Event Lead - Tradeshow
CDW LLC., Vernon Hills, IL, United States
Job Summary
The Events and Experience team creates meaningful opportunities for people to connect, learn, and grow through impactful, business-aligned events. The Event Planner leads end-to-end event execution, including strategic planning, logistics, and on-site coordination to deliver exceptional experiences for customers, partners, and coworkers. This role partners cross-functionally with Sales, Integrated Technology Solutions, Coworker Success, Product & Partner Management, IT, Marketing, and external vendors and agencies. Operating in a highly visible, customer-, partner-, and executive-facing capacity, this role requires exceptional professionalism, communication, and political savvy. Strong problem‑solving skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to guide stakeholders and mentor junior staff are critical for success.
Responsibilities Event Planning
Own full-cycle execution of events, including customer programs, internal meetings, and industry tradeshows—delivering seamless, high-impact experiences.
Ensure all event elements align with CDW’s brand standards, business priorities, and audience expectations through collaboration with the event strategy team.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners—including Sales, ITS, Marketing, Product & Partner Management, and Coworker Success—to scope event requirements, manage logistics, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Event Logistics & Execution
Manage all logistical components of events, including hotel accommodations, vendor management, travel coordination, catering, and A/V.
Develop and oversee comprehensive event documentation, event roadmap, production timelines, floorplans, staffing plans, and execution checklists.
Serve as the onsite lead, ensuring flawless execution and real-time problem-solving for both corporate events and tradeshows.
Lead post-event reconciliation, reporting, and team debriefs to evaluate outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
Tradeshow Management
Own CDW’s presence at key industry tradeshows, including booth layout, staffing, and onsite brand representation.
Collaborate with vendors and exhibit house partners to manage design, logistics, shipping, and installation/dismantle.
Manage exhibitor deadlines, deliverables, and sponsorship activations with precision.
Ensure brand consistency, partner alignment, and a compelling customer experience at every touchpoint.
Partner & Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the liaison for external sponsors, partners, and vendors, ensuring their inclusion aligns with event goals and adds value to the attendee experience.
Coordinate partner activations, including speaking opportunities, co-branded deliverables, and booth participation.
Build strong internal relationships across CDW teams, acting as a consultative planner and trusted resource.
Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within the Events & Experience team.
Financial & Contract Management
Manage event budgets, ensuring accuracy in forecasting, spend tracking, and reconciliation.
Identify cost savings opportunities while maintaining experience quality.
Manage contracts with hotels, exhibit vendors, show organizers, and service providers—including attrition clauses, deposits, guarantees, and room blocks.
Marketing, Communications & Promotion
Oversee development of event-related assets including invitations, signage, registration platforms, giveaways, and booth graphics.
Manage attendee communications and registration processes pre-, during, and post-event.
Collaborate with marketing teams to amplify event presence through digital, email, and social promotion.
Ensure consistent branding across all event materials and show assets.
Experience & Quality Assurance
Champion customer experience across all event types, ensuring thoughtful design and seamless execution.
Proactively identify risks and develop contingency plans to minimize disruption.
Use attendee and stakeholder feedback to refine event strategy and elevate impact.
Compliance & Standards
Ensure all event planning and execution aligns with CDW’s internal policies and external regulations.
Maintain planning documentation, templates, and SOPs that drive consistency and operational efficiency.
Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team through documentation, training, and post-event reviews.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of Sales and or Marketing experience including at least 3 years of tradeshow event planning OR 11 years of Sales and or Marketing experience including at least 3 years of tradeshow event planning.
Demonstrated knowledge of technology product offerings and solutions.
Proven success in project management and organizational execution.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Experience with sales productivity tools and CRM platforms.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to engage effectively across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
Skilled in data analysis and conducting primary research.
Experience developing and executing strategic sales campaigns.
Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships.
Capable of working independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
Highly adaptable with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
Builds trust by fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
Willingness to work extended hours and occasional weekends as needed.
