Events Manager

ASTA is looking for an Event Manager to join our growing events team. This role is responsible for supporting ASTA throughout the year (both domestically and internationally). The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, forward-thinking, and aware of all aspects of each event from conception to execution. They will work with several departments within ASTA and vendors to ensure deadlines are met and events are executed successfully.

The goal for this role is to support our Director of Events and ensure ASTA’s events are well organized and profitable.

This unique position requires an equally unique personality with an entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of ownership while also maintaining a  “team-player” attitude. This person should be curious, a self-starter, have a positive outlook, and pay strong attention to details.  

This full-time position reports to the Director of Events. The company is based in Alexandria, VA, but this position is open to remote and hybrid employment.  

$60,000 - $65,000 yearly

• Own and manage various critical aspects of ASTA events; room blocks, room sets, menus & BEOs, AV, and agenda updates
• Work across departments to ensure that details are collected and organized to support their events
• Fulfill event contracts and serve as the onsite point of contact when necessary: transportation, AV, security, trade show contractor, DMC, hotel, convention center, catering, temporary personnel, entertainment, etc
• Recommend onsite personnel plans to the Director of Events based on our contracted event elements & execution needs
• Assist the Business Development team with sponsored event items, including research, pricing, and ordering
• Work closely with the ASTA Board of Directors: pre-event communication, travel, and board activities
• Provide direction and strategy to the Events and Marketing team as needed; event websites, event prep, attendee communications, etc.  
• Understand eShow’s registration capacities as tech support for our team during preplanning and onsite
• Manage the ASTA Swag Shop: ordering, budget, and onsite execution
• Research and recommend local vendors for offsite events
• Lead pre-planning calls with vendors you are managing for each event
• Develop an understanding of industry best practices and execute strategies to continuously improve and streamline our processes

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• 4-5+ years in Event Management 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; exceptional organizational skills  
• Customer or member service experience required 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously required 
• Always coming up with new ideas and better ways to do things 
• Able to take direction but also give direction as needed 
• You are a self-starter: when you see a need, you address it With a solution 
• Establish reoccurring deadlines and habits with other staff members to ensure consistency and time management  

Bonus Skills 

• Proficient in eShow Registration platform 
• Sales/marketing/hospitality experience 
• Knowledge of the iMIS database system 
• Self-sufficient in Excel 
• Understanding of Microsoft Teams and Task Planner 

ASTA (The American Society of Travel Advisors) and its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. It is a leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry, and the traveling public. ASTA’s history of travel industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 with its mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge, and the enhancement of professionalism.