Director, Events and Marketing
Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, Chicago, IL, United States
Event Management
Develop detailed, executable plans for all IHLA events, meetings and seminars
Negotiate contracts with suppliers such as hotels, speakers, and vendors
In coordination with membership staff, promote/sell tickets and event sponsorships
Build out event registration pages in Association Management Software
Establish and manage event budgets, including the review and approval of event invoices; assist the Finance Director in reconciling event budgets
Manage the Events Committee and sponsor feedback to plan the scope and format of events
Assist the Finance Director with accounts receivable and collections for all event attendees
Provide on-site logistical leadership at all events, including directing other staff and volunteers, and manage in-kind product donations and vendors
Conduct post‑event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved
Coordinate the annual Stars of the Industry program, including nominations, judging and ceremony
Order awards, gifts and other event‑related supplies as required
Arrange for audio‑visual equipment, transportation, displays and other event needs
Coordinate overnight housing for IHLA members and staff, as needed
Read trade publications, attend seminars and consult with other meeting professionals to stay abreast of meeting management standards and trends
Marketing & Communications
Serve as the "Chief Storyteller" and position IHLA as a resource and thought leader to external audiences on topics important to the hotel industry
Design event marketing materials and distribute them efficiently and economically
Enhance and refresh IHLA’s branding and design across multiple online and hard‑copy mediums
Maintain and update all digital assets for external and internal groups, including the website, social media, presentation slide decks, and communication methods
Evaluate metrics to determine the success of online communications and website visitation and develop strategies to grow engagement with members
Develop and maintain the organization’s print and electronic collateral and branding material, including sales collateral
Collect content for and edit the regular bi‑weekly newsletter
Create, update and distribute blast emails, webinars and event announcements, including assisting with handouts and materials for virtual and in‑person meetings and events
Provide writing and editing support to other departments as needed
Reporting Reports to the President and CEO. This position will manage one team member: Coordinator of Events and Marketing.
Work Location This is a hybrid role with an expectation to be in the downtown Chicago office 3 days per week.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred
Proficient experience with MS Office Suite; website and graphic design software; and social media applications
Strong customer service/sales skills via phone, email, and in‑person communication
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask, excellent time‑management skills
Ability to think and strategize at a high level as well as perform tactically
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Exhibit high energy and be a team player
Excellent attention to detail
Willing to take initiative on projects and suggest innovative solutions
Ability to occasionally work beyond office hours (including early mornings, evenings, and weekends) and occasionally travel throughout the state for events, including overnight stays
IHLA is proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefit plan.
IHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work culture.
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Develop detailed, executable plans for all IHLA events, meetings and seminars
Negotiate contracts with suppliers such as hotels, speakers, and vendors
In coordination with membership staff, promote/sell tickets and event sponsorships
Build out event registration pages in Association Management Software
Establish and manage event budgets, including the review and approval of event invoices; assist the Finance Director in reconciling event budgets
Manage the Events Committee and sponsor feedback to plan the scope and format of events
Assist the Finance Director with accounts receivable and collections for all event attendees
Provide on-site logistical leadership at all events, including directing other staff and volunteers, and manage in-kind product donations and vendors
Conduct post‑event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved
Coordinate the annual Stars of the Industry program, including nominations, judging and ceremony
Order awards, gifts and other event‑related supplies as required
Arrange for audio‑visual equipment, transportation, displays and other event needs
Coordinate overnight housing for IHLA members and staff, as needed
Read trade publications, attend seminars and consult with other meeting professionals to stay abreast of meeting management standards and trends
Marketing & Communications
Serve as the "Chief Storyteller" and position IHLA as a resource and thought leader to external audiences on topics important to the hotel industry
Design event marketing materials and distribute them efficiently and economically
Enhance and refresh IHLA’s branding and design across multiple online and hard‑copy mediums
Maintain and update all digital assets for external and internal groups, including the website, social media, presentation slide decks, and communication methods
Evaluate metrics to determine the success of online communications and website visitation and develop strategies to grow engagement with members
Develop and maintain the organization’s print and electronic collateral and branding material, including sales collateral
Collect content for and edit the regular bi‑weekly newsletter
Create, update and distribute blast emails, webinars and event announcements, including assisting with handouts and materials for virtual and in‑person meetings and events
Provide writing and editing support to other departments as needed
Reporting Reports to the President and CEO. This position will manage one team member: Coordinator of Events and Marketing.
Work Location This is a hybrid role with an expectation to be in the downtown Chicago office 3 days per week.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred
Proficient experience with MS Office Suite; website and graphic design software; and social media applications
Strong customer service/sales skills via phone, email, and in‑person communication
Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask, excellent time‑management skills
Ability to think and strategize at a high level as well as perform tactically
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Exhibit high energy and be a team player
Excellent attention to detail
Willing to take initiative on projects and suggest innovative solutions
Ability to occasionally work beyond office hours (including early mornings, evenings, and weekends) and occasionally travel throughout the state for events, including overnight stays
IHLA is proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefit plan.
IHLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work culture.
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