Operations Manager

About Emerald

Emerald’s talented and experienced teams grow our customers’ businesses 365 days a year with products that create connections, deliver content, and drive commerce. We produce over 140 annual events, create and deliver content through print and digital channels, and power commerce through our seamlessly integrated in-person and digital platforms and channels. For more information, please visit http://www.emeraldx.com.

Emerald is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Event Operations Manager to lead the planning and execution of tradeshows and events. In this role, you’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to manage budgets, logistics, vendor relationships, and onsite operations with a strong focus on efficiency and delivering exceptional experiences.

The Event Operations Manager collaborates extensively with internal teams and external partners to manage spending, contracts, onsite design, logistics, and show collateral. They ensure all stakeholders remain informed as plans evolve and oversee all preplanning and onsite operational aspects while maintaining strong relationships with partners and Emerald personnel.

The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and embodies Emerald’s values: people, leadership, agility, commitment, and excellence.

This position will report out of our Alpharetta, GA office.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Planning, Coordination, and Evaluation

• Plan and execute all assigned events and support others as needed
• Develop show production timelines to ensure proper and timely coordination of all event components
• Facilitate pre-show and post-show event meetings and participate in weekly show team meetings
• Develop operations post-event assessment to ensure feedback document issues that inform future planning

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop and maintain event budgets and expenses, including identifying cost saving measures related to operating expenses
• Manage budget revisions and monthly accruals
• Maintain payment schedules and contractual deposits
• Process vendor invoices for payment and reconcile credit card expenses in alignment with monthly deadlines

Vendor Management & Contracting

• Create RFPs for ancillary vendors, review and analyze proposals and provide recommendations to leadership for vendor selection
• Manage SOWs and schedules for core show partners, such as first aid, security and cleaning
• Review facility and hotel contracts as required

Floorplan, Logistics & Production

• Submit and monitor exhibit hall, registration, and special event floor plans.
• Coordinate all expo logistics, show design concepts, and signage with the General Service Contractor
• Manage signage plans, graphic production, and onsite placement accuracy in collaboration with the Marketing and Creative teams
• Oversee the production of the exhibitor service manuals, which outline all pertinent information, rules, and regulations for the show
• Manage booth approvals and rule enforcement with exhibitors
• Work closely with Sales and Marketing to development Sponsorship opportunities and manage their fulfillment costs and logistics
• Plan and manage lounges and specialty areas on the show floor
• Collaborate internally on housing requirements for staff, VIP, speakers, etc. as required
• Actively manage show housing in coordination with the housing agency and work collaboratively to ensure attrition is avoided

Conference Programs & Special Events

• Contract venues/spaces, manage logistics, and oversee execution of special events
• Assist with the conference program as directed, including supporting audio-visual contracting/coordination, meeting room setups, and related signage, etc.

Onsite Execution & Show Operations

• Lead onsite operations across move-in, show staging, and move-out, ensuring timelines, safety standards, and service requirements are met
• Manage onsite vendors and coordinate with venue teams and Emerald colleagues to problem solve in real-time
• Maintain exhibit