Director, Attendee & Exhibitor Services — IPW Operations

U.S. Travel Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare package

Paid leave

Staff functions and social events

Transportation benefits

Wellness initiatives and EAP

Education and professional development

Job summary

U.S. Travel Association in Washington, DC seeks a Director of Attendee & Exhibitor Services to lead IPW operations, oversee attendee/exhibitor services, housing programs and event logistics.

You will supervise Managers for Exhibit Services, Attendee Services and Sponsorship Fulfillment and manage external consultants across these areas. You will drive data reporting, sponsorship fulfillment, and digital platform improvements while coordinating cross-portfolio events and ensuring contract

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. 8-10+ years of progressive experience in trade show operations, event logistics and operational project management.
• Supervisory Leadership: 3-5+ years of direct line-management experience leading operational staff and directing external consultant teams.
• Trade Show Operations Expertise: floor plan strategy, facility management, security protocols, building management, electrical/IT utilities and GSC management.
• Data & Analytics Capabilities: event-wide data analysis, performance metrics and dashboard reporting; synthesize complex event data for executive decisions.
• Housing & Sponsorship Operational Knowledge: understanding of housing management and sponsorship fulfillment operations.
• Technical & Communication Skills: familiarity with event tech stacks (AMS, floor plan software, mobile apps). Smartsheet is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform tactical, day-to-day operational execution as the primary operational engine and escalation point across all portfolio events.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching and management for the Managers, setting operational standards and accountability.
• Direct and oversee external consultants and contractors across attendee services, trade show operations, technology and venue logistics to ensure delivery and SLA compliance.
• Lead SOP implementation, maintenance and optimization across all event operations to drive efficiency and consistency.
• Drive floor plan and Exhibit Services strategy, coordinating with the Manager, Exhibit Services.
• Lead future-year floor plan development, hall design and space allocation concurrently while live operations run for current year.
• Supervise day-to-day event logistics and production execution including security, building management, space assignment and moves.
• Direct event-wide branding placement, signage and sponsor integrations across venues.
• Provide agile, hands-on operational troubleshooting across all events to address venue, tech or vendor challenges.
• Oversee housing program at policy and strategic program level.
• Oversee end-to-end attendee and exhibitor services including registration strategy, show flow logistics, housing integrations and customer service standards.
• Provide oversight ensuring sponsor assets are tracked and delivered.
• Lead data analysis, dashboards and performance analytics to deliver actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Guide tech-stack strategy and system review to enhance digital performance.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Operational troubleshooting

Data analysis

Communication

Event technology

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AMS

Floor plan software

Mobile apps

Smartsheet

Job description

U.S. Travel Association in Washington, DC seeks a Director of Attendee & Exhibitor Services to lead IPW operations, oversee attendee/exhibitor services, housing programs and event logistics.

You will supervise Managers for Exhibit Services, Attendee Services and Sponsorship Fulfillment and manage external consultants across these areas. You will drive data reporting, sponsorship fulfillment, and digital platform improvements while coordinating cross-portfolio events and ensuring contract