Trade Show Operations Lead | On-Site & Vendor Coordination

Employment at E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc. Assistant Operations Manager This is a full-time position with overall responsibility for directing facility, contractor, operational, production, and food and beverage activities for assigned trade shows and conferences. The role covers all functions from inception to completion, including site research and proposals, and implementing all contractual arrangements for vendor services at trade shows. The Operations Manager attends assigned shows and coordinates large-scale on-site operations while managing, training, monitoring, and developing the Operations staff. The ideal candidate will thrive in a time-sensitive environment and demonstrate the ability to anticipate and adapt to changing customer and client needs with strong rapport-building skills. The position will provide support in the following areas: Research potential show sites and collect information on rates, accessibility, meeting rooms, exhibitor needs, transportation, catering, and other services. Prepare site/facility proposals, arrange site inspections, and compile contractor interaction details including wall layouts, drayage, and other logistical needs. Negotiate contracts for onsite contractors, hotel room rates, catering, etc., ensuring agreements comply with corporate guidelines. Communicate space requirements, negotiate complimentary rooms, cancellation policies, catering, security, audio-visual needs, parking, and other contract details. Communicate regularly with all contractors (general services contractor, venue staff, sales, catering, banquet, audio-visual managers) to coordinate event needs, food function menus, coffee service, social activities, and other operations. Coordinate exhibitor needs with sales staff; create floor-plan layouts for each event to ensure proper placement, traffic flow, and compliance with safety and facility requirements. Coordinate production and posting of signage; provide input into the creation and maintenance of operations contact, service kits, security forms, badge forms, freight scheduling, and all other logistics and operations activities. Work with registration to coordinate exhibitor and attendee registration, including advance and on-site registration, lead retrieval systems, staffing, and lists. Maintain communication with exhibitors to resolve any problems. Manage on-site functions at assigned events, including exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and other event spaces. Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned Operations Managers, Coordinators, and Assistants. Perform additional duties as assigned. Basic Requirements BS/BA degree in Business Administration or related work experience. 5+ years of experience in tradeshow convention production, hospitality, or large event planning. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to multi-task, be highly detail-oriented, and possess problem-solving and conflict-management abilities. Strong customer-service orientation. Prior knowledge of publishing, trade shows, and/or marketing. Contract negotiations and implementation experience. Experience with hotel and/or banquet sales or facilities management and planning. Benefits Health Insurance 401K Long Term Disability Paid Time Off Compensation: Commensurate with Experience #J-18808-Ljbffr E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc.