, budget, and timelines. You will work with the Special Events team, venue(s), internal partners and vendors to plan the conference. You will recommend initiatives to reach the goals of the event for business owners' approval and execute the conference according to plan.

These conferences include:

• Large conventions of up to 10,000 people
• Vendor showcases/trade shows
• Multiple General Sessions
• Learning tracks
• Breakout sessions
• Off-site and evening events
• Meal functions

What you'll do during a typical day:

• Lead events from conception to planning and execution: develop and update project plan for business owners' approval.
• Lead calls with internal partners and vendors to ensure conference tasks are documented and assigned workstreams are within budget and established timelines.
• Manage RFP and RFQ processes with agencies, vendors, event venues and hotels.
• Manage the sourcing and contracting of venues, vendors and speakers/entertainment applicable to the assigned workstream(s).
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations and present regular updates to internal partners and senior leaders.
• Manage all event logistics for the success of the event, including:
• Housing
• Creative branding
• Breakouts
• General Session
• Tradeshow
• Shipping/receiving
• Staffing
• Supplies
• Transportation
• Sponsorships
• AV
• Amenities mobile app
• Registration
• Event technology
• F&B
• Others as assigned
• All other tasks as requested by Special Events leadership.

How you'll collaborate with others:

• Based on the workstream(s) assigned, you will collaborate with internal partners and agency partners to ensure the successful execution of the conference.
• Examples of collaboration include:
• Sponsorships: work with Hilton Supply Management (HSM) to develop a sponsorship plan, agency partners to execute the plan and sponsors/suppliers on all event communications.
• Brand Sessions and Breakouts: work with stakeholders and agency partners on all breakout needs, including budget, content, timelines, room requirements, AV, rehearsals, and logistics.
• Creative Branding: work with internal teams and agency partners to develop conference theme and branding options. Establish timelines, and manage review, feedback and approval process to that timeline. Collaborate with marketing on asset submission and approval process.
• Sourcing and contracting: Work with Hilton Supply Management and Hilton legal teams to implement sourcing and contracting.

Deliverables you'll take ownership of:

• Successful execution of event plan/workstreams for up to two (2) large conferences a year.
• Alert Special Events leadership of any risk around objectives, attendance, budgets, and timelines.
• Recommend alternative methods and efficiencies for workstream execution and the attendee experience.
• Management and distribution of reports, project plan, and main tracking documents to update partners and leadership on all elements relevant to your assigned workstream(s).
• Align with Hilton Travel and Entertainment (T&E) policy (or Strategic Meetings Management Programs SMMP policy) for event compliance, including legal, branding, procurement, and financial.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of event management experience, specifically in strategy and execution of large-scale corporate events (not including hotel event manager experience).
• Demonstrated skills in work task allocation and prioritizing and advancing multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Proficiency in developing executive-level presentations in PowerPoint and working in Excel (maintain complex spreadsheets, perform complex functions).
• Two (2) years of experience working directly with event vendors, including creative agencies, AV companies, DMC companies, registration and housing companies, event production.
• Experience working remotely with executive leaders, partners and implementing a project in a matrix organization.
• Willingness to lift and move heavy boxes during events, and stand for long periods of time.
• Travel up to 50% of the time.

Requirements

• BA/BS Bachelor's Degree.
• Proficiency in project/event management tools and Cvent.
• Previous experience working for an events production agency.
• Experience presenting to senior level (C-Suite) executives.

Benefits

• Incredible travel perks – Enjoy 110 nights of deeply discounted travel, with room rates as low as $40/night at our world-class hotels through our Go Hilton travel program.
• Own a piece of Hilton – Through our employee stock purchase program (ESPP), you can invest in Hilton shares at a 15% discount to help build your financial future.
• Paid parental leave – Because family matters. We offer paid leave for eligible Team Members, including partners and adoptive parents.
• Personalized caregiving support – Access dedicated caregiving concierge services to help navigate caregiving for yourself and your loved ones.
• Crisis concierge – In times of loss, our Crisis Concierge offers a single, compassionate point of contact for both practical support and emotional care.
• Mental health resources – Your wellbeing comes first. Eligible Team Members can access free counseling and support through our best-in-class Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Generous paid time off (PTO) – Recharge, relax, and take time for what matters most.
• Health & welfare benefits – From checkups to dental cleanings to new glasses, we offer a variety of health plans that keep you and your family covered.
• Financial security for your future – Our retirement plans make it easier to save for what's next.