Tradeshow Senior Manager

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible impact by crafting unforgettable event experiences that drive business growth and elevate brand perception on a global scale for a leading force in shaping the digital landscape.

About the Client

Aquent is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic individual to join our partner, a company at the forefront of digital innovation, providing essential services that power the internet for millions worldwide. They are dedicated to building a better, faster, and more secure online experience. Joining their team means contributing to a mission that touches nearly every internet user, working with cutting-edge technology, and collaborating with brilliant minds to solve complex challenges. They foster a culture of innovation, impact, and continuous learning, where your contributions directly shape the future of online connectivity.

About the Role

Are you a seasoned event professional with a passion for bringing brands to life through impactful experiences? We are searching for a strategic and hands-on leader to orchestrate high-profile global tradeshows and branded events. In this pivotal role, you will be the architect of major event programs, from initial concept to post-event analysis, directly influencing pipeline generation and strengthening market presence. You will transform complex narratives into engaging, memorable experiences, playing a critical part in how the company connects with its audience and drives its mission forward.

What You'll Do

• Lead the full lifecycle of major tradeshows and flagship event activations, typically managing 12-14 programs annually. This includes meticulous planning of timelines, in-booth presentation schedules, milestones, budgets, deliverables, attendee list management, meeting room calendars, and comprehensive post-event reporting.
• Forge strong planning partnerships across various internal teams, including Product Marketing, Field Marketing, Brand, Sales, and Marketing Operations, to ensure seamless alignment of messaging, goals, assets, and staffing for every event.
• Masterfully manage a diverse ecosystem of external partners and vendors, including exhibit houses, freight services, A/V providers, labor, production teams, and venue contacts, to guarantee high-quality execution, exceptional service levels, and cost-effective delivery.
• Serve as the primary operational lead onsite, overseeing booth construction, adeptly troubleshooting any issues, managing staff schedules, and ensuring a flawless and positive experience for both attendees and internal teams.
• Take full ownership of budget and performance management, meticulously tracking spend against allocated budgets, maintaining detailed event trackers and run-of-show documents, reconciling invoices, and providing insightful summaries of results and recommendations for future programs.
• Drive operational excellence by developing clear event briefs, comprehensive playbooks, and essential support materials, empowering all involved teams with clarity on responsibilities, timelines, and ownership.
• Support the planning and onsite execution of the company's major user conference expo floor, including sponsor booths, experiential activations, and branded environments that vividly articulate the company's story. This involves owning floor planning, coordinating with stakeholders, managing production timelines, and executing day-of activities with precision to ensure every element is polished, purposeful, and aligned with event objectives.

What You Bring

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in tradeshow management, coupled with 4+ years in overall event planning or management, specifically with large-scale corporate tradeshows, third-party conferences, or experiential marketing programs.
• Strong project management skills, capable of coordinating multiple workstreams simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional communication, judgment, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in managing vendors, budgets, and complex onsite logistics with meticulous attention to detail and accountability.
• Proficiency with event platforms, project management tools, and collaboration software.
• Willingness to travel as needed, including occasional weekends and extended onsite event coverage.
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously and thrive under pressure.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, or a related field, preferably within the tech or B2B sector.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Experience supporting enterprise technology, security, or infrastructure brands.
• Background in global event programs involving multiple regional stakeholders.
• Comfort and skill in translating technical or complex messaging into clear, engaging attendee experiences.
• Proven ability to leverage event data and post-event reporting for continuous performance improvement.
• Strong negotiation skills for contracts and vendor relationships.
• Experience with virtual event production and webinar tools.
• Familiarity with GDPR and data privacy regulations relevant to event management.
• Knowledge of branding and design principles.
• Familiarity with the cybersecurity or IT industry event landscape.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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