Vice President – Conference and Events

American Hotel & Lodging Association

. Lead the planning, management, and execution of AHLA & AHLA Foundation’s conference and events portfolio .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $150,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic conference and event management, including budget oversight, stakeholder engagement, and logistical coordination. Proven ability to enhance attendee experiences and operational efficiency in fast-paced environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Conference ManagementProject Management SkillsEvent Logistics ManagementStakeholder EngagementCertified Meeting Professional (CMP)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Event Budget ManagementVendor ManagementContract NegotiationTimeline ManagementEducational Program Development

Soft Skills

Emotional IntelligenceCollaborationProblem SolvingDetail-OrientedCustomer Service Focused

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteEvent-Related Technology PlatformsSalesforce

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

Industry Keywords

Association ExperienceHospitality ExperienceNonprofit ExperienceMember-Based Organization Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the planning, management, and execution of AHLA & AHLA Foundation’s conference and events portfolio
Oversee the day-to-day development and delivery of high-quality events
Work with the VP of Conferences & Events to plan, manage, and execute signature conferences, proprietary meetings, partner-supported events, member engagement programs, and special events
Serve as project lead for assigned conferences and events, managing objectives, timelines, budgets, deliverables, and stakeholder accountability
Help shape event experiences to grow engagement and attendance year over year
Oversee educational program development, speaker coordination, and program execution
Lead member, industry, sponsor, and partner engagement initiatives
Manage event logistics, including function specifications, registration support, food and beverage, audio-visual arrangements, production needs, and attendee experience elements
Conduct venue research, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and relationship management
Support RFP development, site research, site visits, and contracting
Travel to events, planning meetings, site visits, and related activities as needed
Establish and manage event budgets, revenue and expense projections, timelines, reporting tools, and post-event evaluations
Provide senior leaders with updates on event strategy, milestones, risks, budget status, and outcomes
Identify opportunities to improve event processes, operational efficiency, attendee engagement, and event quality
Ensure consistent event policies, procedures, and planning practices across the conference and events portfolio
Support special projects and other assigned duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
8-10 years of demonstrated experience in strategic conference, event, or association event management
Experience leading large-scale conferences, trade shows, member events, executive meetings, or complex multi-stakeholder events, including budgets, vendors, contracts, timelines, and cross-functional project teams
Strategic, self-motivated leader and collaborative team player with a high level of professionalism and emotional intelligence
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events, priorities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to build strong relationships with members, sponsors, partners, vendors, senior leaders, and cross-functional teams
Experience managing complex event partnerships, vendors, venues, and contractors
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to anticipate needs, solve problems, and maintain calm under pressure
Customer-service focused with a positive attitude and commitment to delivering a strong attendee and member experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event-related technology platforms
Ability to travel
Ability to lift 35 pounds
Association, hospitality, nonprofit, or member-based organization experience preferred
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification preferred
Salesforce experience preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Employer-paid disability and life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
Generous paid time off and holidays
Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)