Job Description

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. The mission of the NAM is to be the voice for all manufacturing in the United States.

Job Title: Associate, Conference Operations

Division: Finance and Administration

Department: Conference and Office Operations

Reports To: Vice President, Conference and Office Operations

FLSA Status/Level: Exempt/Professional

Location: DC

Summary:

The Associate, Conference Operations plays a key role on the Conference Operations team in creating an exceptional experience for every event attendee. This position supports the planning, coordination, and execution of NAM conferences, meetings, and events. Responsibilities include providing timely, organized, and efficient event support across a range of functions, including registration coordination, event logistics, Cvent management, vendor coordination, shipping, reporting, and onsite execution.

The position works closely with internal stakeholders, hotels, venues, vendors, and other event partners to ensure programs are effectively planned and successfully executed. Additional conferences, events, and responsibilities will be assigned by the Vice President, Conference and Office Operations, based on departmental and organizational needs.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

External Meeting Services (80%)

• Registration support for assigned conferences and events, including pre-event planning, attendee support, registration changes, and onsite registration operations.
• Create, manage, and maintain Cvent meeting websites, registration platforms, and customized reports.
• Process and manage attendee registration requests, changes, cancellations, and related inquiries.
• Provide event logistics support from pre-planning through onsite execution and post-event closeout. Including but not limited to registration, meeting room requirements, vendor coordination, materials, and attendee support.
• Prepare and distribute weekly hotel pickup, registration pacing, and cross-check reports for assigned conferences and events.
• Provide event logistics support for assigned conferences and events, from pre-planning through onsite execution and post-event closeout.
• Maintain mobile event apps for assigned conferences and events, ensuring content is accurate, current, and aligned with program needs.
• Coordinate onsite event logistics, including registration, meeting room requirements, vendor coordination, materials, and attendee support.
• Research, evaluate, coordinate, and contract event vendors as needed.
• Track and process vendor invoices and assist with event expense reconciliation and budget tracking.
• Maintain inventory and ordering of registration supplies and other event materials.
• Maintain and update internal Conference Operations websites, resources, and event-related information.
• Support site selection, venue research, sourcing, and contracting for assigned meetings and events.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal stakeholders, hotels, venues, vendors, and other event partners.
• Perform other Conference Operations duties and special projects as assigned.
• Some early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required based on event schedules.
• Travel is required for assigned conferences, meetings, site visits, and other events and is expected to be less than 30%.

Internal Conference Operations (20%)

• Coordinate and ensure all meeting logistics are finalized and executed in accordance with established meeting specifications for assigned conferences, meetings, and events held at the NAM Conference Center.

The responsibilities listed above are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional duties, responsibilities, and tasks may be assigned as needed to support the organization and its evolving business needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No direct reports
• Position may provide direction and guidance to temp or other staff assisting with Conference Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 3-4 years of experience supporting or planning conferences, meetings, special events, webinars, or virtual events.
• Experience with Cvent required, including registration management, event websites, and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with virtual meeting and webinar platforms, including Zoom or similar platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated commitment to responsive and professional customer service.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while adapting to changing priorities and unexpected needs.
• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and punctuality.
• Strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, vendors, venues, and other event partners.
• Ability and willingness to work occasionally early mornings, evenings, and weekends based on conference and event schedules.
• Ability and willingness to travel to assigned conferences, meetings, site visits, and events throughout the year.
• Ability to lift and move event materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Range: $64,500– $65,500 annually. This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the lowest to the highest salary for this position. The final salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Association of Manufacturers is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We welcome and celebrate everyone’s uniqueness here at the NAM. We provide equal opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. At the NAM, we believe in Second Chances! There are nearly 70 million Americans that face tremendous disadvantages in life because of a criminal record and WE are here to bridge this gap. The NAM is committed to offering equal employment opportunities to ALL. We only require that you have the qualifications, talent, and passion to be successful in your role.

The NAM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at humanresources@nam.org.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States and one of the nation’s most influential advocates for manufacturing. By joining the NAM, you become part of a spirited and dynamic team that is driven to succeed. We recognize and reward our staff with competitive pay and annual performance-based bonus programs. We offer an outstanding benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, SmarTrip, and a 401(k) Salary Deferral plan with employer match and contributions, vacation and sick leave, complimentary on-site gym access and healthy snacks in the break room. Become part of a fast-paced team passionate about keeping the United States the world leader in manufacturing.

The NAM is an equal opportunity employer.