VP, Trade Show Operations (remote) - RE+ Events #2023-2808

VP Trade Show Operations (remote)

RE+ Events delivers leading-edge, global trade events for solar, storage and renewable energy, promoting leadership, education, and economic growth in the marketplace.  As VP of Trade Show Operations and member of the senior leadership team, you will ensure a best-in-class experience for our customers and exhibitors as we scale to match the rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector. Our flagship event, RE+ (formerly SPI), has almost doubled in size to be North America's largest renewable energy event (50K+ attendees with 1300 vendors) and is among the top 25 Trade Shows in the nation.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead two direct and four indirect reports and own the strategic operations for our full portfolio of events, including RE+ and 16 other domestic and international events ranging from $35K - $1M in revenue. A large part of your role will be managing vendors and partners and negotiating contracts (multimillion in size). We will look to you to maximize the potential of every relationship (including with Freeman, our general services contractor) while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Your ability to analyze trends, forecast opportunities, and predict challenges in the event production landscape will be essential to your success. Your leadership will keep us two steps ahead with robust operational contingency plans and high-quality contracts that support growth.

With the Inflation Reduction Act’s landmark investment in renewable energy, the need for technology solutions, industry-leading education sessions, and networking opportunities for the entire renewable energy spectrum has never been greater. Join us in meeting that need for tomorrow’s clean energy future.

How You’ll Make an Impact  

Your work will be critical to achieving our objectives to grow existing show revenue, establish new domestic and international shows, and support our industry-leading partners, SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) and SEPA (Smart Electric Power Alliance). Key focus areas include:

• Contract Management. Review existing contracts, conduct appropriate negotiations, and look at long-term contracts to ensure scalable, cost-effective agreements are in place. Our current arrangements do not reflect the growth of our organization and require immediate attention.
• Partner Relationships. Lead the relationship with Freeman to ensure services meet requirements, schedules, and budgets. Establish and maintain excellent relationships with suppliers, decorators, hotels, convention centers, housing, registration, security, exhibit management, transportation, and other relevant partners.
• Team Leadership. Employ an inclusive leadership approach to shape your team for the future. Assess the operations department’s strengths and weaknesses and allocate staff resources to leverage their expertise while supporting professional growth. Lead staff to embrace their roles as service providers to the larger organization.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• You'll enjoy a fully remote work environment with up to 30% travel in the first year for site visits to assess standards and identify improvements and for in-person collaboration with your team. We have an office available in Arlington, VA, and many of our leadership staff work there a portion of the week (not required).
• The total cash compensation range for this position is $175k – 200K with an outstanding benefits package including 19 paid company holidays (including a week-long winter holiday break) plus up to 24 days of PTO and 2 personal days, medical, dental, and vision plans, a flexible spending account, and 401(k)/Roth IRA with a 5% match.
• We are an innovative organization that embraces creativity and new ideas—we don’t let perfect get in the way of good. You’ll join a talented, supportive, energetic team of professionals eager to help each other succeed.
• Advancing diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment is a key goal in our strategic plan. This is foundational to event planning and operations, never an afterthought. We strive to ensure our events are inclusive, comfortable, and safe for all.

Responsibilities

• Work with the CEO on the annual event operations strategy. Create effective processes and procedures that enhance operational efficiency. Identify areas for improvement, streamline workflows, and implement best practices to optimize productivity and resource allocation.
• Coordinate and analyze the appropriate data to inform the operational decision-making process. Ensure the delivery of qualitative and quantitative goals and outcomes of events and associated programs and services.
• Translate operational strategy into actionable steps for execution. Set goals, track results, and ensure the team has the necessary skills and resources to manage processes effectively and deliver results.
• Lead contract negotiations with vendors, venues, and partners, ensuring favorable terms that meet our strategic objectives. Oversee the entire lifecycle of contracts from drafting to execution and renewal, ensuring compliance and maximizing value. Collaborate with internal teams to streamline contract processes and mitigate risks.
• Oversee the coordination, integration, and delivery of all event programs, contracts, and related services, promoting collaborative relationships between partners, vendors, and program areas. Ensure that the expectations of partners, customers, and other stakeholders are consistently met.
• Foster a collaborative environment to motivate and inspire operations staff by communicating our strategic objectives, implementing yearly staff development plans, and mentoring. Identify and create leadership and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in the budget development process and maintain a high level of fiscal responsibility. Work closely with the finance department to budget and monitor programmatic operations to ensure sound fiscal and system management.
• Monitor emerging needs among key stakeholders (vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, attendees, and partner associations).

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in Trade Show Operations for large-scale city-wide events. Comprehensive knowledge of event and Trade Show operational excellence, contract management, organizational development, and budgeting is required.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and compile complex data for planning and reporting purposes.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

About Us

RE+ Events is the global event and association management organization specializing in the clean energy industry. Our flagship event, RE+ (formerly SPI), is the largest renewable energy event in North America. The RE+ Events portfolio also includes events within the U.S. focusing on trends and policies in specific states/regions, and international events that bring together clean energy leaders in up-and-coming markets across the world.

To Apply

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.

Use the "Apply" button on this page or simply email your resume to Lilly Khan at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with "RE+ Events – VP Trade Show Operations #2023-2808 SA" as the subject of the email.

Job responsibilities are similar to the following positions: VP of Events, Senior Director of Meetings and Operations, Chief Meetings Officer.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.