Convention Operations Manager

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA); Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) in Tysons, VA is seeking a Convention Operations Manager to plan, coordinate, and execute key operations for the NADA Show. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong project management, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts across venues, vendors, and internal teams.

This full-time position involves travel up to 10% for site inspections, trades shows, and onsite event execution, with responsibilities spanning logistics,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event management, business administration, or related field or equivalent amount of relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years of large-scale convention, trade show, or meeting planning experience required.
• Proven ability to organize high volumes of detail, prioritize competing demands, manage long-term project timelines, and deliver high accuracy under pressure.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with a track record of building effective relationships with internal teams, external vendors, and executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with industry tools like Map Your Show, Envision, and Airtable is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement convention center logistics for key areas of the NADA Show (offices, public spaces, Franchise Meetings, the PAC Suite, shuttle routes, registration, and specialized hubs).
• Oversee design, floor plans, A/V estimates, food and beverage selections, room sets, and signage.
• Manage assignment of function space within the convention center and official NADA hotels for the Board of Directors, manufacturers, state associations, 20 Groups, exhibitors, and affiliate groups.
• Oversee the planning, development, and execution of all NADA Show signage, working with the general service contractor to ensure accurate production and onsite implementation.
• Develop and manage RFPs, review contracts, assist with negotiations, track budgets, and reconcile vendor invoices; build relationships with facility personnel and suppliers.
• Oversee sponsorship commitments for the NADA Show, keeping Airtable and Envision updated.
• Serve as the main point of contact and lead operational logistics for NADA Franchise Meetings during the Show.
• Establish event timelines, participate in planning meetings, site inspections, and collaborate across departments to ensure flawless execution.
• Assist with web, mobile app, and directory proofreading, maintain process documentation, support onsite operations, and attend industry trade shows to stay ahead of market trends.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality management

Tools

Map Your Show

Envision

Airtable

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Are you an organized, detail-driven event professional with a passion for bringing large-scale events to life? If so, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is looking for a dynamic Convention Operations Manager to plan, coordinate, and execute key operations for the world-class NADA Show.

This is a full-time position offering a positive work culture, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits. The role requires occasional travel (up to 10%), including weekday and weekend travel for site inspections, industry trade shows, and onsite event execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement convention center logistics for key areas of the NADA Show (offices, public spaces, Franchise Meetings, the PAC Suite, shuttle routes, registration, and specialized hubs like Relax and Restaurants). Oversee design, floor plans, A/V estimates, food and beverage selections, room sets, and signage.
• Manage assignment of function space within the convention center and official NADA hotels for the Board of Directors, manufacturers, state associations (ATAEs), 20 Groups, exhibitors, and affiliate groups.
• Oversee the planning, development, and execution of all NADA Show signage, working closely with NADA’s general service contractor throughout the process to ensure accurate production, placement, and onsite implementation.
• Develop and manage RFPs, review contracts, assist with negotiations, track budgets, and reconcile vendor invoices. Build and maintain strong working relationships with facility personnel, suppliers, and industry representatives.
• Oversee the creation, tracking, and fulfillment of sponsorship commitments for the NADA Show, keeping systems like Airtable and Envision seamlessly updated.
• Serve as the main point of contact and lead operational logistics for NADA Franchise Meetings during the Show.
• Establish event timelines, participate in planning meetings and site inspections, and collaborate across internal departments and leadership to ensure flawless event execution.
• Assist with web, mobile app, and directory proofreading, maintain up-to-date process documentation, support general onsite operations as needed, and attend industry trade shows to stay ahead of market trends.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event management, business administration, or related field or equivalent amount of relevant experience.
• Minimum 5 years of large-scale convention, trade show, or meeting planning experience required.
• Proven ability to organize high volumes of detail, prioritize competing demands, manage long-term project timelines, and deliver high accuracy under pressure.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with a track record of building effective relationships with internal teams, external vendors, and executive stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with industry tools like Map Your Show, Envision, and Airtable is highly desired.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and solution-oriented individual with the ability to take initiative, confidently manage events, and collaborate effectively within a team. Demonstrates flexibility, curiosity, and a strong willingness to learn, while actively seeking opportunities to improve processes and contribute to team success.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred, or a strong interest in obtaining it preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and travel as required for event operations.

NADA is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspective and lived experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and lactation), sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.