CRA is looking to recruit a dynamic, highly experienced events operations executive to lead the events operations team, playing a key role in successfully executing CRA events, which includes national tradeshows, virtual events, and regional 1-day and dinner events for senior-level cybersecurity executives. Primary responsibilities include overall operations and executing of events by sourcing, contracting, planning, and executing the assortment of live/digital event formats. The ideal candidate would have experience in all types of event management, both large and small scale, in-person events, be meticulous in both planning and execution. Experience and a proven track record successfully managing virtual events is also required, as is comfort with--and experience delivering, custom and experiential event experiences.

The VP, Event Operations will build a dynamic and high-performing team; work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to deliver the highest level of precision and execution of our live and digital event portfolio; and be a passionate advocate for the customer experience.

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced event and conference executive with strong operational, revenue management, and digital platform experience who is strategic, proactive, innovative, and passionate about what an in-person and virtual events portfolio has to offer.

• Manage and oversee all the operations Directors and planners
• Supervise the delegation, coordination, planning, management, and logistics of all aspects of events
• Effectively manage the team, by providing necessary leadership, training, support and guidance. Empower supervisory team to lead and execute their event portfolios
• Responsible for venue search and negotiation; in partnership with the directors
• Work with the general contractors (i.e. Freeman/GES) for all exhibitors and sponsors to include: trade show floor management, floor plan, drayage, shipping & logistics, etc.
• Responsible for building strategic venue relationship management
• Work the show directors and help manage and oversee pre-show planning and on-site management of operational aspects of assigned shows
• Manage and oversee a team of operations managers – while managing direct responsibility for planning events as well (on a case-by-case basis)
• Oversee projects to meet performance standards and be responsible for portions of show budgets
• Work with the team for show execution, planning and budgeting throughout the entire show cycle
• Collaborate across various cross-functional groups (including the marketing, sales, content, finance) to ensure event success
• Oversee speaker management logistics; work with and support the content team for logistics elements for speakers: head shots, bios, session descriptions
• Conduct pre-show site visits (as needed) as well as on-site at assigned shows
• Managing operational aspects on assigned events with the ability to delegate assignments and areas of responsibility to other operational staff
• Responsible for ensuring all logistics for the event are presented to vendors and other internal teams (i.e. marketing, sales, and conference)
• Overseeing all operational deliverables (even those that other operational staff are working on), being a point of contact for the event team for operational tasks
• Lead, manage, deliver and own your event operations including working with show team, venues and suppliers
• Manage total show operational budgets to and provide accurate forecasts
• Communicate the detailed delivery plan with clear accountability pre-event to ensure exceptional delivery onsite
• Organize post event debriefs, to continuously improve the events, and cascade internally to show teams as well as to the vendors and suppliers

• 7 year’s event management or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize and effectively manage the inflow of work assignments
• Must have excellent organization skills and have strong detailed oriented
• Ability to travel and manage onsite at events
• Familiarity with scheduling software, event management, audio-visual equipment
• Proficiency in vendor management web-based system (i.e. Salesforce, Jublia, Brella, Swoogo and America Trade Show or similar)
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel etc.)

• Ability to engage and inspire management and employees
• Highly strategic and tactical with a proven track record of executing upon the strategy that they create
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• High integrity; managerial courage
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Intelligence, positive attitude, enthusiasm, high energy, sense of humor
• Willing to travel and attend trade shows, conferences, and site visits
• Established track record of delivering operational success in the B2B space
• Effective multitasker with ability to organize and coordinate several projects simultaneously
• Proactively manage all aspects of an event, taking time to listen to customers (internal/external) and always looking to exceed expectations and find creative solutions