Event Director

Role: Event Director

Location: New York (Hybrid) (Weekly travel to Events)

Salary: $80,000- $85,000

About GDS:

GDS Group is a global B2B solution provider of insight, content, pipeline growth, production studios and creative services delivered through our virtual platforms and face-to-face experiences.

Founded on our thirty years of expertise, our mission is to be our client's pipeline partner by bringing business solutions and targeted audiences together within dynamic environments.

Being a technology pioneer and marketing services provider, we produce unique immersive experiences and create unparalleled access to industry thought leadership to enable transformation within their organizations.

Trusted by the world's leading brands, we connect c-suite executives, using real-life, real-time human interactions, to help solve their shared challenges and accelerate projects, so together, we outpace the speed of change.

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled Event Director to lead our Summit Portfolio. This role requires a strong background in event management, vendor relations, and team leadership. The Event Director will ensure the seamless execution of our summits and exclusive events, working closely with key stakeholders, venues, and internal teams to deliver high-impact experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Planning & Execution:

• Serve as the primary Event Lead onsite, managing a team to ensure smooth execution of each summit.
• Oversee venue and hotel relationships, working as a liaison to support event orders and maintain strong partnerships.
• Manage food & beverage (F&B) planning, ensuring quality and alignment with event needs.
• Lead event site visits and venue sourcing for future summits and Meet the Boss Live dinners.
• Develop and execute meeting schedules and rooming lists.
• Handle venue and hotel logistics, including setup and breakdown of events.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Work closely with hotels and venues to confirm event details.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure seamless communication and execution of event elements.
• Support the Senior Event Managers (SEM) and Associate Event Managers (AEM) onsite, assisting with cancellations, last-minute changes, and attendee management.

Onsite Leadership & Execution:

• Act as the primary point of contact during events, troubleshooting any issues.
• Support on Meet the Boss Live dinners, from confirming contracts to being present onsite.
• Lead external vendors onsite to ensure smooth event operations.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in event management, preferably in corporate summits, conferences, or C-level engagements.
• Strong expertise in venue negotiations, logistics, and onsite execution.
• Exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to pivot quickly in fast-paced environments.
• Experience managing high-level corporate events.
• Ability to travel 50-75% and work a hybrid schedule in NYC.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.

Ideal Candidate:

• This position requires someone who is outgoing, ambitious, personable, and extremely organized.
• The individual needs to be able to communicate with the highest level of business people across the world, as well as facilitate conversation.
• The individual will be traveling for approximately 10-12 weeks per year and must be incredibly flexible and be willing to work long hours pre-summit and onsite.
• The individual needs to be innovative, think on their feet and improvise when necessary.

Benefits:

• Hybrid schedule
• Central location - excellent transport facilities, office located at 225 Liberty Street
• Ongoing training. Throughout your career at GDS Group you will receive continued career development support from our leadership and development team
• Leading Healthcare package and subsidised commuter benefits.
• Exceptional career progression. We're ever-evolving!
• Fantastic social events and rewards throughout the year.