Reports to: Corporate Events Manager/CEO

Department: Events

Location: Calgary, AB

Employment Type: Full-Time, In-Office 5 days a week

About Eye Recommend

Eye Recommend is a Canadian cooperative supporting independent optometrists and their practices across the country. Through education, professional development, networking, and industry-leading events, we help our members build stronger, more successful independent practices.

Our events range from intimate meetings and educational sessions to regional training programs and large-scale national conferences with more than 1,200 attendees.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an Events & Communications Lead to join our growing events team and play a key role in planning, delivering, and continuously improving Eye Recommend's diverse portfolio of events.

This is a hands-on role for an experienced events professional who is ready to take greater ownership of projects and events while continuing to develop their event management expertise.

Reporting to the Corporate Events Manager and CEO, the Events & Communications Lead will work across the full event lifecycle from event planning, budgeting, venue sourcing, vendor management, communications, registration, sponsorship and exhibitor coordination through onsite execution and post-event evaluation.

The successful candidate will take ownership of assigned events and projects, work closely with internal and external stakeholders, and contribute to the development of a high-performing and collaborative events team.

What does "Lead" mean?

This role does not have direct reports. Instead, the Events & Communications Lead will take ownership of assigned events, provide guidance and support to other members of the events team when appropriate, and act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders and external partners.

The role is intended for someone who is comfortable working both independently and part of a team, making decisions, solving problems, and taking ownership for delivering successful events.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

- Lead the planning and execution of assigned Eye Recommend events, including educational programs, training sessions, member events, networking events, meetings, and conferences.
- Manage assigned events through the full event lifecycle, from initial planning through onsite execution and post-event evaluation.
- Develop and maintain event timelines, project plans, budgets, checklists, run-of-show documents, floor plans, and other planning tools.
- Assist with venue research, RFPs, contract negotiations, room blocks, catering, audiovisual, transportation, décor, entertainment, and other event requirements.
- Coordinate and manage relationships with hotels, venues, suppliers, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and other event partners.
- Identify potential risks and proactively develop solutions and contingency plans.
- Coordinate event logistics and ensure deadlines and deliverables are met.
- Lead onsite event operations and help ensure a seamless attendee experience.
- Conduct post-event reviews and contribute recommendations for future events.

Event Communications
- Develop and execute email communications for all events including calendar creation, copy writing, proofing, testing and scheduling.
- Develop and maintain event webpages.




- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure event messaging is accurate, engaging, timely, and aligned with the Eye Recommend brand.
- Support event marketing initiatives designed to increase registration, attendance, and engagement.
- Monitor registration and engagement metrics and recommend opportunities to improve event communications and participation.
- Ensure attendees have the information they need to feel informed and prepared throughout the event experience.

Speakers, Sponsors & Exhibitors
- Coordinate speaker communications and logistics, including deadlines, presentations, bios, headshots, travel, and onsite requirements.
- Manage sponsor and exhibitor communications and deliverables for assigned events.
- Coordinate tradeshow and exhibitor logistics, including booth assignments, shipping, setup, signage, and onsite requirements.
- Build strong, professional relationships with sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and other event partners.
- Ensure contracted commitments and event deliverables are accurately tracked and fulfilled.

Budget & Vendor Management
- Develop and maintain budgets for all events in collaboration with the Corporate Events Manager.
- Monitor event expenses and identify variances or potential financial risks.
- Coordinate invoices, deposits, contracts, and other financial commitments.
- Work with vendors and suppliers to ensure services are delivered as contracted and within budget.
- Identify opportunities to improve value and cost efficiency while maintaining a high-quality attendee experience.

Team Collaboration
- Act as a resource to Event Specialists and Coordinators by sharing event knowledge, best practices, and tools.
- Collaborate with all members of the events team to deliver consistent and successful events.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of event SOPs, templates, processes, and best practices.
- Support a positive, collaborative, and solutions-focused team environment.
- Step in to provide onsite leadership or project support when needed.

What We're Looking For We are looking for someone with solid event experience who is ready to take greater ownership of their work and continue developing as an event professional.

Required Qualifications

- 3–5+ years of experience in event planning, event management, event marketing, communications, hospitality, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing events from concept through completion.
- Degree or Diploma in Event Management, CMP, CSEP or comparable certification is preferred.
- Experience managing multiple events and projects simultaneously.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Experience working with event budgets, vendors, venues, and external partners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong relationship-building skills and confidence working with a variety of stakeholders.




- Strong attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of the overall event objectives.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and make sound decisions.
- Strong technology skills and the ability to learn new platforms and systems quickly.
- Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours during events.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook.
- Proficiency in virtual platforms like Zoom and Teams is a bonus.

The Qualities That Will Make You Successful We're looking for someone who:

- Takes ownership and follows projects through to completion.
- Thinks ahead and anticipates what needs to happen next.
- Is resourceful and can find solutions when things don't go according to plan.
- Communicates confidently with colleagues, vendors, speakers, sponsors, and members.
- Is highly organized without becoming overwhelmed by competing priorities.
- Pays attention to the details while understanding the bigger picture.
- Enjoys collaboration and contributes positively to a team environment.
- Is curious and eager to learn, particularly when it comes to the business side of events.
- Wants to grow their event management skills and take on increasing responsibility over time.

What Success Looks Like

First 6 Months

- Develops a robust understanding of Eye Recommend's event portfolio, members, brand, processes, and systems.
- Confidently manages assigned event components and communications.
- Builds strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, venues, speakers, and suppliers.
- Demonstrates strong organization, follow-through, and judgment.

6–18 Months
- Independently leads mid-sized to larger events from planning through execution.
- Takes ownership of event budgets, vendors, communications, and stakeholder relationships.
- Becomes a trusted resource within the events team.
- Takes on increasingly complex responsibilities.
- Contributes ideas and recommendations that improve the attendee experience and event process.

Longer-Term Growth
- Takes ownership of increasingly complex events and projects.
- Develops greater expertise in event strategy, budgeting, negotiation, stakeholder management, and onsite leadership.
- Becomes a key contributor to the planning and execution of Eye Recommend's major events.
- Continues to build the skills and experience necessary for future advancement within the events team.

Why Join Eye Recommend? This is an prospect to join a collaborative events team where you will have meaningful ownership, exposure to a diverse event portfolio, and the opportunity to grow your career.

You won't simply be executing someone else's plan. You will have the opportunity to lead projects, build relationships, solve problems, contribute ideas, and help create memorable experiences for Eye Recommend members and partners.

If you're an experienced event professional who is ready to take the next step in your career and have a meaningful role in delivering exceptional events, we'd love to hear from you.

Send your resume to [email protected]

Pay: $70,000.00-$78,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- In office parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Events & Communications Lead (Calgary)
🏢 Eye Recommend
📍 Calgary