Technical Director - Proprietary Events

DERSE INC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits package

Energetic culture

Job summary

Derse, a complete face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder, seeks a Technical Director in Milwaukee, WI. You will lead the technical strategy and oversee the full production lifecycle for proprietary events from early creative development through post-event evaluation.

The role emphasizes owning the technical experience, collaborating with client contacts and internal teams, and driving innovation in event technology and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Technical/Theater Production, Business Management or similar.
• 8+ years of experience within technical event production, preferably proprietary events or trade show management.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar drafting programs preferred.
• Strong client and internal stakeholder communication skills.
• Ability to travel and support client activations throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical strategy, execution, and integration for proprietary events.
• Own the technical experience to expand on event goals and scale to exceed expectations.
• Partner with event teams to define event strategy.
• Manage technical production budgets throughout the event lifecycle.
• Develop plans and drawings to ensure accuracy and present updates to clients and stakeholders.
• Lead technical pre-production activities including schedules, site plans, and labor planning.
• Establish technical integration standards within Derse and client portfolios.
• Manage vendor relationships to fit technical partnerships.
• Identify risks and develop proactive plans to protect event experiences.
• Drive innovations in event technology and production practices.
• Influence event design and strategy in early creative development.
• Evaluate technical performance and conduct post-event measurements.

Skills

Event production

Technical leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Vendor management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree related to events/production

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Description

Derse is a complete face-to-face marketing agency and exhibit builder. We bring a smarter approach to building client sales while managing their trade show, marketing environments and event programs. Our teams are made up of smart and forward-thinking people who bring experiential marketing solutions to life!

We believe in committing to a long-term investment in your career with a total rewards package including:

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
• A bright and energetic culture where your ideas are valued
• 75+ years of financial stability

Derse employs nearly 600 people in marketing, program management, creative & skilled production, and corporate support. Locations include Milwaukee, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and various communities in Poland & Germany. Visit our website derse.com to learn more!

As the Technical Director you'll lead the technical strategy, execution, and integration for high-impact proprietary events. This role is in-office in Milwaukee, WI and oversees the full technical production lifecycle, from early creative development through post-event evaluation. The Technical Director also drives innovation, strengthens partnerships, and proactively identifies opportunities to elevate event design, technology, and operational performance.

Technical Director - Proprietary Events Responsibilities

• Support the event team leadership in delivering complex technical programs to proprietary events.
• Own the technical experience to expand on the overall event goals and scale to exceed expectations.
• Partner with proprietary events team, project management, and client contacts to define event strategy.
• Accurately manage and assess technical production budget throughout event life cycle.Develop, review, and revise technical / production drawings and plans to ensure accuracy.
• Present plans, recommendations, and updates regularly to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Lead on technical pre-production, including schedules, site plans, labor planning, and show/event flow.
• Establish technical integration standards within Derse and client portfolios.
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure the best fit in technical partnerships to accomplish objectives.
• Identify technical and operational risks, developing proactive plans to protect event experiences.
• Drive event technology and production innovations internally and implement best standard practices.
• Influence event design and strategy in the early stages of creative development.
• Evaluate technical performance and conduct post-event performance measurements.

Requirements

Technical Director - Proprietary Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree within Event Management, Technical/Theater Production, Business Management or similar required.
• 8+ years of experience within technical event production, preferably in proprietary events or trade show management.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar drafting programs preferred.
• Strong client and internal stakeholder communication skills.
• Ability to travel and support client activations throughout the year. Travel is considered heavy at times.