Event Operations Director

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.ResponsibilitiesDirect strategic overall plan of operations for assigned events working with brand teams to ensure successful stagingDevelop and manage event budgets to maximize event value proposition and brand objectives including month-end reporting, budget revisions, and post-show reconciliationCreate RFPs, review and analyze proposals, negotiate and oversee management and placement of ancillary vendor contractsDevelop event floor plans working with sales, the facility, and the GSC to maximize revenue and customer experienceLead planning and detailed execution of all assigned expo and special events pre-show and onsiteLead the planning and execution of show design concepts and event graphics to enhance the brand experience working with all stakeholdersLead the planning and execution of show design concepts, event graphics, and wayfinding strategy to enhance brand experience and optimize customer flowDevelop and oversee all exhibitor logistical communications including production of the Exhibitor Service ManualDevelop exhibitor initiatives to enhance experience throughout the customer journeyDrive implementation of Emerald policy and procedures across assigned events and be a leader through changeCreate, source and oversee the management of expo and special features, identifying opportunities to enhance traffic and revenue, while maintaining P&L responsibilityCreate and manage sponsorship P&Ls and oversee sponsorship fulfillmentBudget and oversee management of F&B opportunities within the event footprintOversee facility utilization working with all internal parties to support conference, marketing, and sales functionsCreate and facilitate staff manual, pre-con and post-con event meetings with all stakeholdersReview and provide strategic input on facility and hotel contracts; manage housing strategy to maximize block utilization and commission revenueReconcile vendor invoices post-show and analyze to achieve cost savings for future eventsDirect the work of Event Operations Managers and Coordinators assigned to your portfolio, providing operational guidance and mentorship regardless of formal reporting relationshipsPerform site inspections for assigned events as necessaryOther Operations leadership projects as determined by Vice President, OperationsQualifications7+ years of event operations experience, preferably in the tradeshow industryExperience leading cross-functional project teams and managing external partnersExperience creating and managing event budgets with full P&L accountabilityProficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Smartsheet, and OutlookAbility to travel up to 50%About EmeraldAt Emerald, we strive to foster a diverse and inclusive community. We actively recruit and champion candidates who bring new perspectives from varied professional backgrounds and experiences, and we are intentional about ensuring a positive hiring experience for everyone. Our job postings don’t contain experience inflation, and most don’t require college degrees. Instead, they’re crafted to focus on outcomes and transferable experiences that are assessed in a structured interview process carried out by trained hiring teams. COMPENSATION & BENEFITSTarget Compensation: $110,000 - $115,000 plus Bonus eligiblePlease 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. 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.If you need accommodation in our application process or have questions about our posted salary range, please email our Talent Acquisition team at View email address on us.fitly.work EmeraldEmerald’s talented and experienced teams grow our customers’ businesses 365 days a year with products that create connections, deliver content, and drive commerce. We produce over 140 annual events, create and deliver content through print and digital channels, and power commerce through our seamlessly integrated in-person and digital platforms and channels. For more information, please visit