Event Manager

Event Manager

Location: ONSITE - Cincinnati, OH - also open to NJ/NY

Travel: 40%

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Event Manager with 10-15 years of experience to support the planning, coordination, and flawless execution of corporate events, conferences, trade shows, customer engagements, and internal programs. This individual will serve as a hands-on planner responsible for end-to-end event logistics while collaborating closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, and cross functional teams.

The ideal candidate brings strong operational rigor, excellent communication skills, deep trade show execution knowledge, and a passion for delivering exceptional event experiences. While this is not a people management role, it requires someone who can independently manage complex projects, adhere to internal policies and procedures, contribute ideas, and thrive within a fast-paced team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Planning & Execution
• Support the full life cycle of events, including concept development, logistics planning, on site execution, and post event wrap up.
• Manage event timelines, project plans, run of show documents, and budget trackers.
• Coordinate all event elements such as venue sourcing, catering, audiovisual, décor, swag, transportation, and production needs.
• Ensure brand standards and internal policies/procedures are upheld across all event processes and documentation.
• Execute trade show logistics including booth coordination, exhibitor management, show services, shipping, asset tracking, and pre show/post show operations.
• Vendor Management
• Work with third party vendors (venues, production partners, promotional suppliers, printers, transportation providers, trade show contractors, etc.) to obtain competitive quotes and high quality services.
• Support contract review, negotiation, and invoice reconciliation.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and ensure performance meets expectations.
• Stakeholder & Team Collaboration
• Participate in internal planning calls, providing clear updates and capturing action items.
• Support internal stakeholders through organized documentation, timely communication, and proactive follow through.
• Ensure alignment with internal compliance requirements, procurement processes, finance protocols, and operational standards.
• Logistics & Operations
• Prepare event materials including signage, floor plans, attendee guides, and printed collateral.
• Manage on site setup, execution, attendee experience, exhibitor needs, and real time issue resolution.
• Coordinate asset management, warehousing, and trade show booth logistics.
• Post Event Work
• Conduct post event wrap up including vendor reconciliation, event reporting, cost analysis, and lessons learned.
• Maintain event documentation, templates, and tools to support process consistency and adherence to internal policies.

Qualifications

• 13-15 years of experience in event planning or trade show management, ideally in corporate or agency environments.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics, venue operations, and complex trade show coordination.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing and adhering to internal corporate policies, procedures, procurement processes, and budget guidelines.
• Ability to work on site at events, including evenings or weekends – around 30%.
• Calm under pressure, solutions oriented, and highly resourceful.
• High attention to detail and commitment to delivering best in class experiences.
• Associates degree or BA in marketing preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with sponsorship fulfillment, budgeting, and cost management.
• Familiarity with production, staging, audiovisual, and trade show services terminology.
• Ability to adapt quickly in fast paced environments with shifting priorities.
• Creative mindset with an eye for enhancing the attendee and exhibitor experience.