Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone.

The Senior Manager, Event Services and Operations will assist the Director of Strategic Event Operations in executing operational functions, with Comicpalooza being the marquee event for the department. The role will help assure the successful delivery of operational functions, requiring process development and oversight; schedule development, resource identification, and coordination; as well as ongoing communication with stakeholders, including but not limited to other team members, vendors, contractors, and sponsors.

Additionally, this role will manage exhibitor sales and services for events such as Comicpalooza and support a corporate-wide volunteer program.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• ☒ Supervises: Support management of contractors and vendors; volunteer and team oversight during events

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in the planning, coordination, and execution of all operational functions, including logistics, setup, and teardown for events within the Partnership and Event Development portfolio.
• Oversees the management of our exhibit sales campaigns, including booth assignments, contract management, invoicing, and processing payments, while providing exceptional services to exhibitors to ensure their needs are met and expectations are exceeded.
• Assists in managing the inventory of event supplies, equipment, and merchandise, ensuring adequate stock levels and timely procurement and onsite event distribution.
• Supports the development of budgets by conducting cost analysis and identifying cost-saving opportunities to minimize budgetary impacts on operational functions.
• Serves as an organizational resource and supports our production partners and operational contractors to ensure direct alignment with HFC leadership.
• Assists in the creation of master timelines and project milestones to ensure smooth event operations and enhance efficiency.
• Assists in managing hotel room blocks and maintaining strong relationships with hotel partners.
• Contributes to idea generation and creative development of assets (e.g., event activations and wayfinding signage) in support and enhancement of operational deliverables.
• Assists in the management of all volunteer initiatives, including recruitment, management, and deployment across events.
• Supports the programming teams by identifying and cultivating relationships with businesses that would benefit from event participation.
• Assists in maintaining accurate, organized, detailed, and up-to-date records, files, databases, contacts, and budgets.
• Conducts post-event evaluations, constantly assess and identify operational issues, and look for solutions that could improve efficiencies, save resources, and/or improve the event;
• Supports and manages other operational responsibilities that may not have been listed but are in service to the operational function of an event or the department.

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, or related field preferred;
• At least two (2) years of direct major event management or operations experience;
• Event or project management experience preferred;
• Exhibitor sales and/or vendor management experience a plus;
• Experience using exhibitor software (such as ExpoFP) a plus

• ☒ No major sources of discomfort; normal office environment
• ☒ Must be available to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays when required to meet operational needs.
• ☒ Travel required as outlined in annual business plan in addition to ad hoc events identified