Trade Show & Event Planning Manager (Trade Show & Event Management Manager)
About the role
This role independently leads complex event programs, delivering seamless, high-quality experiences that support strategic business goals and drive measurable impact in a dynamic, fast-moving, and often high-pressure environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end strategy, planning, and execution of complex events, including internal meetings, client conferences, executive programs, and trade shows.
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to align event strategy with business priorities and customer engagement goals.
- Own the full event lifecycle, including program design, timelines, logistics, and onsite delivery.
- Develop and manage event budgets, including forecasting, financial tracking, and reconciliation.
- Source, negotiate, and manage vendors, venues, and contracts to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
- Manage multiple concurrent programs, proactively identifying risks and driving solutions to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Establish and improve processes, tools, and best practices to enhance scalability and consistency.
- Analyze performance metrics and provide actionable insights to improve future events.
- Mentor junior team members and promote a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
- Ensure compliance with organizational, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
Requirements
Experience & Certification: Minimum of 10 years of event management experience in corporate or technology environments; CMP certification required.
Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to independently lead large-scale, high-visibility events with measurable outcomes.
Stakeholder Management: Strong communication and influencing skills with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Financial Acumen: Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and ROI analysis.
Program Management: Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives with strong prioritization and execution discipline in high-pressure environments.
Vendor & Contract Management: Expertise in sourcing, negotiating, and managing vendor relationships.
Data-Driven Approach: Skilled in leveraging analytics and insights to optimize performance.
Operational Excellence: Detail-oriented with a focus on quality, process improvement, and execution.
Adaptability & Resilience: Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, and often stressful environment.
Technology Proficiency: Advanced skills in Cvent and Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time (globally).
Qualifications
Experience & Certification: Minimum of 10 years of event management experience in corporate or technology environments; CMP certification required.
Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to independently lead large-scale, high-visibility events with measurable outcomes.
Stakeholder Management: Strong communication and influencing skills with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Financial Acumen: Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and ROI analysis.
Program Management: Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives with strong prioritization and execution discipline in high-pressure environments.
Vendor & Contract Management: Expertise in sourcing, negotiating, and managing vendor relationships.
Data-Driven Approach: Skilled in leveraging analytics and insights to optimize performance.
Operational Excellence: Detail-oriented with a focus on quality, process improvement, and execution.
Adaptability & Resilience: Proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, and often stressful environment.
Technology Proficiency: Advanced skills in Cvent and Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time (globally).
Skills
- Event Management
- Strategic Planning
- Vendor Management
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Financial Analysis
- Program Management
- Analytics & Reporting
- Communication & Influencing
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Technology Proficiency
Benefits
Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans
401(k)
FSA/HSA
Commuter Benefits
Tuition Assistance Plan
Vacation and Sick Time
Paid Parental Leave