Sr Manager, Exhibit Center Operations & Sales
About The Position
The Senior Manager, Exhibit Center Operations & Sales supports strategic planning, exhibit sales, operational execution, floor management & compliance, and day-to-day management of the Space Foundation's Exhibit Center programs at all events featuring an Exhibit Hall. This position supports exhibit operations while driving exhibitor satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth for the annual Space Symposium and other assigned events. The Senior Manager serves as a key leader responsible for coordinating exhibit sales activities, operational logistics, customer relationships, vendor management, cross-functional collaboration, and on-site event execution to deliver a great experience for exhibitors, sponsors, corporate members, and attendees. The Senior Manager, Exhibit Center Operations & Sales is a strategic leader who demonstrates sound judgment, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to supporting the evolving needs of the Exhibits team. This role will work cross-functionally with internal departments and external stakeholders, the Senior Manager provides leadership, strategic planning, and project management to deliver world-class events and experiences that align with the Space Foundation's mission and strategic objectives.
Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of experience in exhibit center operations and trade show sales.
- Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM).
- IAEE member.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.
- Familiarity with the aerospace industry and/or related trade associations preferred.
- Multi-task oriented and able to work well under pressure and adhere to deadlines.
- Experience using CRM and registrations systems; familiarity with event tech platforms and floor plan software.
- Strong knowledge of exhibition industry standards and regulations.
- Experience with working within a budget and financials for a department.
- HubSpot & DocuSign proficient.
- Sales Professional with strong client-facing and communication skills.
- Project management software knowledge.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with the aerospace industry and/or related trade associations preferred.
Responsibilities
- Increase revenue growth & sales objectives by leading exhibit sales, department financial goals, exhibitor retention, and upselling sponsorships and corporate memberships while delivering an exceptional customer experience.
- Achieves operational excellence by strategic planning and execution of a seamless, world-class Exhibit Center experience.
- Drives strategic improvement by continuously improving processes, leveraging technology, analyzing performance metrics, and implementing best practices to support the long-term growth of the Space Symposium & other events.
- Handles project management by overseeing the design and layout of the exhibition floor plan to maximize space efficiency and traffic flow for all Space Foundation events.
- Actively engages with both internal and external customers to strengthen existing relationships, identify new business opportunities, and cultivate long-term partnerships that enhance customer retention and organizational success.
- Provide operational leadership throughout the event lifecycle to include: assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of all Exhibit Center activities.
- Oversees the development and implementation of the Exhibitor Kit, Exhibit booth design, coordinating exhibit hall setup and dismantle, managing move-in and move-out operations, and working closely with vendors and service partners on freight, drayage, and exhibitor services.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure all operational elements are executed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with Space Foundation standards, delivering a seamless, world-class experience for exhibitors, sponsors, corporate members, and attendees.
- Serve as the on-site lead during events, managing the production schedule, vendor & contractor relationships, facility staff, and resolving any real-time logistical issues.
- Author exhibitor service manuals and enforce all rules, codes, and safety protocols on the exhibit floor.
- Oversee the collection and execution of Certificate of Insurance, Crowd Management, ADA compliance, Emergency planning and venue regulations for each Space Foundation event featuring an exhibit hall.
- The Senior Manager of Exhibit Center Operations and Sales will manage and oversee a small Exhibit Operations team. Manage and Develop Staff, responsible for training and leading an exhibits team, providing guidance and professional development to help them grow in their roles.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- This position is exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
