Global Planning Solutions is seeking an experienced Senior Conference Manager to lead the planning and execution of major national and international conferences and congresses, including large-scale citywide events with complex stakeholder, financial, and operational requirements.
The successful candidate will bring deep experience within a Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) or conference management environment and understand the realities of managing large-scale conferences with multiple stakeholders, venues, suppliers, budgets, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and delegates.
This role requires a calm, highly organized, and solutions-oriented operator who thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments and can confidently manage all aspects of conference delivery with professionalism, leadership, and accountability.
THE ROLE
What You Bring / Must Haves
- 5–10+ years of experience managing conferences, congresses, or large-scale events within a PCO or conference management environment
- Demonstrated experience managing complex conferences with significant operational and financial responsibility
- Strong understanding of conference operations, including housing, registration, logistics, sponsorship, exhibits, speaker management, and stakeholder engagement
- Exceptional client and committee management skills
- Strong venue and hotel negotiation experience, including room block management and citywide conference logistics
- Proven ability to lead multiple projects and teams simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
- Experience managing conference budgets, financial reporting, and reconciliation
- Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship management skills
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and solutions-focused under pressure
- Strong knowledge of conference technology platforms, including Wrike, EventsAir, or similar systems
- Experience managing high-profile associations or medical/scientific conferences is considered a strong asset
- Willingness and ability to travel for conferences and client meetings
- Strong mentor to our junior conference team members
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; bilingualism (English/French) is considered a strong asset
THE ROLE
- Lead the planning and execution of major national and international conferences and congresses ranging from 1,500 to 10,000+ delegates
- Serve as the senior operational lead and primary client contact for assigned conferences
- Build and manage conference budgets, financial forecasting, reconciliations, and project profitability
- Lead conference committees, scientific/program committees, and stakeholder groups
- Oversee venue sourcing, citywide logistics, hotel negotiations, room block strategy, and supplier contracting
- Direct integrated project teams across registration, housing, sponsorship, exhibits, marketing, communications, and on-site operations
- Develop and manage detailed project plans, production schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
- Lead on-site operations, including team management, supplier coordination, venue management, and problem resolution
- Oversee sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, abstract, and program management logistics
- Prepare executive-level reports, project updates, KPI summaries, and post-conference evaluations
- Support strategic growth initiatives and contribute to business development opportunities
- Mentor and support junior conference management staff and project teams
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter along with salary expectations, by email to [email protected]. Please include "Senior Conference Manager" in the subject line. Global Planning Solutions encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Applicants who do not apply in the above manner will not be considered.
A BIT ABOUT US
Global Planning Solutions, formerly known as Venue West Conference Services, was founded in 1970 and has remained a cornerstone of the Canadian conference and association industry ever since. We are one of only five companies in Canada – and fewer than 200 worldwide – certified by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) to manage international congresses. Today, we continue to partner with clients across Canada and around the globe, delivering expert management for conferences, associations, and events of all sizes.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00-$90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Work from home
Flexible language requirement:
Application question(s):
- Do you have previous experience working for a PCO or managing large-scale scientific and academic conferences?
Experience:
- conference management: 5 years (required)
Language:
- English and French (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Remote
