Reporting to the SVP BizOps, Sourcing & Strategy, the VP of Global Events & Tradeshows Management will lead all proprietary and third-party events for Wolters Kluwer globally. These include all internal employee events, customer facing events organized by Wolters Kluwer, and tradeshows where Wolters Kluwer business participate. Leading a global team of employees and contractors, this leader would be responsible for the strategy and vision for their group as well as all aspects of event planning, budgeting, production, stakeholder management, customer experience management (NPS & Customer Satisfaction), as well as the day-of execution. Events include live, virtual and hybrid (live + virtual) events & conferences.

The person in this role can be remote EST or CST and travel as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead development and conceptualization of organization’s strategy for events
• Develop the master event and conferences strategic plan, drive event content agendas, curate content in collaboration with Business and Marketing leaders, recruit and manage speakers or activity leaders (when needed), and lead all virtual, live, and hybrid event logistics
• Lead event technology selection, maintenance, and ongoing development/ continuous improvement (includes pre-event communication channels, pre and during event mobile app interfaces for users, post event NPS and feedback collection methodologies, event management tools such as CVENT etc.)
• Provides oversight and team leadership to Events Marketing Manager and manages external resources to provide additional onsite support (i.e., virtual event platform partners, AV crew, etc.)
• Manages event closing inclusive of budget reconciliation, attendee post-event survey, vendor payment processing, and internal team debriefing
• Owns the run of show (ROS) and serves as lead producer on all large and small events, including themed signature virtual, live, and hybrid (live + virtual) events, smaller member receptions, C-level events, and forums
• Identifies, negotiates, solidifies, and manages virtual platforms, appropriate tech stack, and/or hotel/event space/venue selection, F&B, and contracting of space to host events, conferences, and forums
• Work with Marketing and BU leaders across the organization to design, plan, budget and deliver on best-in-class events and user experiences
• Meet with event stakeholders to gain an understanding of the event’s purpose and goals
• Outline scope of events, forecasting budget and resources in advance
• Manage a team to work with vendors to determine best fits for budget/goals of event, negotiate and manage vendor contracts to Service Levels
• Manage a team that coordinates all event logistics and services, including detailed proposals for events, timelines, venues, contractors, equipment, suppliers, budgets, technology/equipment, food/beverage, transportation, lodging, where applicable
• Provide strategic leadership on new event ideas and experiences in virtual and hybrid landscape, leveraging appropriate technology
• Cultivate, establish, and manage high caliber, cost-efficient event supplier partnerships
• Collaborate with various peer functions to drive event success, manage risk and ensure high quality delivery
• Partner with GBS Strategic Sourcing to leverage preferred vendor relationships to drive cost efficiencies
• Work closely with GBS Legal to establish and execute on appropriate contractual terms and conditions
• Work with global Risk team to manage event and tradeshow related risk (both on-site and travel)
• Work with Global Branding team to ensure compliance to global brand standards and guidelines
• Train, develop, and motivate highly skilled and extremely demanding team (developing custom plans, paths for success, promotion opportunities, etc.)
• Utilize methods to evaluate and measure event success and ROI, user experience (NPS), performing post-event evaluations including data reporting and analysis for stakeholders
• Formulate and implement strategies and tactics that ensure goals and objectives are met with success
• Evaluate event performance, identify opportunities for performance improvement and develop plans for future implementation

Job Qualifications:

• 10+ years of direct full scale event leadership experience at a global level in matrixed environments
• Advanced Degree or training in Hospitality and/or Event Management, operations, and strategy
• In-depth, hands-on experience in “end to end” event planning and management Works well under pressure, and evolving agendas/situations
• Proven track record of leading global teams comprising employees, contractors and various vendors
• Strong working knowledge of various event and related technologies
• Comfortable meeting deadlines
• Very strong stakeholder and relationship management skills
• Very strong EQ with demonstrated abilities to understand various stakeholder motivations, frustrations and competing agendas
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Understanding and experience in running live, virtual/digital, and hybrid events
• Strong analytic skills with clear ability to link event plans to business results and company goals
• Event marketing and social media marketing experience
• Personal integrity, initiative, leadership qualities; ability to work as part of a team in an environment that demands excellence, agility, and positive energy
• Strong overall leadership and collaboration capabilities
• Strong negotiating skills with proven ability to build and maintain relationships
• Strong communication skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and events while maintaining high-quality standards
• Professional, positive, creative thinker, and spirited team collaborator
• Team player with flexibility to accommodate different personalities and work styles as well as confidence to manage interactions and expectations at all levels of the organization
• Comprehensive understanding of the meetings and events industry ecosystem
• Experience with analytical and financial data
• Highly proficient in PowerPoint and Excel
• Demonstrated exceptional project management, organization and planning skills applied in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the company
• Challenges the status-quo, looks for innovative solutions that help simplify processes

Travel Requirements:

• Flexibility for travel and to work evening hours and some weekends depending on event schedule

Compensation:

Target salary range CA, CT, CO, NY, WA:: $203,900 - $262,150