Job Description

Position Summary

The Director, Trade Show & Events is responsible for the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of NCBA's trade show and event portfolio in support of organizational goals, revenue objectives, member engagement, and exhibitor satisfaction. This role provides overall planning and delivery of the NCBA Trade Show and related event initiatives, ensuring a world-class experience for exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and stakeholders.

The Director oversees the full event lifecycle, from long-range planning through on-site execution and post-event evaluation. This position helps develop event strategies, drives revenue growth opportunities, manages critical vendor and partner relationships, and leads cross-functional collaboration across the organization.

This role serves as the primary business owner for exhibitor engagement and trade show operations, providing strategic direction for customer service, sales support, communications, and operational excellence. The Director assists in the planning and execution of the one of the CattleCon evening events, oversees the NCBA Neighborhood Booth strategy and execution and future trade show growth initiatives.

Essential Functions

Reporting to the Senior Director, Trade Show & Events, this individual contributor role does not have direct reports. As a member of a small but highly effective team, this position requires a collaborative approach, a positive team spirit, and the ability to take initiative and work independently. The responsibilities outlined below represent key functions of the role; however, they are not intended to encompass all duties that may be assigned.

Trade Show Operations & Exhibitor Experience

• Serve as the key point of contact and relationship manager for exhibitors, contractors, and industry partners.
• Oversee all aspects of exhibitor management, including sales support, contract administration, booth assignments, floor plan management, invoicing, collections and payment processing through accounting, customer communications, and fulfillment activities.
• Develop and execute exhibitor engagement strategies designed to improve retention, satisfaction, and year-over-year participation.
• Ensure exceptional exhibitor service through proactive communication, issue resolution, and continuous process improvements.
• Provide strategic oversight of exhibitor-related platforms and databases, including Salesforce, Expocad, and other event management technologies.

Financial & Business Management

• Partner with leadership to establish revenue targets and identify opportunities to increase exhibitor, sponsorship, and ancillary event revenue.
• Lead RFP development, contract negotiations, and supplier management to maximize value and efficiency while mitigating risk.
• Analyze event financial performance and prepare executive-level reports and recommendations.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Direct relationships with convention centers, general service contractors, production partners, technology providers, and other event suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements that support organizational objectives and deliver high-quality attendee and exhibitor experiences.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal teams, external stakeholders, and industry partners.

Communications & Marketing Support

• Provide strategic oversight for exhibitor and trade show communications, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with event objectives.
• Collaborate with marketing, membership, sponsorship, and communications teams to maximize event visibility, participation, and engagement.
• Oversee trade show-related content across the convention website, Exhibitor News, Beef Resource Guide, exhibitor resource materials, and select social media channels.
• Ensure effective communication strategies are implemented for exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and vendors.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and project direction to event staff, contractors, and volunteers supporting trade show initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and customer service excellence.
• Lead cross-functional planning efforts with internal departments to ensure successful execution of event goals and priorities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead planning, logistics, staffing, and activation strategies for the NCBA Neighborhood Booth.
• Assist planning and execution of a CattleCon evening event and other assigned special events.
• Travel as required for site visits, vendor meetings, Exhibitor Summit, CattleCon, and other organizational events.
• Provide on-site leadership during events, including work during evenings and weekends as needed.
• Perform additional duties, responsibilities and strategic projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Experience

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in trade show management, convention services, event management, or meetings and events leadership.
• Experience managing large-scale trade shows, conventions, exhibitions, or corporate events with significant exhibitor and sponsorship components.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing budgets, vendor contracts, and complex event logistics.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Prior people management or team leadership experience preferred.

Certifications

• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), CEM (Certified in Exhibition Management), or related professional certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to connect event initiatives to organizational goals.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence, mentor, and drive results across teams.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management abilities.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget management, forecasting, and ROI analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional exhibitor, sponsor, and attendee experiences.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with Salesforce, Expocad, Map Your Show, or similar event management platforms.
• Ability to analyze data and leverage insights to improve event performance and operational effectiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within an association, trade association, convention, agricultural, livestock, or membership-based organization.
• Experience with sponsorship strategy, exhibitor sales support, and revenue-generating event programs.
• Familiarity with event technology platforms, registration systems, mobile apps, and digital engagement tools.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• Sick Time