Event Operations Coordinator

Automation Alley • Troy, MI

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Automation Alley is seeking an experienced event professional to join our operations team in a role that blends events, conference, and expo management with supporting responsibilities related to grant program operations.

About Automation Alley
Automation Alley is Michigan’s Digital Transformation Insight Center — a nonprofit technology business association accelerating the growth and global competitiveness of businesses through Industry 4.0 technologies and innovation.
With a regional foundation of more than 4,000 member companies spanning all 83 Michigan counties, Automation Alley unites industry, academia, and government to build a connected ecosystem that drives technological adoption, workforce development, and economic prosperity. Over the past 25 years, our programs have engaged one in three Michigan manufacturers, helping companies of all sizes develop the skills, strategies, and partnerships needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Job Description
Automation Alley is seeking an organized, driven, and versatile events professional to join our team. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing multiple large- and small-scale events simultaneously, and is energized by the opportunity to represent Michigan's manufacturing and technology ecosystem.
As a key member of the Operations team, this position will lead the planning and execution of trade shows, pavilions, conferences, expos, and member-facing events. The role is responsible for managing all aspects of event logistics and operations, from concept through execution, while ensuring a high-quality experience for attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, an excellent communicator, and comfortable managing relationships with external partners, vendors, member companies, and internal stakeholders. They are equally confident coordinating the logistics of a trade show booth, managing onsite event operations, and supporting strategic organizational initiatives through exceptional event execution.
This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Troy, Michigan (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and requires periodic travel to industry trade shows, conferences, and member events.

Requirements

• Three or more years of experience in event management, trade show coordination, conference planning, or event operations.
• Willingness and ability to travel to trade shows and industry events as required.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and external partners simultaneously.
• Experience working with contracts, vendors, sponsors, and partner agreements.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, problem-solving mindset who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to track metrics and produce clear reports.
• Experience in the nonprofit or manufacturing ecosystem
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).
• Experience using project management tools such as Trello or similar platforms.
• Experience using CRM or event management systems such as Zoho CRM or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead Automation Alley's participation in trade shows, industry conferences, and expos, including booth planning, logistics coordination, vendor management, shipping, signage, staffing, and onsite execution.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team on branded pavilions, exhibitor experiences, and shared exhibitor spaces featuring member and partner companies, including exhibitor onboarding, contracts, booth assignments, payment tracking, and onsite support.
• Plan and execute Automation Alley-hosted events, workshops, receptions, networking events, and program-related convening both onsite at Automation Alley facilities and at offsite venues.
• Manage event logistics and operations for client and member events hosted at Automation Alley facilities or external venues, serving as the primary point of contact for venues, vendors, caterers, AV providers, and event stakeholders.
• Develop and manage event budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and operational plans to ensure successful event delivery and an exceptional attendee experience.
• Manage contracts, memorandums of understanding, sponsorship agreements, and exhibitor agreements from initial drafting through execution.
• Track, analyze, and report on event outcomes, attendance, engagement, and event performance metrics.
• Maintain event records and registration data within Zoho CRM, including creating, updating, and managing event listings that populate Automation Alley's public website and event calendar.
• Manage event registrations and attendee communications through CRM and event management platforms.
• Produce regular status updates, dashboards, and post-event reports for internal leadership.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and 14 paid holidays annually, including the observance of Juneteenth and Veterans Day. Additionally, Automation Alley observes extended time off during the year-end holiday period between late December and early January.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed