Event Business Manager

The brightest minds in mobility come together at SAE International’s Engineering Events to explore groundbreaking ideas, tackle industry challenges, and ignite new possibilities. Our conferences and expos include the WCX automotive world congress; COMVEC, the premier forum for the commercial vehicle community (trucking, construction equipment, agricultural machinery); AeroTech, showcasing the latest advances in aerospace and aviation technology; and nearly a dozen other industry-leading events. We are seeking an entrepreneurial-minded manager with strong commercial instincts to work with the conference production, marketing, and sales teams to elevate our key events and shape their future growth. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS · Business & Financial Ownership:  Own the P&L for an assigned event or portfolio of events, including budget, revenue targets and profit margin.  · Attendance and Sponsorship Growth:  In concert with sales and marketing managers, set attendance and revenue targets, develop the promotion and sales strategy to deliver on those targets, and personally manage relationships with key accounts and speakers.  · Strategic Planning:  Research and build the plan/go-to-market strategy for each event — evaluating opportunities such as new tracks, co-located events, industry partnerships, geographic expansion, or format changes.  · Content & Program Strategy/Execution:  Partner with content developers and advisory groups to craft a strategy for keynotes and panels that keeps the event differentiated and relevant to its target industry. Establish session topics/themes, recruit key speakers, and write sales and marketing briefs to help the team effectively sell sponsorships and paid attendance, adhering to the requirements of the production schedule.   · Market & Competitive Analysis:  Continuously track competitor events, industry trends, and attendee/exhibitor feedback to identify risks and opportunities for the portfolio.  · Marketing Oversight:  Set goals and priorities for attendee acquisition and retention in partnership with the marketing team; monitor registration pacing and adjust tactics as needed.  · Stakeholder & Relationship Management:  Serve as the primary relationship owner for industry stakeholders, advisory committees, tentpole speakers, and key exhibitors/sponsors.  · Onsite Leadership:  Coordinate with operations teams to ensure the onsite experience matches the strategic vision of the event; be present onsite to manage VIP relationships.  · Post-Event Analysis:  Use on-site focus group feedback, post-event survey data, and advisory group recommendations to inform the following year's strategy.  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. • 6+ years of experience in event production or management with direct revenue accountability. • Demonstrated track record of success growing event attendance and revenue. • Strong commercial instincts paired with the ability to think about audience experience and long-term brand health. • Managing budgets, forecasts, and margin analysis. • Ability to build trust with sponsors, partners, speakers, and internal teams. • Driving change and continuous improvement without always having direct authority over every function involved. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Experience with engineering- or technology-focused events is a plus but not required. WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Hybrid work environment based in Warrendale, PA, combining office-based work with on-site presence at managed events. • Travel up to 25-30%, including on-site attendance at managed conferences and expos to oversee the attendee experience and manage VIP relationships. #SAE