Sr Manager of Conventions and Trade Shows

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team through coaching, workforce planning, performance management, and succession planning.
• Develop and evolve the company's convention strategy, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives while staying apprised of the latest industry trends.
• Partner with sales, marketing, and business leaders to develop convention strategies that support customer engagement, brand visibility, lead generation, and business growth.
• Champion innovation by leveraging AI, automation, and emerging technologies to simplify planning, improve stakeholder experience, enhance reporting, and increase operational efficiency.
• Establish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks that measure event effectiveness, operational efficiency, lead quality, customer engagement, and business impact. Use data and analytics to drive continuous improvement and strategic decision making.
• Lead strategic vendor selection, contract negotiation, performance management, and ongoing supplier relationships to ensure exceptional service, operational excellence, and financial stewardship.
• Own annual convention budgets, forecasting, and investment planning while maximizing return on marketing investment.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by standardizing workflows, improving cross-functional processes, and eliminating operational inefficiencies to create a more scalable convention program.
• Identify and recommend strategic sponsorship options, advertising opportunities, and unique events to support and maximize success at key conventions.
• Ensure all convention activities are compliant with association rules, company policies, and ethical guidelines.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Executive presence, able to influence senior leaders and manage competing stakeholder priorities.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in vendor management, contract negotiation, and budget stewardship.
• Demonstrates curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset, proactively identifying opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve business outcomes.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with a focus on executing large-scale events on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Demonstrated understanding of event marketing strategy, customer engagement, demand generation, brand experience, and integrated marketing campaigns.
• Strong technical aptitude and excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills are essential.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, as needed and travel 2 – 4 times per year.

Education & Years Of Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in marketing, events management or related field.
• Experience managing seven-figure budgets and complex vendor ecosystems.
• 8+ years of experience in events, convention, or trade show experience.
• 5+ years of direct people leadership experience.

Preferred Skills

• Experience setting up and assessing lead capture platforms.
• Experience with event and project management and event software such as Exhibitforce, Cvent, Workfront, etc.
• Experience in healthcare or staffing industries.

Pay

We offer a pay range of $104,000 -- $201,300 annually, with pay varying depending on work location and job-related factors such as knowledge, position level and experience.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Traditional healthcare benefits such as medical and dental coverage
• Unique benefits like onsite health centers, corporate wellness programs, and free behavioral health appointments
• Flexible work schedules - including work-from-home options available
• Recognition programs with rewards including trips, cash, and paid time off
• Family-friendly benefits including paid parental leave, fertility coverage, adoption assistance, and marriage counseling
• Tailored training resources including free LinkedIn learning courses
• Volunteer time off and employee-driven matching grants
• Tuition reimbursement programs