Manager, Conference Experience & Operations

National Association of REALTORS•Washington, DC

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Manage end-to-end operational planning and execution for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) major conferences and convention-center environments, including NAR NXT and the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings (RLM). This role manages Expo operational infrastructure, General Session production logistics, convention-center activations, event utilities, security and first aid, accessibility, signage and wayfinding, budgets, vendor relationships and onsite execution. The Manager also serves as the operational lead for the NXT™ FEST Welcome Event, an opening experience designed for approximately 7,000 attendees. Working across internal teams, venues, general service contractors and external partners, this position ensures conference environments are cohesive, engaging, safe and aligned with NAR's strategic goals.

Requirements

5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in conference and event operations, including convention-center or tradeshow operations, show management, production logistics, vendor management and onsite execution.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, large-scale event environments that include show-floor operations, attendee activations and General Session or comparable production environments.
Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, RFP processes, contracts, budgets, invoice reconciliation and service delivery within a complex organization.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, competing priorities and firm deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders, cross-functional teams, vendors and external partners.
Collaborative, detail-oriented self-starter with sound judgment, adaptability and the ability to anticipate operational needs and solve problems onsite.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, business or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
CMP or comparable industry certification.
Previous experience in a membership organization, professional association or large-scale conference environment.

Responsibilities

Lead operational planning and onsite execution for NAR's major conference environments.
Develop, maintain and distribute operational specifications through NAR's event requirements/resume system, including space assignments, room sets, production requirements and service needs.
Coordinate conference floor plans, attendee flow, environmental design and operational dependencies with venues, the general service contractor and internal stakeholders.
Lead attendee-facing activations throughout the convention center, from concept development and feasibility review through vendor coordination, installation, onsite management and post-event evaluation.
Serve as the operational lead for the NXT™ FEST Welcome Event for approximately 7,000 attendees, managing the event environment, production and vendor logistics, guest flow, safety, accessibility and onsite execution.
Manage NAR's Expo operational infrastructure, including show-management spaces, NAR-owned elements, non-sponsored common areas, stages, lounges and attendee-engagement environments.
Coordinate Expo specifications for food and beverage, audiovisual, internet, electrical, rigging, decorating, security, first aid, floral and other venue or contractor services.
Lead onsite Expo operations and coordinate execution of sold assets with the teams responsible for exhibit and sponsorship sales and fulfillment.
Co-Manage operational logistics for General Session and other large-scale production environments in partnership with audiovisual and production partners, venues and internal stakeholders.
Coordinate room requirements, production schedules, backstage and support spaces, speaker-ready-room logistics, rigging, internet, electrical power and related production infrastructure.
Manage security, badge-checking and first-aid requirements for assigned conference environments, including vendor coordination, specifications, onsite execution and invoice reconciliation.
Manage directional, operational and non-sponsored signage for convention centers and assigned venues, including signage plans, ordering, proofing, placement and onsite execution.
Serve as the operational liaison among the general service contractor, Marketing/Creative and other partners for conference branding and signage implementation.
Support RFP processes, vendor selection, contract coordination and relationship management for assigned conference vendors and service contractors.
Manage pre-conference and post-conference meetings with venues and vendors, ensuring requirements, timelines and deliverables are documented and communicated.
Create, manage and forecast budgets for assigned conference operations, activations, vendor services and attendee-experience elements.
Track expenses, manage deposits, reconcile invoices and identify cost-management opportunities while maintaining event quality, safety and attendee experience.
Partner with NAR's exhibit and sponsorship teams and external sales partners to integrate sold exhibit, sponsorship and activation requirements into the overall conference operations plan.
Own the operational integration and execution of exhibit and sponsorship elements; this role does not own exhibit or sponsorship sales, sponsor/exhibitor account management, commercial package development, benefit tracking or fulfillment of contracted marketing benefits.
Travel onsite for event execution, including extended onsite periods for major conferences; approximately 20% travel based on the annual event portfolio.
This position may be modified at any time to meet the changing needs of the Association.