Availability during standard working hours as required by the project or program.
Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends; estimated 30%, varying throughout the year.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
Frequent sitting, standing, and walking required.
Cvent usage is a plus.
Pay Pay range: $61,000 - $89,000 depending on experience and skill set. Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials.
Benefits Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/
CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.
CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. To learn more, please review CDW's AI Applicant Notice.
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Responsibilities Event Planning
Own full-cycle execution of events, including customer programs, internal meetings, and industry tradeshows—delivering seamless, high-impact experiences.
Ensure all event elements align with CDW’s brand standards, business priorities, and audience expectations through collaboration with the event strategy team.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners—including Sales, ITS, Marketing, Product & Partner Management, and Coworker Success—to scope event requirements, manage logistics, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Event Logistics & Execution
Manage all logistical components of events, including hotel accommodations, vendor management, travel coordination, catering, and A/V.
Develop and oversee comprehensive event documentation, event roadmap, production timelines, floorplans, staffing plans, and execution checklists.
Serve as the onsite lead, ensuring flawless execution and real-time problem-solving for both corporate events and tradeshows.
Lead post-event reconciliation, reporting, and team debriefs to evaluate outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
Tradeshow Management
Own CDW’s presence at key industry tradeshows, including booth layout, staffing, and onsite brand representation.
Collaborate with vendors and exhibit house partners to manage design, logistics, shipping, and installation/dismantle.
Manage exhibitor deadlines, deliverables, and sponsorship activations with precision.
Ensure brand consistency, partner alignment, and a compelling customer experience at every touchpoint.
Partner & Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as the liaison for external sponsors, partners, and vendors, ensuring their inclusion aligns with event goals and adds value to the attendee experience.
Coordinate partner activations, including speaking opportunities, co-branded deliverables, and booth participation.
Build strong internal relationships across CDW teams, acting as a consultative planner and trusted resource.
Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within the Events & Experience team.
Financial & Contract Management
Manage event budgets, ensuring accuracy in forecasting, spend tracking, and reconciliation.
Identify cost savings opportunities while maintaining experience quality.
Manage contracts with hotels, exhibit vendors, show organizers, and service providers—including attrition clauses, deposits, guarantees, and room blocks.
Marketing, Communications & Promotion
Oversee development of event-related assets including invitations, signage, registration platforms, giveaways, and booth graphics.
Manage attendee communications and registration processes pre-, during, and post-event.
Collaborate with marketing teams to amplify event presence through digital, email, and social promotion.
Ensure consistent branding across all event materials and show assets.
Experience & Quality Assurance
Champion customer experience across all event types, ensuring thoughtful design and seamless execution.
Proactively identify risks and develop contingency plans to minimize disruption.
Use attendee and stakeholder feedback to refine event strategy and elevate impact.
Compliance & Standards
Ensure all event planning and execution aligns with CDW’s internal policies and external regulations.
Maintain planning documentation, templates, and SOPs that drive consistency and operational efficiency.
Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team through documentation, training, and post-event reviews.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of Sales and or Marketing experience including at least 3 years of tradeshow event planning OR 11 years of Sales and or Marketing experience including at least 3 years of tradeshow event planning.
Demonstrated knowledge of technology product offerings and solutions.
Proven success in project management and organizational execution.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Experience with sales productivity tools and CRM platforms.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to engage effectively across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
Skilled in data analysis and conducting primary research.
Experience developing and executing strategic sales campaigns.
Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships.
Capable of working independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
Highly adaptable with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced, changing environment.
Builds trust by fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
Willingness to work extended hours and occasional weekends as needed.
Availability during standard working hours as required by the project or program.
Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends; estimated 30%, varying throughout the year.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
Frequent sitting, standing, and walking required.
Cvent usage is a plus.
Pay Pay range: $61,000 - $89,000 depending on experience and skill set. Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials.
Benefits Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/
CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.
CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. To learn more, please review CDW's AI Applicant Notice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr