+ About UI LABS

UI LABS is a tech organization driving the digital future of manufacturing and cities. We help companies solve problems far too big for them to solve on their own and connect them to innovators at universities and startups. By guiding our more than 300 partners through complex projects, we help them deliver cutting-edge solutions to their customers, improve their financial performance, and transform industries. UI LABS encompasses the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) and City Tech Collaborative.

+ Position Overview

The Corporate Events Team is responsible for overseeing and organizing events in a way that will have a meaningful impact. The Corporate Events Associate will strategically align the goals and objectives of each meeting with available resources to ensure successful events for all event stakeholders. The Corporate Events Associate understands marketing and promotion techniques, and provides creative ideas to continually improve the experience for visitors and partners. A successful Corporate Events Associate has the organizational skills required to ensure a seamless event experience from start to finish, every time.

In addition to onsite event marketing, planning, and execution, the Corporate Events Associate will work with the Corporate Events Manager and Director of External Affairs to strategize and coordinate participation in large-scale external events related to the UI LABS mission. This involves engaging partners and collaborators at all levels, representing the organization externally, and working in multidisciplinary teams to leverage high-profile opportunities to present the organization to audiences numbering in the thousands.

The Corporate Events Associate reports directly to the Corporate Events Manager. This position does not have direct reports.

+ Key Responsibilities

• Strategize and plan UI LABS participation in high-profile external events, coordinating with team, partners, and other stakeholders
• Plan events from start to finish according to requirements, partner needs, and organization objectives
• Ensure quality of initial guest encounters and address any guest needs in a cheerful, encouraging, and professional manner
• Effectively communicate between clients, vendors, internal stakeholders, and the Corporate Events Team so no detail is overlooked during the planning process
• Anticipate clients’ needs and potential problems and provide suggestions and alternatives to enhance the event’s success
• Assist with setting up Audio-Visual, furniture, and other setup equipment
• Provide onsite event support for all event stakeholders including, but not limited to, meeting owners, vendors, and internal staff
• Fulfill all other requests as needed for each event as directed by the meeting owners
• Lead marketing of event space by collaborating with internal communications/external affairs team as well as external promotion partners
• Ensure adherence of budgets for internal events
• Create and maintain relationships with vendors to ensure appropriate service quality and price range for the organization and external clients
• Send out and complete vendor contracts
• Work a flexible work schedule including early mornings and evening hours as needed and as directed by the Corporate Events Manager

+ Position Requirements

• Degree in Hospitality, Event Coordinating, Business, or related field (or pursuing one)
• Strong attention to detail and high level of customer service
• Excellent verbal, written, and face-to-face communication skills
• Ability to learn and quickly adapt to new technology and computer software
• Experience with social media, email marketing, and other types of event promotion tactics
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous events and projects with little supervision
• Possess a true desire to provide the highest level of service to external and internal clients
• Experience with room scheduling software (preferred, but not required)
• Ability to stand on feet for several hours at a time and lift and carry 40 pounds

+ Work with Us

UI LABS is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for UI LABS.

Our LEED Certified, state-of-the-art facility features 12 conference rooms and event spaces, a manufacturing floor, and a bustling open-office environment. UI LABS is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations. Being able to engage with staff and visitors in a positive, professional, helpful manner is critical.

Located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), UI LABS is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.

+ Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

UI LABS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, our communities, and within the tech industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.