Summary: The Senior Meetings Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a portfolio of ACS meetings and events, including the headquarters hotel operations for the ACS annual meeting of approximately 10,000 attendees. The role guides planning, delivery, and continuous improvement across meetings of varying size and complexity.
This role is accountable for executing enterprise-scale growth and attendee acquisition strategies, including maximizing revenue, negotiating and managing costs, advancing the overall meeting experience and design, and optimizing technical, financial, and staff efficiencies.
This position provides senior-level oversight for event staff, vendors, and cross-functional partners, serving as the primary operational and strategic owner of assigned meeting programs. The role partners with ACS leaders and internal stakeholders as a leader in long-term planning and execution in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.
This exempt position will report to the Associate Vice President, Event Strategyin the Department of Convention and Meetings.
It is based in our Chicago office and is a hybrid role: 3 days per week in the office/2 days per week remote.The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000 - $135,000 (commensurate with related experience).
Key Responsibilities:Meeting Leadership & Operational Oversight- Serve as the senior operational authority for all assigned events
- Oversee Chicago-based Conference Center Operations.
- Establish and execute short- and long-term strategic planning for assigned programs in alignment with ACS priorities.
- Own specific performance outcomes set up by Convention & Meetings, business development and client objectives.
- Experience quality, risk management, and innovation.
- Provide senior-level guidance on meeting strategy and operational execution across multidisciplinary stakeholder groups.
- Set, manage, and achieve financial budget, reports goals for assigned programs.
- Create a well-rounded team that drives every facet of the events including testing and capability of registration systems, apps, websites, integrations, exhibits and ancillary event processes.
Contracting, Vendor Strategy & Site Selection Authority- Serve as primary contact for all planning specifications including space assignments, floor plans, signage, special events, keynote programming, meeting offices, off-site events, transportation and educational sessions for assigned meetings.
- Negotiate contracts.
- Create and maintain executive-level relationships with senior hotel sales leadership.
- Update and renegotiate existing hotel agreements based on pacing, pickup history, and meeting evolution.
- Assist in creating future destination RFPs and participate in the site-selection process.
- Review and adjust citywide hotel blocks and room night strategies as required.
- Monitor hotel industry trends and contract clauses; work with Legal to update agreements accordingly.
- Oversee all headquarters hotel operations for the ACS annual meeting of approximately 10,000 attendees, including meeting space, functions, guest room and VIP coordination, staffing, service delivery, and onsite issue resolution.
- Serve as the senior ACS contact for headquarters hotel leadership and key vendors; establish escalation paths, oversee performance against agreements, and coordinate timely corrective action.
- Improve headquarters hotel workflows, documentation, handoffs, and communication across ACS teams, the hotel, housing partners, and vendors; evaluate results after the meeting and implement changes for future years.
Staff Leadership, Delegated Authority & Operational Management- Provide direct supervision, leadership, guidance, education, and accountability for assigned staff.
- Supervise all consultants and staff supporting event operations.
- Establish staffing models and workflow structures for assigned events.
- Develop and conduct training sessions and SOPs for floor supervisors and on-site teams.
- Support change management for new processes, technology, staffing models, and meeting assignments; communicate the reason for changes, train staff, address concerns, and monitor adoption.
Financial Management, Budgeting & Business Performance- Assist in developing, monitoring, and updating event budgets.
- Oversee invoices including food & beverage, room charges, transportation, and audiovisual.
- Analyze data and prepare financial and operational performance reports as requested.
- Research and implement new technologies and tools that enhance efficiency and revenue opportunity.
Engagement Strategy, Experiential Design & Program Execution- Lead best practices for attendee experience, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion across assigned ACS meetings.
- Lead sustainability initiatives across assigned programs.
- Manage end-to-end logistical requirements for assigned courses including RFPs, contracting, planning, and on-site execution.
- Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver high-impact attendee experiences.
I
ndustry Leadership & External Relations- Develop and maintain strong executive relationships with suppliers and professional peers.
- Represent ACS through participation in industry events and professional development forums.
Other Responsibilities- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Required Education and/or Experience: - Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, communications, business, or related field is required.
- One or more professional designations (CMP, CAE, CEM, DES) is strongly preferred.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible meeting planning experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of direct people management experience, including supervision, coaching, performance management, and staff development is required.
- Demonstrated expertise in hotel logistics, contract negotiation, specifications management, vendor management, staffing, and budget oversight.
- Large-show convention experience and association experience is preferred.
- Proven virtual, hybrid, and live-stream production experience is preferred
Essential Skills:- Ability to function as the senior operational authority for multiple concurrent national programs.
- Executive judgment, autonomy, and decision-making authority required.
- Advanced knowledge of the convention and meetings industry.
- Creative, strategic, and innovative professional with strong business acumen.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, negotiation, diplomacy, and project management skills.
- Strong technical aptitude including Microsoft Office and event technology platforms.
- Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Frequent travel and weekend work required.
Comprehensive Benefits:We're committed to attracting and retaining top talent via valuable benefits!
- Vacation, personal, and sick hours including 13 paid holidays per year
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Medical-comprehensive coverage through BlueCross BlueShield
- Dental, Vision, and Prescription drug program
- 403(b) Matching Program
- Pension Plan
- Flexible Spending Medical/Dependent Care
- Employee Assistance Program
- Short Term/Long Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Domestic Partner Coverage
