Senior Trade Show Manager

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Senior Trade Show Manager to lead planning and delivery of trade shows and events from local engagements to international programs. The role requires strong program management, marketing integration, and stakeholder engagement in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities span strategy development, portfolio management, budgeting, vendor negotiations, and on-site leadership to ensure brand consistency and measurable ROI across diverse programs.

Qualifications

• Strong program management and trade show execution experience.
• Experience coordinating large national/international events.
• Ability to align events with marketing, branding, and sales objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of trade show strategies aligned with business priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of regional to international trade shows and events.
• Oversee logistics, timelines, budgets, and on-site operations.

Skills

Trade show management

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Vendor negotiation

Marketing collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Master's degree preferred

Associates degree with experience

Tools

CRM systems

Event tech platforms

Job description

Description

Leidos is seeking a strategic and execution-focused Senior Trade Show Manager to lead the planning and delivery of high-impact trade shows and events, from local engagements to large-scale national and international programs. This role plays a critical part in driving brand visibility, supporting business development, and delivering measurable results aligned with enterprise growth objectives.

The ideal candidate combines strong program management, marketing integration, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive trade show and event strategies aligned with Leidos business priorities, growth objectives, and brand positioning.
• Manage a portfolio of trade shows ranging from regional engagements to large-scale national and international trade shows.
• Evaluate and recommend event participation opportunities based on strategic relevance, audience engagement, and return on investment.
• Partner with Growth, Communications, and Marketing/Branding to ensure events support customer engagement, pipeline growth, and strategic messaging.
• Ensure all events reflect Leidos brand standards and deliver a high-quality, professional attendee experience.

Program & Logistics Management

• Lead all phases of event planning and execution, including venue coordination, booth development, exhibit management, production schedules, transportation, and onsite operations.
• Manage event logistics including booth design and fabrication, graphics production, shipping and freight coordination, inventory management, registration processes, etc.
• Oversee event timelines and project plans to ensure milestones, deliverables, and operational requirements are met.
• Coordinate setup and teardown activities while proactively identifying and resolving operational challenges.
• Ensure compliance with organizational processes, procurement requirements, and event-specific regulations.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage event budgets across multiple programs and business areas.
• Track expenditures, reconcile invoices, and ensure effective stewardship of company resources.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, sponsorship agreements, and service-level commitments to maximize value and operational efficiency.
• Provide financial reporting and post-event budget analysis, including ROI assessments and recommendations for future investments.

Marketing & Communications Integration

• Collaborate with integrated marketing, digital, and communications teams to support event marketing strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and lead generation.
• Support development of event-specific messaging, promotional campaigns, presentations, and executive briefing materials.
• Coordinate pre-show, onsite, and post-show communications strategies across multiple channels.
• Leverage social media, digital engagement tools, CRM systems, and marketing automation platforms to enhance attendee engagement and lead tracking.
• Partner with Growth, Strategic Accounts and Communications teams to ensure event objectives align with customer and growth priorities.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, senior leadership, vendors, event organizers, and strategic partners.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to internal teams regarding event strategy, planning, and execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across communications, marketing, communications, growth, operations, and leadership teams to drive successful event outcomes.
• Support executive engagement activities, including customer meetings, leadership briefings, and VIP experiences during events.

Onsite Leadership & Team Coordination

• Serve as the primary onsite lead for assigned events, ensuring smooth execution and rapid issue resolution.
• Direct onsite staff, vendors, contractors, and support personnel to maintain operational excellence and a consistent brand presence.
• Manage real-time event adjustments and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• Ensure all onsite activities support positive customer experiences and strengthen Leidos market presence.

Relationship Management & Influence

• Establish collaborative partnerships across all levels of the organization.
• Influence decision-making and drive progress in support of business objectives.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across event programs.

Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze event performance metrics including attendee engagement, lead generation, pipeline contribution, and overall ROI.
• Conduct post-event reviews and debrief sessions with stakeholders to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop recommendations and best practices to optimize future trade show participation and event execution.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving event strategies to continuously enhance program effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of experience developing and deploying communications and event strategies; OR Master's degree with 6+ years of experience. Associate's degree with 10+ years, OR High School diploma with 12+ years of relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong project management experience supporting trade shows, marketing, and communications initiatives.
• Experience with virtual and hybrid event platforms and emerging event technologies.
• Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships and influence across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to multitask, adapt, and work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage ambiguity and shifting priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting defense, government, or technology-focused organizations.
• Experience managing large-scale national and international trade shows.
• Familiarity with CRM and event technologies supporting lead capture and reporting.

Additional Information

• Willingness to travel as required to support events (domestic and international).
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field preferred.

Why Join Leidos?

This role offers the opportunity to shape how Leidos engages with customers and partners across key markets. You will work alongside cross-functional leaders to deliver impactful experiences that strengthen brand presence and drive business growth.

If you are looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting

October 1, 2026

Pay Range

Pay Range $82,550.00 - $149,225.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.