Events Manager - New England

Job Description

The Events Manager leads an exciting line-up of in-person, virtual and hybrid internal and external events for Sun Life U.S., providing expert knowledge to meet business objectives, quality standards and engagement goals. A creative solutions expert, the Events Manager ensures the superb delivery of program components and event logistics.

What You Will Contribute

• Responsible for all aspects of event and project management for conferences, multi-day meetings, receptions, and incentive travel, including advising and detailing event itineraries, show flows, rehearsals, programming/entertainment, event website and attendee platform management, budgets/expenses, content/presentation coordination, service/vendor/supplier contracts, attendee registration/communications, travel, gifting, food and beverage management, staffing and safety planning and post-event reporting.
• Lead the hands-on planning and execution of high-complexity events, including online and/or on-site event delivery, directing teams and talent to ensure the seamless execution of the event agenda, including show calling and floor managing.
• Leverage industry networks to recommend external speakers/speakers bureaus and creative talent who can help drive business results through engaging presentations and experiences.
• Incorporate innovative ways to involve and interact with our audiences, cultivating memorable and enduring experiences.
• Managing, contracting all event vendors according to Sun Life guidelines, including destination management companies, venues, keynote speakers, promotional items and spousal/family programs.
• Research and recommending new vendors and services to offer as recommended partners.
• Ensuring the proper administration of event expenses and billing including approval and forecasting processes for events; identify opportunities for savings.
• Processing payment requests, purchase orders, chargebacks and reconciliation and reporting for all event-related costs is properly completed by team members.
• Adhere to company policies and industry best practices for the event planning processes, pre, during and post-events.
• Leading specific team initiatives to improve resources, practices and processes for the benefit of the broader team.

Qualifications

• You have 10+ years of advanced expertise in a meeting and event production environment, creating exceptional experiences for virtual and in-person corporate audiences.
• You’re a well-accomplished event professional, with an inspiring track record of using a wide range of media, platforms and venues, regularly working in close collaboration with production, technical and multimedia teams.
• You have advanced technological abilities, including Excel and expertise in the MS Office Suite, with experience using AI-enabled productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) and the ability to quickly adopt new technologies and platforms.
• You’re determined to be inspiring and motivating, with experience managing partners, vendors and internal planning teams to deliver high quality work.
• You regularly show initiative and drive, and as a self-starter you’re confident in your abilities and decision-making.
• You have a passion for developing and executing creative and innovative experiences, with your finger on the pulse of the latest trends and techniques.
• You can see the big picture, and you’re often one step ahead of your partners and team members seeing solutions as issues emerge.
• You have an excellent track record in fast paced, deadline driven, high-volume and live production environments.
• You have extensive budget management experience, with solid experiences tracking expenses and reconciliation.
• You build strong business relationships with stakeholders, vendors, staff, and team members; you’ve got a strong ability to negotiate and resolve issues smoothly and effectively.

Preferred Skills

• A Certified Meeting Professional designation is an asset.
• Experience applying data insights and emerging technologies to improve event strategy, engagement, and efficiency.
• Deep knowledge of industry-related contracts and terminology (e.g. platforms, venues, speakers, vendors, etc.).
• Involvement in industry-related associations.