Event Services Manager - Exhibition Hall

The Charleston Gaillard Center•Charleston, SC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

A leader in the performing arts in the Southeast, the Charleston Gaillard Center commissions, supports, and presents ambitious, multidisciplinary cultural programming and provides access to the best local, national, and global artists and companies on its stage. Through programming on its public campus and extensive arts education initiatives, the Gaillard Center serves as a platform for community building and essential dialogue. The Gaillard Center was established as a non-profit in 2015. Its campus includes the world-class 1,818-seat Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall, a 26,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall with the Grand Ballroom, Salons, and Terrace Lawn. The Exhibition Hall Event Services Manager (ESM) is responsible for the planning, detailing, and on-site execution of rental events held in the Charleston Gaillard Center Exhibition Hall, including conferences, trade shows, banquets, corporate events, and multi-day programs. This position serves as the primary event execution manager for assigned Exhibition Hall events and ensures all operational, staffing, safety, and client service standards are met. The ESM works closely with the Exhibition Hall Director of Event Services, Exhibition Hall Technical Manager, Sales team, Food & Beverage team, and external vendors to ensure events are accurately detailed in advance and successfully executed onsite. The ESM directly supervises the Houseperson and supports the Director of Event Services in department operations, staffing, budgeting, and full-facility events as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum of 6 years combined education and/or professional experience in event services, hospitality operations, venue management, or related field.
Proven experience managing event execution in a multi-use venue environment.
Experience supervising staff and coordinating labor teams.
Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Strong client service orientation and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Ability to communicate professionally with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF, and Google Workspace.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a conference center, exhibition hall, performing arts center, or similar venue.
Familiarity with event software such as Momentus Elite, Social Tables, Event Draw, and/or Vectorworks.
Food & Beverage operations experience (catering sales or catering operations strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

Manage all assigned Exhibition Hall events from contract handoff through final invoicing and settlement.
Lead client detailing meetings, site visits, and walkthroughs to ensure all event logistics are confirmed.
Develop and maintain event timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing plans, and load-in/load-out schedules.
Create and update floor plans and room diagrams for all assigned events.
Ensure proper coordination of event setup, strike, and operational execution across all function spaces.
Serve as the primary on-site supervisor during events to ensure exceptional client experience and operational excellence.
Supervise the Houseperson (Exhibition Hall), including scheduling, training, performance management, and daily event assignments.
Oversee scheduling and supervision of part-time event services staff and contracted labor as assigned.
Ensure all event staff are properly trained, informed, and prepared for event execution.
Provide clear leadership onsite during events, including directing setup/strike teams and resolving operational issues in real time.
Coordinate event logistics with internal departments including Food & Beverage, Technical Services, Security, Facilities, and Parking.
Maintain accurate equipment and furniture inventory (tables, chairs, staging, etc.) and oversee proper use, storage, and upkeep.
Identify staffing needs and recommend efficiencies to reduce labor costs and improve execution.
Monitor event spaces for safety and operational readiness, ensuring compliance with fire code and building policies.
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients onsite and ensure client expectations are met professionally and consistently.
Coordinate vendor logistics including load-in, access, staging, deliveries, and building rules compliance.
Maintain strong working relationships with repeat clients and vendors to encourage long-term partnerships and repeat business.
Ensure accurate documentation of event details, schedules, staffing, and operational requirements.
Assist with event estimates, approvals, and event-related documentation required for billing.
Support the Exhibition Hall Director of Event Services with budgeting, labor forecasting, and event expense tracking.
Maintain event files and ensure all documentation is complete for post-event reconciliation.
Perform other duties as assigned to support Exhibition Hall operations and event services team success.