Event Manager

LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION • Pomona, CA

5h • Onsite

About The Position

Fairplex is home to some of Southern California’s most iconic events — from the LA County Fair to year‑round festivals, cultural celebrations, conventions, and community programs. We’re looking for a dynamic, hands‑on Event Manager who thrives in fast‑paced environments and knows how to turn ideas into seamless, memorable guest experiences.
If you’re energized by logistics, passionate about people, and skilled at orchestrating complex events with precision and heart, this is your stage.
🌟 What You’ll Do
As an Event Manager, you will lead the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of events across our 487‑acre campus. Your work will directly shape the guest experience and support Fairplex’s mission of community enrichment.

Requirements

• Experience managing events, festivals, fairs, conventions, or large‑scale public gatherings
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment with shifting priorities
• A solutions‑oriented mindset and the ability to stay composed under pressure
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules
• Bachelors degree in Hospitality Management or 2 years of experience in coordinating a variety of events and activities preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with promoters, service providers and the general public.
• Ability to direct the work of others during events and be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Must possess good organizational skills and be able to coordinate multiple up- coming events while over seeing multiple current events.
• Must have strong computer skill and understanding of the financial metrics involved in the performance of their duties.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends and the hours required to fulfill the principal duties and responsibilities and be able to work all days of the Los Angeles County Fair.
• Ability to move around the grounds, walk up and down stairs, walking/roving floor during a show and be on their feet for a long periods of time.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Requires a valid California drivers license and the ability to drive a golf cart
• Reading and interpreting floor plans as submitted by show managers and fire department.
• The ability to communicate on the phone and on a hand held 2-way radio

Nice To Haves

• Experience in venue operations, public events, or hospitality
• Knowledge of safety protocols, permitting, and event compliance
• Familiarity with CAD layouts, event management software, or production tools

Responsibilities

• Oversee end‑to‑end event operations, from initial planning through on‑site execution and post‑event wrap‑up
• Serve as the primary liaison for clients, vendors, internal departments, and operational teams
• Develop event timelines, layouts, staffing plans, and production schedules
• Coordinate with Facilities, Security, Food & Beverage, Marketing, and other partners to ensure flawless delivery
• Manage budgets, track expenses, and support contract compliance
• Lead on‑site event operations with confidence, professionalism, and calm under pressure
• Ensure all events meet Fairplex standards for safety, guest experience, and brand integrity
• Support continuous improvement by identifying operational efficiencies and best practices

Benefits

• A collaborative, mission‑driven environment
• Opportunities to work on some of the region’s most exciting and high‑profile events
• Professional growth and development
• A workplace that values creativity, innovation, and operational excellence

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees