Events Manager

JOIN OUR MISSION

Behind every successful conference, meeting, or convening is an exceptional experience-this is an opportunity to curate experiences that bring Southern state leaders together to collaborate, learn, and strengthen public service. As Events Manager, you will lead the detailed planning and execution of CSG South conferences, leadership development programs, policy convenings, domestic and international delegations, and other regional events. From managing venues, vendors, production schedules, food and beverage, audiovisual services, transportation, and event budgets to directing on-site logistics for the Southern Legislative Conference, this position is central to delivering the professional, welcoming, and well-executed experiences our members expect. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, anticipate needs before they become challenges, and take pride in turning complex plans into seamless events, we invite you to join our team.

WHO WE ARE

The Southern Office of The Council of State Governments (CSG South) empowers and elevates public servants across the 15 Southern states. Through policy innovation, leadership development, and regional collaboration, we equip leaders to serve their constituents with excellence. We live out our core values in all that we do:

• Servant's Heart – We lead by serving others.
• Ambitious – We set bold goals and pursue them relentlessly.
• Adaptable – We respond to challenges with innovation and agility.
• Accountable – We honor commitments and own our outcomes.
• Credible – We earn trust through excellence and integrity.

POSITION SUMMARY

CSG South seeks a highly organized and solutions-oriented Events Manager to lead the detailed event planning, coordination, and execution of the organization's conferences, meetings, leadership development programs, policy convenings, delegations, and other events. Reporting to the Director of Operations and Events, the Events Manager serves as CSG South's primary event logistics and production leader. The position is responsible for translating approved event objectives, budgets, and program requirements into comprehensive operational plans and overseeing the successful execution of conferences, meetings, leadership programs, and special events. The Events Manager plays a central role in delivering the Southern Legislative Conference and works closely with the Regional Director, Operations and Events Director, Operations and Events Associate, colleagues across CSG South, host-state partners, venues, and external vendors.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Conference and Event Management

• Lead the detailed logistical planning and execution of CSG South convenings, including the Southern Legislative Conference, leadership development programs, policy masterclasses, fly-ins, international delegations, grant-funded meetings, and other organizational events.
• Partner with colleagues across CSG South to translate approved program objectives, event strategies, and budgets into comprehensive operational plans that clearly define logistics, responsibilities, timelines, approvals, and event requirements.
• Develop and maintain event timelines, production schedules, planning checklists, venue specifications, room-use plans, vendor schedules, transportation plans, staffing assignments, and on-site operating documents.
• Coordinate all event logistics, including venue space, hotel accommodations, food and beverage, audiovisual production, transportation, décor, entertainment, shipping, signage, equipment, and related operational services.
• Conduct venue inspections, planning visits, production meetings, and preconference meetings to confirm requirements and identify potential operational risks.
• Prepare, review, and manage Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), room-set diagrams, menus, guarantees, audiovisual specifications, event resumes, production schedules, and related revisions before and during events.
• Coordinate with CSG South departments to ensure event operations support program objectives, speaker needs, branding standards, sponsorship commitments, and participant expectations.
• Ensure event plans appropriately address dietary restrictions, mobility needs, accessibility requests, and other participant accommodations.
• Anticipate logistical challenges, develop contingency plans, and resolve operational issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Coordinate travel logistics for CSG South leadership, members, presenters, and guests in support of conferences, leadership programs, and international delegations.
• Remain informed about current practices, technologies, and emerging trends in conference and event management.
• Serve as the lead on-site logistics and production mana