Manager, Convention Services

IN-PERSON - HOUSTON, TX.

Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone. Our Mission is to create value and enhance economic prosperity by promoting the Houston region.

We are looking for a Manager, Convention Services to oversee non-citywide events, conventions, trade shows, associations, and consumer events held at our venues. This role involves developing, coordinating, and supervising all event-related activities crucial to the operation of the facility. Responsibilities include vendor coordination and the collection and distribution of event information. The Manager will also prepare event documentation, communicate with customers, and ensure the successful management of events.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• ☒ Supervises: event staff and contractors involved in the event.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates closely with the sales and client services team at the start of the event management process to gather comprehensive information and conduct site visits with clients.
• Conducts site visits with sales and client services staff to promote venues and highlight facilities to potential clients.
• Manages contractor staff to ensure they meet the demands of the event efficiently.
• Oversees non-city-wide events, conventions, trade shows, associations events from move-in, and setup through to breakdown and move-out. Consumer events, including SMERF events stand for Social, Military, Educational, Religious, and Fraternal groups. Groups related to sports, entertainment, and recreation.
• Uses Momentus Event Management Software to enter data, generate reports, create event plans for the departments, and other related tasks.
• Collects and manages information to produce an event.
• Creates detailed event documentation, including schedules, department instructions, and diagrams, utilizing industry-specific software to ensure comprehensive planning and coordination.
• Executes and explains contracts with clients, ensuring they understand all terms and conditions to ensure dates, times, facilities, and equipment provided are correct and contractual provisions have been fulfilled.
• Handles pre-planning activities with in-house partners and clients, identifying required services and coordinating them to ensure all necessary information, such as instructions, schedules, equipment, and inventory needs, is communicated effectively.
• Monitors the event from start to finish, including move-in and setup, through the event, breakdown, and move-out.
• Ensures compliance with all buildings and City of Houston Fire Codes to maintain safety standards.
• Completes and closes all event-related paperwork and files.
• Ensures all event information is accurate and current in the system.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or professional designation through IAVM
• 3+ years’ experience as an Event Manager in a convention center, hotel, or similar environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including expert‑level skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience with event management platforms such as Momentus.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively across a wide range of events and projects.
• Strong adaptability with the capacity to manage shifting priorities and evolving program elements.
• Exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively under pressure with diverse internal teams, external partners, and clients while managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and phone communication skills, with a professional and service‑oriented approach.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• No major sources of discomfort; essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions
• Position requires evening and weekend work, as well as event-related tasks to support event schedule 
• Ability to travel to local/ tradeshows/conventions/ conferences/ training and development (less than 10% of the year)

For more information on Houston First and the benefits offered, please feel free to explore the following links.

About Us | Houston First Corporation
Total Rewards - Benefits | Houston First Corporation