Director of Event Services
hace 6 días
Buffalo
Director of Event Services Buffalo Convention Center | Buffalo, New York Reports To General Manager, Buffalo Convention Center Department Event Services Classification Full-Time, Exempt Salary Range $75,000-$90,000 Commensurate with experience; competitive with regional convention center market Updated 2026 Position Summary The Director of Event Services acts as the main liaison between the Buffalo Convention Center and its clients from contract signing through the end of the event. This senior leadership position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and ensuring the smooth execution of conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, and special events held at the facility. The Director manages the Event Services team, collaborates closely with in-house food and beverage operations, audiovisual providers, security, and facilities management, and serves as the key point of accountability for client satisfaction throughout the entire event process. of the Convention Center's senior leadership team, the Director of Event Services plays a direct role in advancing Buffalo's position as a premier meetings and conventions destination, contributing to the broader economic development and tourism goals of Erie County. Key Responsibilities Event Planning & Client Services • Serve as the primary day-of and pre-event contact for meeting planners, association executives, corporate event managers, and third-party event coordinators., • Manage the entire event services process: pre-event planning meetings, room setup specifications, vendor coordination, event execution, and post-event review., • Prepare and distribute comprehensive Event Orders and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), ensuring all operational teams are aligned on client requirements., • Conduct site visits and pre-con meetings with clients and key facility stakeholders., • Anticipate and proactively address client needs, on-site challenges, and last-minute changes with a solutions-focused mindset. Team Leadership & Operations • Recruit, train, mentor, and manage a team of Event Services Managers and Event Coordinators., • Create staff schedules that align with event calendars, ensuring adequate coverage for all events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed., • Promote a high-performance, client-focused culture rooted in professionalism, responsiveness, and operational excellence., • Hold regular team meetings, conduct individual performance reviews, and provide ongoing coaching to develop departmental talent. Cross-Departmental Coordination • Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to ensure a seamless transition from the sales process to event execution, preserving client commitments., • Coordinate with in-house Operations, Food & Beverage, Facilities departments, as well as outsourced Technology/AV, Security, and Parking vendors to deliver integrated, high-quality events., • Partner with Finance on billing accuracy, deposit management, and post-event reconciliation., • Interface with external vendors, decorators, exhibitor services contractors, and other event suppliers to ensure compliance with facility policies. Facility & Safety Standards • Ensure all events comply with facility safety codes, fire occupancy regulations, and relevant local, state, and federal laws., • Manage room setup, load-in/load-out logistics, and exhibit hall operations, including freight handling., • Maintain working knowledge of facility systems, AV infrastructure, and technical capabilities to effectively advise clients and troubleshoot issues., • Mitigate event-related risks by ensuring vendor insurance, permits, and contract compliance. Business Development & Strategy • Serve as an ambassador of the Buffalo Convention Center's brand, reinforcing the destination's value proposition with every client interaction., • Contribute to client retention and repeat bookings by providing consistently excellent service., • Identify and recommend improvements to event service processes, technology, and facility features that enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency., • Support the General Manager in developing departmental goals, budgets, and reporting metrics aligned with the Convention Center's Strategic Plan., • Actively engage with Visit Buffalo, Buffalo Sports Commission, Erie County, and regional tourism partners to strengthen event pipeline and community relationships. Qualifications Education • A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required., • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM), or an equivalent industry credential is highly preferred. Experience • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in event services or operations at a convention center, hotel, arena, or large-scale events venue., • At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience leading event teams in a busy, multi-event facility environment., • Demonstrated experience managing complex, concurrent events such as city-wide conventions, trade shows, and multi-day conferences., • Familiarity with best practices in public assembly facility management or similar venue management models preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Exceptional client service instincts with a proven track record of consistently surpassing meeting planner expectations., • Strong operational command of event logistics, including room setup, food and beverage coordination, AV/technology integration, and exhibitor services., • Demonstrates leadership by motivating, guiding, and developing a diverse team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting., • Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite., • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting to senior executives, elected officials, and association leadership., • Sound judgment in handling competing priorities, resolving conflicts, and making time-sensitive operational decisions., • Thorough knowledge of safety regulations, ADA compliance, and risk management protocols in public assembly facilities., • Available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in accordance with the event schedule. Work Environment & Physical Requirements This position functions in both office and active event floor settings. The Director of Event Services often needs to stand, walk, and move around the venue for long periods during events. The role requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, communicate effectively in loud environments, and stay calm under high-pressure, time-sensitive situations. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform essential duties. Why the Buffalo Convention Center The Buffalo Convention Center sits at the heart of one of the most exciting urban revitalization stories in the United States. With significant public investment in Buffalo's infrastructure on the horizon and a growing calendar of conventions, sporting events, and cultural gatherings, this is a rare opportunity to lead event services at a facility poised for transformation. The Director of Event Services will be part of a leadership team working in direct partnership with Visit Buffalo, the Buffalo Sports Commission, Erie County, and an energized local hospitality community, all aligned around a shared vision for Buffalo's future as a world-class destination. The Buffalo Convention Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Limpieza
Ayudante de Cocina
Transporte y Reparto
Camareros
Chef y Cocinero
Construcción y Obras
Seguridad
Comida Rápida
Estética y Belleza
Oficina y Administración
Venta Minorista
Almacén
Ventas y Marketing
Azafato y Azafata
Servicio al Cliente
Barista
Entretenimiento
Arte, Medios de Comunicación, Diseño
Atención Sanitaria
Ciencia
Contabilidad y Finanzas
Cuidado de animales
Cuidado de niños
Deportes y Bienestar
Educación
Eventos y Promociones
Gerencia
Industria y Producción
Ingenieria
Moda
Personal de Bar
Redacción y Edición
Servicios Jurídicos
Tecnología de la información
Trabajos en línea
Otros