Senior Event Manager, Expo Activations & Operations Manager
The Opus Group®, Seattle, WA, United States
Sr. Event Manager, Expo Activations & Operations Manager
Opus Agency is a future-forward full-service global event agency with over 400 team members in the United States, London, Sydney, Singapore, and New Zealand. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, our profound opportunity is to shape the future of events in an increasingly AI-infused world. In an era where digital interactions often dominate, the authenticity of real-world connections will become paramount. Events will emerge as the #1 priority for CMOs, driving brand success and fostering deep, meaningful relationships with audiences. Our Event Management team plays a critical role in this vision, partnering with world-shaping brands like Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce, as well as an ever-expanding roster of category creators and fast-growing global brands. With these clients, we don't just respond to change; we shape it by pulling the future forward and leading them into a new era of event marketing. As a Sr. Event Manager, you will be at the forefront of this mission, driving innovative and impactful strategies that align with this events-driven vision for the future. What We Are Looking For
We're hiring an Expo Activations & Operations Manager who brings deep event operations expertise and a passion for delivering exceptional attendee and exhibitor experiences. This individual will support end-to-end expo logistics, drive onsite operational excellence, and help activate engaging expo content and spaces that amplify our sponsor and client goals. You Should Have:
35+ years of event operations and expo/tradeshow execution experience, especially in large-scale environments. Strong operational and logistical expertise with the ability to anticipate needs and handle rapid changes. Excellent stakeholder communication skills and comfort engaging with internal teams, sponsors, and venue partners. Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Willingness and ability to travel for onsite event execution, including extended onsite periods (approximately 1014 days), which may include various holiday periods, including being onsite in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week. Essential Responsibilities:
Be a key contributor to day-to-day expo operations planning for a 365,000 square foot expo hall, including vendor logistics, build schedules, booth coordination, and staffing plans. Act as primary operational liaison for expo stakeholders (approx. 6-8), including sponsors, exhibitors, internal teams, and venue partners. Manage detailed execution of expo activations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, timeline adherence, and execution quality. Manage materials and technology requirements (signage, AV, internet, carpet, booths) and facilitate timely delivery and setup. Support onsite staff planning and briefing, and provide strong on-the-ground leadership throughout build, show hours, and breakdown. Track expo deliverables, communicate expectations clearly in advance, and proactively troubleshoot operational challenges. Contribute to post-event analysis including feedback collection, operational insight, and recommendations for improvements. Preferred:
Experience driving expo floor planning and operational standards across multiple events. Comfort with event tech tools and platforms used for exhibitor and attendee coordination. Competencies:
Project Management Project Planning: Ability to develop and follow a structured plan to achieve project goals. Risk Management: Ability to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Budget Management: Ability to manage financial resources effectively within a project. Communication Skills Verbal Communication: Ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas in spoken words. Written Communication: Ability to convey information effectively in writing. Active Listening: Ability to listen to others, understand their perspectives, and respond appropriately. Problem-Solving Analytical Thinking: Ability to break down complex issues and identify solutions. Creative Thinking: Ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions. Decision-Making: Ability to make informed and timely decisions. Teamwork Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others toward shared goals. Conflict Resolution: Ability to manage and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. Adaptability: Ability to adjust to different roles within a team or to different team dynamics. Leadership Motivating Others: Ability to inspire and encourage others to perform at their best. Delegation: Ability to assign tasks effectively to achieve goals. Visionary Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and guide others toward long-term objectives. Initiative Proactiveness: Ability to anticipate challenges and take action before they arise. Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently without needing constant supervision. Continuous Improvement: Ability to seek out opportunities for improving processes and outcomes. Technical Skills Technology Proficiency: Ability to effectively use relevant tools, software, or equipment. Data Analysis: Ability to interpret and use data to inform decisions. Technical Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. Adaptability Flexibility: Ability to adjust to new conditions, technology, priorities, or work environments. Open-Mindedness: Willingness to consider different perspectives and ideas. Learning Agility: Ability to quickly learn and apply new skills or knowledge. Mentoring & Coaching Development of Others: Ability to guide and support the professional growth of others. Feedback Delivery: Ability to provide constructive feedback in a positive manner. Emotional Intelligence Self-Awareness: Ability to recognize and understand one's own emotions. Self-Regulation: Ability to control or redirect disruptive emotions and impulses. Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Decision-Making Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze facts, data, and scenarios to make informed decisions. Judgment: Ability to make sound decisions based on available information. Decisiveness: Ability to make decisions confidently and promptly. Client Relationship Management Client Engagement & Retention: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients. Negotiation: Ability to reach mutually beneficial agreements with clients or stakeholders. Resilience Stress Management: Ability to maintain performance under pressure. Persistence: Ability to keep working toward goals despite challenges. Emotional Stability: Ability to maintain a calm and positive outlook in difficult situations. Stakeholder Management Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. Expectation Management: Ability to align stakeholder expectations with project outcomes. Stakeholder Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. What You Can Expect In Return:
Full time position Opportunities for growth and development Health & Dental Insurance (choice of plans) 100% Employer paid short-term disability and life insurance Opportunity to elect additional life insurance and LTD insurance at employee expense Paid parental leave Opportunity to contribute pre-tax dollars to flexible spending accounts 401(K) with employer match Flexibility in work schedules Generous time off How We'll Take Care Of You Our job titles may span
Opus Agency is a future-forward full-service global event agency with over 400 team members in the United States, London, Sydney, Singapore, and New Zealand. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, our profound opportunity is to shape the future of events in an increasingly AI-infused world. In an era where digital interactions often dominate, the authenticity of real-world connections will become paramount. Events will emerge as the #1 priority for CMOs, driving brand success and fostering deep, meaningful relationships with audiences. Our Event Management team plays a critical role in this vision, partnering with world-shaping brands like Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce, as well as an ever-expanding roster of category creators and fast-growing global brands. With these clients, we don't just respond to change; we shape it by pulling the future forward and leading them into a new era of event marketing. As a Sr. Event Manager, you will be at the forefront of this mission, driving innovative and impactful strategies that align with this events-driven vision for the future. What We Are Looking For
We're hiring an Expo Activations & Operations Manager who brings deep event operations expertise and a passion for delivering exceptional attendee and exhibitor experiences. This individual will support end-to-end expo logistics, drive onsite operational excellence, and help activate engaging expo content and spaces that amplify our sponsor and client goals. You Should Have:
35+ years of event operations and expo/tradeshow execution experience, especially in large-scale environments. Strong operational and logistical expertise with the ability to anticipate needs and handle rapid changes. Excellent stakeholder communication skills and comfort engaging with internal teams, sponsors, and venue partners. Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Willingness and ability to travel for onsite event execution, including extended onsite periods (approximately 1014 days), which may include various holiday periods, including being onsite in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week. Essential Responsibilities:
Be a key contributor to day-to-day expo operations planning for a 365,000 square foot expo hall, including vendor logistics, build schedules, booth coordination, and staffing plans. Act as primary operational liaison for expo stakeholders (approx. 6-8), including sponsors, exhibitors, internal teams, and venue partners. Manage detailed execution of expo activations, ensuring compliance with safety standards, timeline adherence, and execution quality. Manage materials and technology requirements (signage, AV, internet, carpet, booths) and facilitate timely delivery and setup. Support onsite staff planning and briefing, and provide strong on-the-ground leadership throughout build, show hours, and breakdown. Track expo deliverables, communicate expectations clearly in advance, and proactively troubleshoot operational challenges. Contribute to post-event analysis including feedback collection, operational insight, and recommendations for improvements. Preferred:
Experience driving expo floor planning and operational standards across multiple events. Comfort with event tech tools and platforms used for exhibitor and attendee coordination. Competencies:
Project Management Project Planning: Ability to develop and follow a structured plan to achieve project goals. Risk Management: Ability to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Budget Management: Ability to manage financial resources effectively within a project. Communication Skills Verbal Communication: Ability to clearly articulate thoughts and ideas in spoken words. Written Communication: Ability to convey information effectively in writing. Active Listening: Ability to listen to others, understand their perspectives, and respond appropriately. Problem-Solving Analytical Thinking: Ability to break down complex issues and identify solutions. Creative Thinking: Ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions. Decision-Making: Ability to make informed and timely decisions. Teamwork Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with others toward shared goals. Conflict Resolution: Ability to manage and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. Adaptability: Ability to adjust to different roles within a team or to different team dynamics. Leadership Motivating Others: Ability to inspire and encourage others to perform at their best. Delegation: Ability to assign tasks effectively to achieve goals. Visionary Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and guide others toward long-term objectives. Initiative Proactiveness: Ability to anticipate challenges and take action before they arise. Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently without needing constant supervision. Continuous Improvement: Ability to seek out opportunities for improving processes and outcomes. Technical Skills Technology Proficiency: Ability to effectively use relevant tools, software, or equipment. Data Analysis: Ability to interpret and use data to inform decisions. Technical Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. Adaptability Flexibility: Ability to adjust to new conditions, technology, priorities, or work environments. Open-Mindedness: Willingness to consider different perspectives and ideas. Learning Agility: Ability to quickly learn and apply new skills or knowledge. Mentoring & Coaching Development of Others: Ability to guide and support the professional growth of others. Feedback Delivery: Ability to provide constructive feedback in a positive manner. Emotional Intelligence Self-Awareness: Ability to recognize and understand one's own emotions. Self-Regulation: Ability to control or redirect disruptive emotions and impulses. Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Decision-Making Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze facts, data, and scenarios to make informed decisions. Judgment: Ability to make sound decisions based on available information. Decisiveness: Ability to make decisions confidently and promptly. Client Relationship Management Client Engagement & Retention: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients. Negotiation: Ability to reach mutually beneficial agreements with clients or stakeholders. Resilience Stress Management: Ability to maintain performance under pressure. Persistence: Ability to keep working toward goals despite challenges. Emotional Stability: Ability to maintain a calm and positive outlook in difficult situations. Stakeholder Management Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. Expectation Management: Ability to align stakeholder expectations with project outcomes. Stakeholder Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. What You Can Expect In Return:
Full time position Opportunities for growth and development Health & Dental Insurance (choice of plans) 100% Employer paid short-term disability and life insurance Opportunity to elect additional life insurance and LTD insurance at employee expense Paid parental leave Opportunity to contribute pre-tax dollars to flexible spending accounts 401(K) with employer match Flexibility in work schedules Generous time off How We'll Take Care Of You Our job titles may span