Position Title: Vice President, Event Operations
Reports to: Executive Vice President, Events
Location: Remote. NYC
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.
Responsibilities- Manage and oversee all the operations for all of CRA live events: National events, CRC & CSS
- Develop and execute strategic direction and planning for forward-looking portfolio management, including budgeting and future event venue selection
- 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
- Own and manage the relationship with ATS
- Partner with Event Marketing to ensure the overall event registration strategy and data capture process that helps gather the data that will help guide and support the evolution of the event portfolio over time
- Advising in concert with an audience data owner how we should standardize forms for registration and data capture across all event types
- Manage event technology systems, including websites, session scanners, and onsite lead capture technologies
- Partner with design and creative agencies (e.g., LaserBlades) to deliver impactful event branding and materials
- Responsible for venue search and negotiation; in partnership with the directors and business leads
- 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
Qualifications- 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.)
- Demonstrated interest or experience in leveraging AI technologies to drive innovation, efficiency and value creation
- Ability to adapt toa a fast-paced environment and stay updated on industry trends and advancement in AI technology
Job Information (NYC)For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York City, CRA is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to New York City and takes into account numerous factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to a candidates' qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and location. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $130,000 to $160,000, which does not include other compensation benefits package.
