Specialist, Event Partnerships

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Travel opportunities

Job summary

SHRM is seeking a Specialist, Event Partnerships to plan, coordinate, and execute expo and exhibitor experiences across SHRM’s event portfolio, from small to large-scale audiences. You will manage expo workstreams from planning through onsite execution and post-event follow-up, coordinating with internal stakeholders, external vendors, contractors, and exhibitors to support successful delivery.

This role requires a highly organized, solutions-oriented event professional with experience in expo

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years in event planning or management for conferences/expos.
• Experience coordinating vendors, budgets, timelines and event technology.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute expo/tradeshow experiences including floor plans, schedules, and onsite operations.
• Manage expo workstreams, budgets, timelines, and cross-functional partnerships.
• Develop exhibitor guides, FAQs, and resources for successful participation.
• Coordinate with large vendors on service materials and timelines.
• Implement and manage event technology such as exhibitor portals and apps.
• Provide day-to-day exhibitor support and coordinate sessions or webinars as needed.
• Track budgets, vendor estimates, invoices, and post-event reporting.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Exhibitor relations

Event technology

Vendor coordination

Budget tracking

Communication

Customer service

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

AI tools

Map Your Show

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Map Your Show

Exhibitor portals

Event apps

Job description

SUMMARY

The Specialist, Event Partnerships supports the planning, coordination, and execution of expo and exhibitor experiences across SHRM’s event portfolio, ranging in size from approximately 100 to 26,000 attendees.

The Specialist manages defined expo and exhibitor workstreams from initial planning through onsite execution and post-event follow-up, coordinating with internal stakeholders, external vendors, contractors, and exhibitors to support successful delivery.

This role requires a highly organized, solutions-oriented event professional with experience in expo operations, exhibitor communications, event technology, vendor coordination, and budget tracking. A strong collaborator and problem solver, the Specialist helps create a consistent, well-managed experience for exhibitors, partners, and attendees across SHRM events.

Responsibilities

Expo Experience Planning & Execution

• Support the planning and execution of expo and tradeshow experiences, including floor plans, schedules, exhibitor services, and onsite operations.
• Manage assigned expo workstreams, timelines, deliverables, and budgets, working with cross-functional partners, vendors, and contractors to keep plans on track.
• Support the development of exhibitor prospectuses, guidelines, rules and regulations, and expo-related website and marketing content.
• Coordinate with large-scale event service providers on exhibitor service materials, operational timelines, and move-in/move-out planning.
• Bring forward expo and tradeshow trends, best practices, and ideas that can strengthen the exhibitor and attendee experience.
• Partner with Event team colleagues and other internal stakeholders on food and beverage placement and processes, exhibitor registration, space planning, and other components of the expo experience.
• Support the implementation and ongoing management of event technology, including event apps, exhibitor portals, and show floor management platforms such as Map Your Show.

Communications & Exhibitor Support

• Serve as a day-to-day resource for exhibitors throughout the event lifecycle, providing timely, professional, and solution-oriented support.
• Coordinate exhibitor office hours, webinars, or other informational sessions as needed.
• Develop and maintain exhibitor guides, FAQs, instructional materials, and other resources that support successful participation.
• Implement communication plans and outreach schedules for contracted exhibitors, including key deadlines, participation requirements, resources, and event updates.
• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to address exhibitor questions, resolve issues, and support a positive exhibitor experience.

On-Site Event Management

• Support expo setup, on-site operations, and breakdown to help ensure successful event execution.
• Coordinate with on-site floor managers, contractors, vendors, and event partners on assigned expo needs.
• Partner with Event Logistics colleagues on exhibitor registration and the overall on-site exhibitor experience.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and respond to changing needs during events to support exhibitors, attendees, and internal stakeholders.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track assigned project budgets, vendor estimates, invoices, expenses, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Support post-event reporting, including exhibitor satisfaction, operational results, and experience-related outcomes.
• Gather exhibitor feedback and event performance information to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Share findings and recommendations with Event Partnerships leadership and internal stakeholders to support future planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business, Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, Public Relations or related fieldpreferred or relevant equivalent experience in lieu of degree.

Experience

• Three (3) or more years of related experience in event planning or management, preferably with a focus on conferences, expos, tradeshows, or exhibitor experiences and within a PR, marketing, or event agency or an in-house events function for a medium-to-large organization or brand.
• Experience coordinating vendors, event service providers, budgets, timelines, and event technology preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and events simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of expo and tradeshow operations, logistics, exhibitor services, and event technology.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders, exhibitors, contractors, and external vendors.
• Ability to coordinate with contractors and external vendors to deliver assigned event workstreams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external audiences.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of exhibitors, attendees, and partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to unexpected situations during event planning and on-site execution.
• Sound judgment, diplomacy, tact, and attention to detail.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and event management software.
• Ability to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve overall work quality.

Physical Requirements

This position operates in a typical office environment (which includes a home office setting) and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

Work Environment

Hybrid Schedule (3 Days In-Office/2 Days Remote)

This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with Tuesday through Thursday in office and Monday and Friday remote. Employees must be available during standard business hours, with core hours beginning between 8:00–9:00 a.m. and concluding between 5:00–6:00 p.m. local time.

Travel

Moderate 20 – 30%

#LI

The hiring range for this position is $70,000 to $83,000 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives.