Freeman is hiring: Producer in Detroit

About Us

Sparks is a leading global brand experience agency, specializing in the design and execution of award-winning experiences that forge deep connections between brands and audiences. Recognized by Adweek as Experiential Agency of the Year, we bring a unique blend of strategic insight and execution excellence to every brand activation, corporate event, trade show exhibit, and immersive experience. Our commitment to creativity, innovation, and flawless execution drives us to craft impactful experiential marketing solutions that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust-all around the world.

Summary

The Producer develops, implements and executes strategic and tactical fulfillment of global live and virtual event experiences. This position proactively manages project items, and regularly communicates with clients, project team members (e.g., Account Directors, Finance, Project Leads, etc.), other Sparks divisions, vendors and venue contacts.

This role supports our Events & Experiences Team and is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring 2-3 days per week in-office based out of one of the following locations:

• Philadelphia, PA

• Dallas, TX

• Fort Wayne, IN

• Detroit, MI

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Project Strategy & Innovation

• Works cross-functionally with teams (sales, strategy, creative, digital, operations, production, AV and expo) to lead and/or manage multiple workstreams for corporate event programs including, but not limited to virtual events, trade shows, conferences, special events and ancillary events and experiential activations.

• Collaborates with sales, operations, creative, and production teams on RFP process and manage sold programs from inception through execution and post event wrap up.

• Typical project scope responsibilities include: the management of resources, teams and execution plans to fulfill venue sourcing and management, digital platform selection and management, audio visual, promotional items, print collateral, staffing, signage development, décor, food & beverage, registration, housing, security, transportation and graphics.

• Additional responsibilities may include: clear understanding of client goals and objectives, event timelines and vendor organization, digital asset management, track session management, speaker/keynote engagements/presentations, expo management and trade show sponsorship fulfillment.

• Develops and tracks project schedules, agendas and show flows as needed. Drives timeline with team and clients.

• Provides various reports, analytics and audits.

• Participates in RFP process for new business and existing clients.

Client & Vendor Relationship Management

• Effectively communicate to clients, internal teams, and third-party vendors.

• Runs client and internal kick off, weekly meetings, and debrief.

• Negotiates contracts/agreements with third-party vendors and team contractors.

• Collaborates with other Freeman divisions and third-party suppliers to efficiently and respectfully deliver services.

Team Management & Development

• Ability to lead multiple programs up to 5,000 attendees

• Effectively train production assistants, coordinators and event managers.

Event Leadership & Execution

• Creates and manages budgets, vendor invoice/expense tracking and final reconciliation.

• Ensures programs are within budget and meeting profit margin goals.

• Ensures flawless execution, quality of service and timely delivery of all necessary components for each event.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.

• 8+ years of conference operations and management experience within an agency, communications firm, or production company.

• Demonstrated experience producing diverse events, including conferences, concerts/evening events, hospitality programs, and consumer activations.

• Experience in managing vendors, people, equipment, and timelines.

• Proven ability to manage budgets of $1M and oversee multiple large scale programs simultaneously.

• Experience managing programs up to 5,000 attendees.

• Experience in sourcing and managing all aspects of live and virtual events (both conferences and tradeshows) including, but not limited to: digital assets, AV for entertainment, general session and breakouts, registration, graphics, event flow, creative, food and beverage, transportation, parties/evening events, and sourcing and managing both US and international vendors.

• Experience managing digital platforms.

• Ability to quickly recognize or anticipate problem areas and quickly develop solutions.

• Flexible, self-motivated, energetic, and uses time productively and efficiently.

• Strong communication, leadership, project management, and client service skills, with exceptional attention to detail.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, collaboration tools, and cloud-based platforms.

• Ability to travel with minimal notice (25% domestically) and some overseas travel may be required.

Travel Requirements

Travel up to 25%

What We Offer

The Freeman Company provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Paid Parental Leave

• Life, Accident and Disability

• Retirement with Company Match

• Paid Time Off

Diversity Commitment

At The Freeman Company, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.