Senior Manager - Major Events And Partnerships

OVERVIEW OF THE AAA

The Australian Airports Association (‘AAA’) is the national voice that represents the interests of more than 340 airports and aerodromes Australia wide – from the local country community landing strip to major international gateway airports. Our Airport members represent vital infrastructure crucial to the communities in which they operate and for the overall national economy.

The AAA facilitates co-operation among airport members and their many and varied partners in Australian aviation, whilst contributing to an air transport system that is safe, secure, competitive and environmentally sustainable for the benefit of all Australians and visitors.

The AAA is the leading advocate for appropriate national policy relating to airport activities, to ensure regular transport passengers, freight, and the community enjoy the full benefits of a progressive and sustainable airport industry. With the support of airports and the industry’s leading organisations the AAA will continue working to secure the future of our airports.

The AAA also has more than 150 corporate members representing aviation stakeholders and organisations that provide goods and services to the airport sector. 

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Senior Manager – Major Events and Partnerships is a hands-on role with autonomy, empowered to deliver a range of significant AAA events across the year. This role sits within the “Engaged Members” pillar of the AAA’s Strategic Plan 2022-25.

The role reports directly to the Director – Member Engagement and is responsible for end-to-end event logistics as well as developing and maintaining key relationships with stakeholders partnering with the AAA via a range of sponsorship and exhibition arrangements. 

The role will work in a collaborative manner with the Policy and Advocacy, Member Engagement and Corporate Services teams to ensure events are delivered to a high standard and aligned with the AAA’s strategic objectives.

The AAA currently delivers the following (not exhaustive) list of events:

National conference 

• Over 3 days, with 600+ delegates, 60+ exhibition booths and a range of networking functions, including a gala dinner and awards ceremony.
• A Professional Conference Organiser (‘PCO’) is used only for delegate registrations and accommodation bookings.

Retail and Commercial Forum

• Over 2-3 days, with 200+ delegates, 20+ exhibition booths, a range of networking functions, a gala dinner, awards ceremony and a technical master-class.
• Conducted under a joint venture arrangement. 

Pavements and Lighting / Airport Operations Forum

• A technical forum over 2 days with 160+ delegates and 10+ exhibition booths and a range of networking functions. 

Airport Emergency Management and Safety Forum

• A technical forum over 1-2 days with up to 70 delegates focused on airport safety and often including attendance / observation of a live airport emergency exercise.

Division Meetings

• Member forums held in each state/ territory twice a year (14 in total) hosted by the AAA / local airports.
• Up to 60 delegates per meeting, including networking functions and industry updates. 

The role requires an experienced and enthusiastic individual to take ownership of contract and budget management, event logistics and relationships with key partnership and exhibition stakeholders as well as a strategic vision to enhance the benefits that events deliver for members. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Active management of the PCO throughout the planning, during and after National Conference to ensure successful delivery of the event.
• Facilitation of industry award ceremonies, including preparation of award submission templates, review, judging and associated marketing and member engagement activities.
• Actively manage and deliver all aspects of event logistics for all events under remit – including idea generation, budget preparation, design guidance, financial oversight, onsite event delivery, run sheets, event briefs, attendee feedback, Board reporting and post event reviews.
• The primary contact point for corporate partnership and exhibition packages associated with events. 
• Providing marketing and communications support as a backup to the member engagement / communications teams. 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated ability in personally delivering high quality single and multi-day events with varying levels of complexity.
• Demonstrated ability in stakeholder management.
• A relevant tertiary degree or equivalent work experience is mandatory.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills, including balancing and managing competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability in budget development and contract management.
• A positive and collaborative attitude, with an appreciation of the importance to deliver to shared organisational goals.
• Experience using EventsAIR is highly desirable.
• Experience using a CRM and WordPress editing is highly desirable.