Director of Event Services

*Director of Event Services**Buffalo Convention Center | Buffalo, New York**Reports To**
General Manager, Buffalo Convention Center
*Department**
Event Services
*Classification**
Full-Time, Exempt
*Salary Range**
$75,000-$90,000 Commensurate with experience; competitive with regional convention center market
*Updated**
2026
*Position Summary**
The Director of Event Services acts as the main liaison between the Buffalo Convention Center and its clients from contract signing through the end of the event. This senior leadership position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and ensuring the smooth execution of conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, and special events held at the facility. The Director manages the Event Services team, collaborates closely with in-house food and beverage operations, audiovisual providers, security, and facilities management, and serves as the key point of accountability for client satisfaction throughout the entire event process. of the Convention Center's senior leadership team, the Director of Event Services plays a direct role in advancing Buffalo's position as a premier meetings and conventions destination, contributing to the broader economic development and tourism goals of Erie County.
*Key Responsibilities***Event Planning & Client Services**Serve as the primary day-of and pre-event contact for meeting planners, association executives, corporate event managers, and third-party event coordinators.Manage the entire event services process: pre-event planning meetings, room setup specifications, vendor coordination, event execution, and post-event review.Prepare and distribute comprehensive Event Orders and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), ensuring all operational teams are aligned on client requirements.Conduct site visits and pre-con meetings with clients and key facility stakeholders.Anticipate and proactively address client needs, on-site challenges, and last-minute changes with a solutions-focused mindset.*Team Leadership & Operations**Recruit, train, mentor, and manage a team of Event Services Managers and Event Coordinators.Create staff schedules that align with event calendars, ensuring adequate coverage for all events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.Promote a high-performance, client-focused culture rooted in professionalism, responsiveness, and operational excellence.Hold regular team meetings, conduct individual performance reviews, and provide ongoing coaching to develop departmental talent.*Cross-Departmental Coordination**Collaborate with Sales & Marketing to ensure a seamless transition from the sales process to event execution, preserving client commitments.Coordinate with in-house Operations, Food & Beverage, Facilities departments, as well as outsourced Technology/AV, Security, and Parking vendors to deliver integrated, high-quality events.Partner with Finance on billing accuracy, deposit management, and post-event reconciliation.Interface with external vendors, decorators, exhibitor services contractors, and other event suppliers to ensure compliance with facility policies.*Facility & Safety Standards**Ensure all events comply with facility safety codes, fire occupancy regulations, and relevant local, state, and federal laws.Manage room setup, load-in/load-out logistics, and exhibit hall operations, including freight handling.Maintain working knowledge of facility systems, AV infrastructure, and technical capabilities to effectively advise clients and troubleshoot issues.Mitigate event-related risks by ensuring vendor insurance, permits, and contract compliance.*Business Development & Strategy**Serve as an ambassador of the Buffalo Convention Center's brand, reinforcing the destination's value proposition with every client interaction.Contribute to client retention and repeat bookings by providing consistently excellent service.Identify and recommend improvements to event service processes, technology, and facility features that enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.Support the General Manager in developing departmental goals, budgets, and reporting metrics aligned with the Convention Center's Strategic Plan.Actively engage with Visit Buffalo, Buffalo Sports Commission, Erie County, and regional tourism partners to strengthen event pipeline and community relationships.*Qualifications***Education**A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Event Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required.Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified in