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.

The Events Manager takes a hands-on lead role producing signature events for a range of business partners, and collaborates with stakeholders, team members and vendors. The Events Manager works closely with the Marketing, Distribution, Human Resources, Communication, AV Services and Multimedia teams in the efficient and effective delivery of Sun Life’s goals.

As a resource for business partners across Sun Life, the U.S. Events team provides event management and production support for a robust portfolio of internal and external stakeholders.

How 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.
• Directs 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.
• Manage, contract all event vendors according to Sun Life guidelines, including destination management companies, venues, keynote speakers, promotional items and spousal/family programs.
• Research and recommend new vendors and services to offer as recommended partners.
• Ensure the proper administration of event expenses and billing including approval and forecasting processes for events; identify opportunities for savings.
• Process 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.
• Lead specific team initiatives to improve resources, practices and processes for the benefit of the broader team.

What you will bring with you

• 10+ years of advanced expertise in a meeting and event production environment, creating exceptional experiences for virtual and in-person corporate audiences.
• 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.
• 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.
• Determined to be inspiring and motivating, with experience managing partners, vendors and internal planning teams to deliver high quality work.
• Determined to be inspiring and motivating, with experience managing partners, vendors and internal planning teams to deliver high quality work.
• You are a self-starter with confidence in your abilities and decision-making.
• 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

• Certified Meeting Professional designation is an asset.
• Knowledge of Cvent, Wrike, ON24, and other virtual or hybrid event and digital marketing platforms 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.