Event Manager

Aston Carter; Washington; On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking an Event Manager to lead end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale conferences and related programs. You will own critical workstreams, manage complex projects with autonomy, and represent programs to leadership for high-quality attendee experiences.

The role emphasizes program management, expo planning, and post-event analytics, with a strong focus on operational excellence and stakeholder engagement across multi-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional, non-internship event management and/or event production experience.
• Proven program management experience, including building and managing detailed runs of show.
• Hands-on experience with event software platforms, including Bizzabo.
• Ability to perform under pressure in live event environments and during critical timelines.
• Experience using data to drive improvements in event performance and attendee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery of major event workstreams, including content and expo programs.
• Plan and manage detailed runs of show using Asana.
• Provide status updates to leadership, surface risks, and propose solutions.
• Create project timelines with milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Lead onsite execution during live events, coordinating stakeholders and vendors.
• Oversee expo planning, including exhibitor coordination and logistics.
• Manage external speaker outreach and coordination aligned with themes.
• Drive innovation to enhance attendee experience and efficiency.
• Conduct post-event data analysis to evaluate performance and inform improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale event programs from concept to completion.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Use data to inform decisions and demonstrate impact.

Skills

Event management

Program management

Expo planning

Speaker outreach

Data analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Live event execution

Vendor coordination

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Asana

Bizzabo

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Event Manager

Job Description

The Event Manager leads the end-to-end planning, execution, and optimization of large-scale conferences and related event programs. This role requires deep expertise in program management, content and expo planning, and post-event analytics, with a strong focus on operational excellence. You will own critical event workstreams with considerable autonomy, manage complex projects with minimal guidance, and confidently represent your programs to leadership. The ideal candidate thrives under pressure, anticipates and removes roadblocks, and consistently delivers high-quality experiences for attendees and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end delivery of major event workstreams, including content program management, expo program management, and related disciplines.
• Plan, build, and manage detailed runs of show using project management tools such as Asana, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are clearly defined and tracked.
• Represent owned workstreams to leadership, providing clear status updates, surfacing risks and roadblocks, and proposing solutions in a timely manner.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project timelines with clear milestones, dependencies, and deliverables, and drive teams to meet deadlines through concise and proactive communication.
• Lead onsite execution of assigned workstreams during live events, coordinating stakeholders, vendors, and internal teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Oversee expo planning, including exhibitor coordination, showcase logistics, and integration with broader conference programming.
• Manage external speaker outreach, including identifying, engaging, and coordinating speakers to align with event themes and audience needs.
• Drive innovation in event program execution and delivery methods, identifying opportunities to enhance attendee experience and operational efficiency.
• Conduct post-event data analysis, leveraging metrics and feedback to evaluate performance and recommend improvements for future programs.
• Build, execute, and scale cross-functional event programs or marketing campaigns from concept to completion, collaborating closely with design program managers and other partners.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities across teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, adjusting plans as needed to meet evolving requirements.
• Communicate complex concepts, plans, and updates clearly through both written and verbal communication to stakeholders at all levels.
• Use data and metrics to inform decisions, drive continuous improvement, and demonstrate the impact of event programs.
• Collaborate with the broader annual event production team to deliver a flagship conference experience, supporting planning cycles from early concept through post-event wrap-up.

Essential Skills

• 7+ years of professional, non-internship event management and/or event production experience, with a focus on large-scale events of approximately 3,000 attendees or more.
• Proven program management experience, including building and managing detailed runs of show using tools such as Asana.
• Hands-on experience with event software platforms, including tools such as Bizzabo or similar event management solutions.
• Demonstrated success planning and executing large-scale events, rather than only small events, with the ability to manage complex logistics and stakeholder needs.
• Ability to perform exceptionally well under pressure, especially in live event environments and during critical timelines.
• Experience using data and metrics to drive improvements in event performance, attendee engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Experience building, executing, and scaling cross-functional programs or marketing campaigns from concept to completion.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities across teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders, including leadership.
• Knowledge of project management tools and software, and the ability to apply structured project management methodologies to event programs.
• Demonstrated analytical abilities and confidence in using data to inform decisions and measure outcomes.
• Experience in events program management or experiential marketing, with a focus on delivering engaging attendee experiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as an event manager or event producer in design-focused industries, entertainment, or learning and development environments.
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