Event Operations Director at Emerald in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Job description

• Emerald is seeking a Director, Event Operations, to join our team. The Event Operations Director, is responsible for ensuring all event operations are developed with a strategic and tactical operational plan, and managed and executed efficiently and cost-effectively to exceed expectations for our internal and external customers.
• The Event Operations Director leads project teams across internal functions and external partners, directing the work of Event Operations Managers and Coordinators on assigned shows. The best candidates will be experienced, highly motivated, and organized leaders who thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment while demonstrating Emerald’s values of agility, excellence, and commitment.

Responsibilities

• Direct strategic overall plan of operations for assigned events working with brand teams to ensure successful staging
• Develop and manage event budgets to maximize event value proposition and brand objectives including month-end reporting, budget revisions, and post-show reconciliation
• Create RFPs, review and analyze proposals, negotiate and oversee management and placement of ancillary vendor contracts
• Develop event floor plans working with sales, the facility, and the GSC to maximize revenue and customer experience
• Lead planning and detailed execution of all assigned expo and special events pre-show and onsite
• Lead the planning and execution of show design concepts and event graphics to enhance the brand experience working with all stakeholders
• Lead the planning and execution of show design concepts, event graphics, and wayfinding strategy to enhance brand experience and optimize customer flow
• Develop and oversee all exhibitor logistical communications including production of the Exhibitor Service Manual
• Develop exhibitor initiatives to enhance experience throughout the customer journey
• Drive implementation of Emerald policy and procedures across assigned events and be a leader through change
• Create, source and oversee the management of expo and special features, identifying opportunities to enhance traffic and revenue, while maintaining P&L responsibility
• Create and manage sponsorship P&Ls and oversee sponsorship fulfillment
• Budget and oversee management of F&B opportunities within the event footprint
• Oversee facility utilization working with all internal parties to support conference, marketing, and sales functions
• Create and facilitate staff manual, pre-con and post-con event meetings with all stakeholders
• Review and provide strategic input on facility and hotel contracts; manage housing strategy to maximize block utilization and commission revenue
• Reconcile vendor invoices post-show and analyze to achieve cost savings for future events
• Direct the work of Event Operations Managers and Coordinators assigned to your portfolio, providing operational guidance and mentorship regardless of formal reporting relationships
• Perform site inspections for assigned events as necessary
• Other Operations leadership projects as determined by Vice President, Operations

Requirements

• 7+ years of event operations experience, preferably in the tradeshow industry
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams and managing external partners
• Experience creating and managing event budgets with full P&L accountability
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Smartsheet, and Outlook
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Skills

Required

• Microsoft Word
• PowerPoint
• Excel
• Smartsheet
• Outlook

Benefits

• We offer a competitive benefits package designed to strengthen our employees’ physical and mental health, including unlimited vacation for exempt employees, flexible working locations, 401(k) plan with a company match, medical/dental/vision coverage with inclusive provisions including transgender services and fertility benefits, parental and caregiver leave, dependent, commuter and FSA benefits, professional development programs like Toastmasters, and mental wellness tools.
• Target Compensation: $110,000 - $115,000 plus Bonus eligible
• Please note that this range reflects a reasonable estimate of the target compensation for this position. This range may ultimately vary based on a candidate’s qualifications and may be higher where required by applicable law.