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Regular Full-Time
Rosslyn, Arlington, VA, US

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is seeking a highly skilled Meeting & Events Director .

NEMA is an industry trade association that represents the manufacturers of electrical equipment and medical imaging devices. Through the collective impact of our 300 member companies, we are leading the electrical industries into an ever-more electrified future—one defined by connected devices, electrified transportation, high performance building systems, more resilient electrical grids, and advanced manufacturing automation. NEMA is committed to expanding market opportunities and removing business barriers by developing industry standards, advocating on behalf of the industry at the federal and state level, and delivering world‑class market intelligence.

The Meeting & Events Director will lead NEMA's meetings, events, and conference strategy, overseeing the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of more than 100 meetings, events, and conferences annually while maintaining direct responsibility for day‑to‑day event planning, logistics management, vendor coordination, registration oversight, and onsite execution.

This position will report to the Managing Director, Marketing and Business Development. This position will be responsible for establishing event strategy, operational standards, budgeting frameworks, vendor management practices, on‑site leadership, and resource allocation plans to ensure successful execution of NEMA's event portfolio. Coordination of these responsibilities will require a close working relationship with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including staff, members, and various vendors.

The position will own and oversee event budgets and ensure accurate accounting is maintained and optimized for all meeting revenue and expenses. Additionally, the Meetings & Events Director will lead contract negotiations, identify opportunities to strengthen event revenue and sponsorship performance, and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership regarding NEMA's events portfolio. This position will work closely with team members on the Marketing, Business Development and Events team on event promotion and ensure brand consistency is met in all marketing materials.

This position requires in‑office presence at NEMA's office in Arlington, Virginia two to three days per week, with the occasional need for additional in‑office days for major meetings or other events. On the other workdays, work may be done at home or another suitable remote work location. The position requires occasional travel (<25%).

While this position is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of NEMA's meetings and events portfolio, it remains a highly hands‑on role with direct responsibility for event logistics, registration management, vendor coordination, attendee experience, and onsite execution.

• Develop and execute NEMA’s meetings and events strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, member engagement objectives, and revenue targets while overseeing all aspects of event planning and execution.
• Lead all venue sourcing, site selection, and contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms and strategic alignment with NEMA’s business objectives.
• Serve as the primary strategic liaison with venues, hotel partners, vendors, sponsors, members, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Marketing and Business Development to develop event marketing strategies, sponsorship programs, and attendee engagement initiatives.
• Lead cross‑functional event planning processes, establish accountability, and ensure timely decision‑making across internal teams.
• Establish standards and best practices for in‑person, virtual, and hybrid event delivery, including AV, production, and technology requirements.
• Develop and manage event budgets, revenue forecasts, sponsorship strategies, and financial performance metrics in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Oversee financial performance, approve event‑related revenue and expenses, and recommend strategies to maximize ROI and operational efficiencies.
• Oversee event registration, audience segmentation, and attendee engagement strategies, leveraging data and analytics to improve outcomes.
• Analyze event performance metrics and prepare executive‑level reports and recommendations for leadership.
• Provide on‑site leadership and executive‑level oversight for major meetings and events, including venue site visits as needed.
• Lead post‑event evaluations and implement continuous improvement initiatives across NEMA’s event portfolio.
• Ensure a high‑quality attendee experience and maintain strong member, sponsor, and stakeholder relationships.
• Oversee conference center operations and vendor relationships in partnership with NEMA’s Building Services Manager to ensure exceptional service delivery.
• Provide strategic oversight of webinars and virtual events, ensuring alignment with content, sponsorship, brand, and audience engagement goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify, develop and plan new events to meet the evolving needs of NEMA members and to help enhance and grow NEMA’s brand.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on event trends, technologies, and opportunities to enhance member value and organizational impact.

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, leadership experience, strategic planning capabilities, an innovative spirit, exceptional attention to detail, an eagerness to learn, and outstanding communication skills, including writing ability. Experience working at a trade association or similar membership organization is preferred.

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive meetings and events management experience, including large‑scale conferences, executive meetings, and strategic event planning.
• Demonstrated experience with event technologies, CRM systems, event management platforms, and budget oversight.
• Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of legal issues pertaining to venue and vendor contracts.
• Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and team development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to travel <25% of the year as needed.
• Experience managing event budgets, sponsorship revenue, and contract negotiations.