Program Manager - Meetings and Events - Remote

Direct Travel • Schaumburg, IL, US • 2w ago

Program Manager - Meetings and Events - Remote

Embark on the next step in your career journey with Direct Travel!

The Experienced Meeting Planner or Program Manager (PM) is responsible for managing and leading the client, program planning, program execution, building client relationships, managing client financials, and Creative Group cash flow, engaging suppliers with client priorities, and bringing creative solutions to our clients.

If you are located within 50 miles of one of our office locations, you will be considered a hybrid employee – hybrid employees are in the office 2 days a week, and remote 3 days a week. You are considered Full-time Remote if you are outside the 50-mile office radius.

Office Locations are Appleton, WI., Schaumburg, IL., Emeryville, CA

Expedition Expectations

Client:

Functions as the main client contact and works diligently to develop a strong relationship; and manages clients
Offers client dynamic experiences using the i|xperience™ methodology; leads client by providing workable and creative solutions
Consults with client to determine goals, needs, objectives, and expectations of the program
Remains current and knowledgeable about the industry to provide the client with creative and compelling concepts
Understands client/group idiosyncrasies and adapts Creative Group services, accordingly; in the case a client’s request does not fit in the company’s service offerings, consults with the Design & Innovations and/or the Account Executive
Schedules and facilitates client planning and debrief meetings to evaluate program results
Is accountable for successful program outcome

Program Operations:

Collaborates with appropriate team members in internal kick-off, following program turnover from pre-sales to operations
Executes overall strategy and choreography of meetings and events
Leads clients and other team members on operational site inspections
Negotiates and manages supplier contracts, including deposits, attrition, concessions, guarantees, room blocks, and master accounts in conjunction with internal team members
Manages and works with hotel and supplier staff to exceed customer expectations. Provides best pricing, options, and program objectives. Maintains logistical accountability of meetings. Acts as liaison between customer, hotel, and all suppliers
Creates and communicates all program specifications and program details and approve event orders
Oversees design, marketing concepts and promotional campaigns, copywriting, and budget specific to the program in conjunction with the Project Manager
Sends appropriate post-program correspondence to all stakeholders

Financial Management and Insights:

Manages client budget with a focus for client cost savings while maximizing revenue opportunities
Understands and monitors estimated labor hours for team to maximize profit
Manages cost-savings, reconciliation, and invoicing

Leadership:

Provides confident leadership for the client, planning team, and company through all actions and to be able to successfully execute programs
Establishes, communicates, and monitors all timelines and budget parameters
Mentors Project Managers on an ongoing basis
Works with all internal departments (as applicable per program) for the successful execution of the program, such as: Travel Services, Creative Services, Technology Services, Registration Services, Merchandise, and Finance
Is responsible for on-site program execution and direction of travel staff. Implements contingency plans as needed onsite. Troubleshoots and solves onsite problems seamlessly
Is responsible for identifying and sharing best practices and process improvements company-wide
Gathers, shares, and applies learnings for continuous process improvement

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Ability and willingness to work extended workdays and possible weekends
Accessible during acceptable working hours identified per project/program
Travel expectations – potential of 35-40% or more of time annually
Frequent use of a computer and other office equipment
Ability to lift 20 lbs.
Frequent sitting, standing, and walking

Passport to Success

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality, Event Planning or a combination of education and work and experience is required
Minimum of 4 years of experience in the Hospitality and/or group/individual performance industry, with at least 3 years of meeting planning experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Knowledgeable in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Zoom and other collaboration tools
Certification in Meeting Planner (CMP) is a plus

Going the Extra Mile

Be able to behave in a manner that reflects our organization’s Vision and Core Beliefs
Possess excellent interpersonal skills to be able to provide superior customer service and client consultation from the spirit to serve others; be able to work cross-functionally and develop strong, and healthy internal and external relationships through highly responsive, transparent, and consultative actions
Possess self-awareness to understand their own strengths and weakness and how their behavior impacts others
Possess excellent organizational and project management skills, ability to prioritize, be detail oriented, and can manage multiple customers and projects simultaneously
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and be an active listening to be the main client contact
Possess proven leadership skills to lead the team effectively and coach internal team members
Be able to actively listen, have the capability to instill confidence in clients and colleagues, and present information with confidence
Be professional in behavior with clients, suppliers, and colleagues
Exhibit strategic and critical thinking by gathering and analyzing information to skillfully conceptualize solutions that go beyond the obvious paths and exceed expectations
Model a positive, solution-based approach, and be flexible and open to change and be easy to do business with
Be able to work autonomously, while thriving in a team environment
Be able to maintain confidentiality

Benefits Onboard

In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Direct Travel offers an employee rewards and recognitions program, Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support.

Our Brand Voyage:

About Direct Travel and Creative Group

A subsidiary of Direct Travel, Creative Group designs global programs and experiences that reward excellence and inspire people to reach their full potential – we call it Thrivability. Creative Group is a full-service performance improvement company specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel, employee engagement and recognition, sales incentives and channel loyalty programs. Creative Group serves a client roster of Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries.

Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies, and significant cost savings. The company is led by CEO Christal Bemont and Executive Chairman Steve Singh, noted business investor and founder of Concur. Direct Travel has offices in over 80 locations and is currently ranked among the top providers of travel on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com.

Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer

If you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel.