Now Hiring: Conference & Events Manager 

Hotel Association of Canada 
Bilingual Position, Ottawa 
Applications close January 8, 2025 
Salary Range: $80,000-$90,000 

Join the Hotel Association of Canada Dream Team! 

With the responsibility of planning, coordinating, and executing conferences, events, and meetings, the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) is seeking a Conference & Events Manager who has a strong understanding of all facets of event development and coordination. The successful candidate will also support HAC’s sponsorship programs, ensuring financially successful programming that exceeds member expectations. This position is ideal for someone prepared to take a hands-on approach to every aspect of their work. They must also be a strategic thinker, who has an eagerness and curiosity to work collaboratively with the VP, of Policy and Public Affairs, to draw connections between HAC’s mandate, policy priorities, advocacy and thought leadership initiatives, and membership goals across the country.  

ABOUT HAC 

The Hotel Association of Canada is committed to enabling the success of the Canadian hotel and lodging industry through trusted, impactful advocacy, and strong member programs.  

When you join HAC, you join a dynamic team of professionals who appreciate a hybrid work environment (with a downtown Ottawa office), flex hours, great benefits, and strong morale. We work hard and have fun while doing it!  

HAC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We respect the dignity and independence of people with disabilities and provide accommodation and support to persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process.  

ABOUT THE JOB 
Reporting to the VP, of Policy and Public Affairs, the Conference & Event Manager will be responsible for leading a range of initiatives to support the Association’s events, sponsorship, and membership programs.  

This is a full-time, permanent position, based in Ottawa, that requires a willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Lead the planning and implementation of in-person and virtual events for members, in close collaboration with other HAC team members and contractors, and ensure event concepts align with the ongoing work and priorities of the association. 
• Lead event and educational content development in collaboration with HAC staff, Board, member planning committees, and stakeholders. 
• Identify new business development opportunities and support the Association’s strategy to grow revenue potential and to prepare data-driven and achievable budgets and regular progress reports. 
• Manage sales and sponsorships for the annual conference, events, and other business lines by defining sponsorship scopes to maximize outcomes, sponsorship agreements, maintain positive relationships, and manage sponsorship accounts receivables. 
• Effectively monitor project timelines to ensure event execution meets deadlines, the resources are used effectively, budget is managed properly, and event implementation is successful. 
• Lead the development of regular briefing and event summaries, budget reports, and department plans to ensure coordination across all departments. 

Relevant Skills: 

• 5 + years of experience in large-scale, organizational events, preferably at a national level. This should include planning and implementing in-person events, including conferences and workshops, as well as online events, such as webinars. Ability to manage all aspects of event logistics, such as venue selection, contract negotiation with vendors, catering, transportation, and AV setup. 
• Experience creating and executing communications plans for large scale events. 
• Proven track record in executing sponsorship/business development strategies. 
• Comfort with public speaking, including hosting virtual events and webinars. 
• Supervisory experience of staff. 
• Project and budget management experience. 
• Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English is required as is proficiency in spoken French. 

In addition, HAC is seeking an individual that demonstrates the following key characteristics: 

• Self-starter; ability to manage competing demands without compromising on quality and delegate effectively.
• Strong interest in incorporating new trends, technologies, and ideas into event planning to create memorable experiences. 
• Capable of adapting to and thriving in a changing landscape and with some elements of uncertainty. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ensuring strong member and partner relationships. 
• Clear communication skills to foster teamwork and alignment across diverse stakeholders. 
• High attention to detail to ensure that every aspect of the event is meticulously planned and executed. 
• Ability to troubleshoot and handle any last-minute changes or unexpected challenges with positivity and a ‘can do’ attitude. 
• Self-awareness and adaptability to understand and manage team dynamics, diverse perspectives, and feedback effectively. 
• Critical thinking and decision-making to address cross-functional challenges and align service line goals with organizational objectives. 
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules. 

Interested applicants should send their CV and cover letter to info@hotelassociation.ca by January 8, 2025.