Senior Director of Events and Tradeshows

OVERVIEW

The Senior Director of Events is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of PLTW’s customer events and tradeshows, ensuring impactful brand representation and measurable ROI, with a clear focus on customer centricity. This role leads a team responsible for supporting strategic event initiatives and serves as business owner for assigned events, partnering with cross-functional teams to improve and implement processes and tools that create an excellent participant experience and support event delivery. Frequent travel required. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead a high-performing, results-oriented Event Experience team responsible for the planning and execution of PLTW’s full event portfolio, including customer conferences, tradeshows, and local events such as school showcases and award ceremonies.
• Design, develop, and own the comprehensive event strategy, aligning all event types with PLTW’s brand, business goals, and stakeholder needs.
• Take ownership of PLTW’s robust tradeshow program, leading strategic planning, logistics, staffing, budgeting, booth experience, and measurable outcomes to maximize brand visibility and organizational impact.
• Collaborate with product marketing, creative and demand generation to ensure consistent pre- and post-show promotions, lead processing and results reporting.
• Oversee execution of key customer-facing events such as annual and bi-annual conferences and planning workshops and other meetings ensuring high-quality attendee experiences and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Manage site selection, venue negotiations, and contracting, using data and stakeholder input to guide decision-making.
• Serve as lead onsite event director for major events, acting as the primary liaison between PLTW and venues/vendors to ensure seamless delivery and responsive issue management.
• Lead vendor procurement and contract management for all event-related services, optimizing quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Own and manage the full event budget, including forecasting, reconciliation, and performance tracking, with a focus on ROI and efficiency.
• Drive adoption and optimization of event technology platforms, ensuring tools are effectively implemented to support planning, registration, engagement, and reporting.
• Communicate strategic and tactical updates regularly with stakeholders, ensuring organizational visibility, transparency, and alignment across all event workstreams.
• Develop and execute a tradeshow and conference participation strategy, evaluating ROI and recommending opportunities for increased organizational reach, visibility, and engagement.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices, continuously seeking ways to innovate and enhance the impact and efficiency of PLTW events.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing or a related field of study, or equivalent related experience. 
• Experience coaching, leading, and managing the work of others. 

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• A customer-centric approach to all internal and external interactions. 
• Seeks and embraces diversity of thought, culture, and experience.
• Takes pride in the work, celebrates success, and has fun.
• Approaches work with curiosity and experimentation.
• A customer-centric approach to all internal and external interactions. 
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing small to large scale events and trade shows.
• Leadership experience which demonstrates a deep understanding of selecting, mentoring, and leading a successful team.
• Metrics-driven, strategic, and analytical with strong business acumen.
• Demonstrates excellent judgment and adapts to changing priorities with ease and efficiency.
• Ability to meet deadlines and goals and communicate results to leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive project management skills, keen attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the event planning cycle.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to take initiative and work proactively.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear, concise manner.