Director, Trade Shows and Events

This role is hybrid on-site (minimum 3 days in-office: Tuesday/Wednesday required plus one flex day; Fridays remote) and is not eligible for incentive, bonus, commission, or relocation assistance.

About NYC Tourism + Conventions

New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City. Our mission is to invite the world and energize the City, building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors. NYCtourism.com is the official website of New York City, reaching visitors in their trip-planning stages and showcasing everything the City has to offer. The site is also home to key marketing programs including NYC Restaurant Week®, NYC Broadway WeekSM, and more.

About the role

The Director of Trade Shows and Events leads the strategy, planning, and execution of all organizational events and trade shows. This role oversees budgets, processes, and a team of two event managers and a coordinator, ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences for members, sponsors, and stakeholders. The Director collaborates across departments to drive engagement, revenue, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Manage all events and trade shows, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and member engagement strategies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to event managers and coordinators, setting standards for operational excellence, communication, and cross-department collaboration.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with Sponsorships, Sales, Membership, and Marketing to ensure sponsor and member deliverables are fulfilled while maximizing engagement and revenue opportunities.
• Establish standards and expectations for department operations and ensure the department functions at the highest level.
• Oversee member registration processes, including use and optimization of RSVP systems and registration platforms (e.g., Splash, SimpleView), ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and seamless member experiences.
• Manage and update event and trade show budgets, working closely with team members and finance to track expenses, forecast needs, and ensure budget adherence.
• Take direct leadership of high-profile events, including Board Meetings, Annual Meeting, Gala, Summer Soirée, and ad hoc CEO/CMO event requests, ensuring flawless execution.
• Lead planning and execution of major trade shows and associated client events (e.g., IPW, IMEX America), including strategic coordination with internal teams and external partners.
• Manage standardized processes, timelines, and communications for all events and trade shows, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges related to venues, registrations, event logistics, or member communications in a proactive manner.
• Monitor and analyze event performance, collecting feedback from members and stakeholders to inform future event strategy and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience managing large-scale trade shows, conferences, conventions, corporate events, or destination-based events.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder programs.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills.
• Strong people and networking skills.
• Ability to be flexible and handle change well.
• Knowledge of F&B and experience in the Hospitality Industry.
• Confidence to build and maintain solid relationships.
• Ability to perform under minimal supervision and work extended/irregular hours including nights and weekends as necessary to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and knowledge of Eventbrite, SimpleView, Basecamp, and Slack.

Benefits

• Hybrid schedule: minimum of 3 days in-office (Tuesday/Wednesday required plus one flex day); Fridays remote.
• Generous PTO and up to 12 paid company holidays, plus extended Winter Break.
• 1 floating holiday per year, front-loaded.
• Premium medical, dental, and vision plans, plus HRA and DCA.
• Retirement savings plan and professional development opportunities.
• Quarterly cell phone credit and monthly transit/commuter allowance.