Manager, Meeting & Events Management

Manager, Meeting & Events Management

The Manager plays a critical role on Mastercard's Events Management team, delivering world-class client experiences through exceptional event execution, elevated hospitality, and innovative experiential design. This individual will lead the planning and execution of high-profile internal and external programs, including executive meetings, Board of Directors events, Gala dinners and highly curated experiences.

We are seeking a highly creative, culturally connected hospitality professional with deep knowledge of the restaurant and events landscape. The ideal candidate has a sophisticated eye for design and aesthetics, is ahead of emerging trends to bring fresh, unexpected ideas to the table. In the same breadth, they should also be able to flex to a more classic and timeless design aesthetic depending on the project.

This role requires someone who is both visionary and highly executional: a resourceful problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced environments, anticipates challenges before they arise, and uses technology and AI tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, organization, and productivity.

The ideal candidate excels in collaborative environments, confidently partners with senior stakeholders, and demonstrates exceptional attention to detail while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Work Location: Minimum 3 days per week in the Purchase, NY office, with travel required for site visits and events, including evenings and weekends during major programs.

Role & Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to define event objectives and develop comprehensive project plans aligned with business goals and brand standards.
• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of high-touch meetings, executive dinners, and experiential events.
• Curate exceptional hospitality experiences, including identifying trend-setting restaurants, unique venues, culinary talent, entertainment, and culturally relevant programming.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in luxury hospitality, restaurant openings, experiential design, entertainment, and guest engagement — particularly within NYC and specific global markets.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams, agencies, global partners, and vendors to deliver seamless event execution.
• Manage all event logistics, including venue sourcing, site inspections, transportation, staffing, production, and on-site operations.
• Develop creative event concepts and attendee experiences that elevate the Mastercard brand and differentiate programs from industry standards.
• Own event budgets, including forecasting, invoice processing, reconciliation, and identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Oversee contracting, compliance, and vendor negotiations for hotels, venues, transportation, production, and staffing partners.
• Create detailed staffing plans and minute by minute run of shows.
• Oversee VIP and executive attendee experiences with a white-glove level of service.
• Coordinate menus, banquet event orders, gifting, décor, entertainment, and experiential elements in partnership with marketing and sponsorship teams.
• Produce attendee communications, briefing materials, production schedules, logistics documents, and post-event reporting.
• Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to improve event planning processes, streamline workflows, enhance creativity, support research, and drive operational efficiency.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed for planning and execution.

All About You

• Proven success managing complex, high-visibility events with multiple stakeholders, tight timelines, and evolving priorities.

• Self-starter that can work both independently or in a team environment.

• Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and follow-through.

• Deep passion for restaurants, hospitality, food culture, experiential events, and luxury guest experiences.

• Extensive knowledge of highly regarded restaurants, emerging culinary trends, and notable new openings in NYC and other key markets.

• Strong aesthetic sensibility with an eye for design, ambiance, storytelling, and experiential details that create memorable moments.

• Continuously seeks inspiration across hospitality, fashion, art, design, entertainment, and travel.

• Brings innovative thinking while remaining highly practical and execution-focused.

• Industrious and solutions-oriented with the ability to think quickly under pressure and navigate complex challenges calmly and effectively.

• Anticipates issues before they arise and proactively develops contingency plans.

• Thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments and adapts quickly to shifting priorities and business needs.

• Comfortable working across regions, cultures, and time zones; multilingual skills are a plus.

• Confident interacting with senior leaders, C-suite executives, clients, partners, and VIP guests while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and composure.

• Strong interpersonal instincts with the ability to build trust and foster relationships across diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrates curiosity and proficiency in using AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance research, productivity, communications, creative ideation, workflow management, and operational excellence.

• Embraces innovation and continuously explores smarter, more efficient ways of working.

• Advanced experience with event management platforms, including Cvent.

• Strong budgeting, forecasting, negotiation, and analytical skills with the ability to manage costs while maintaining premium experiences.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence, present ideas clearly, and adapt communication styles effectively.

• Collaborative team player committed to mentoring junior team members and contributing to a positive team culture.

• Passion and availability for travel.

• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours when planning in different time zones and onsite for events.