Manager, Events

Job Summary / Purpose

The Manager, Events leads the planning and execution of Illumia's trade show program from strategy through on-site delivery, manages and coaches the Events Specialist, and plays a key role in supporting Illumia's annual user conference, Momentum, in close partnership with Marketing leadership.

Who you will work with

Partners closely with Growth Marketing Managers, and Sales leadership, and collaborates with Product Marketing and external vendors, venues, and sponsors to align event strategy with business goals.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Leads end-to-end planning and execution of Illumia's trade show program, including strategy, budget, staffing, and on-site management.
• Manages the Events Specialist, setting priorities, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Partners with Marketing leadership on planning, registration, and on-site operations for Illumia's annual user conference, Momentum.
• Owns trade show budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective, high-quality execution.
• Directs show calendars, task checklists, and timelines across the full event portfolio.
• Oversees shipping, booth logistics, and product demo kit readiness for all trade shows and conferences.
• Manages sponsorship deliverables and association memberships in partnership with Growth Marketing Managers.
• Builds relationships with sponsors, exhibitors, and industry partners to elevate Illumia's presence at key events.
• Leads onsite trade show execution, including booth setup and teardown, management of sales staff onsite, and coordination of activations and event experiences.
• Owns trade show marketing strategy, including campaign alignment, onsite activations, and event themes that reinforce Illumia's brand and messaging.
• Collaborates with Marketing Ops to deliver event campaigns and ensure all leads are tracked, loaded, and delivered accurately and on time.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5-7+ years of experience managing trade shows, conferences, or corporate events, including experience directly supervising or coaching staff.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, vendor contracts, and multiple concurrent events.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel to tradeshows, 2-3X/month on average.
• Experience with detailed event project management, including building and adhering to schedules and deadlines and holding cross-functional partners accountable to their own deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of identifying event ROI and opportunities to improve ROI, driving efficiencies across financial metrics and event execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CVENT or comparable event management platforms.
• Experience managing user conferences or trade shows within education, healthcare, or technology industries.
• Prior experience directly supervising or mentoring event staff.

Essential Functions of the job

The duties and responsibilities described in this job description are intended to represent the essential functions of the position as defined under applicable federal, state, and local labor laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These functions are the fundamental job duties required for successful performance.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties may be added, removed, or modified at any time in accordance with business needs and applicable law.

What is good to know

Requires willingness to travel up to 10% annually to support on-site event execution, ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends during peak event season, and occasional lifting or moving of event equipment and materials.

Competencies and Behaviors

• Leadership and coaching: builds capability in direct reports through clear direction, feedback, and mentorship.
• Strategic execution: balances big-picture event strategy with meticulous on-site logistics.
• Collaboration: partners effectively across Marketing, Sales, and external vendors.
• Adaptability: manages competing deadlines and shifting priorities with composure.

Our leaders are Humble, Hungry, and Smart

• Humble: The right leaders for Illumia don't need to own the spotlight - they share credit, define success collectively, and are quick to elevate the contributions of others. This is a company that still writes its story. The leaders who thrive here find energy in building something together, not in being recognized as the smartest person in the room.
• Hungry: We are not looking for caretakers. We are looking for leaders who are restless about what's possible, self-motivated to close the gap between where we are today and where we need to be, and who are already thinking about the next opportunity before anyone asks.
• Smart: At Illumia, our leaders must operate across a complex, distributed organization spanning multiple product lines, two legacy cultures, and thousands of customers with competing priorities. Technical skills matter, but the ability to read a room, build trust across functions, and bring people along is what separates a great leader from one who burns the organization out.

Additional information

This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable state wage-and-hour laws.

What you get when you join our team

• Flexible time off to include paid holidays and volunteer time.
• Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans on your first day of employment
• Comprehensive employee assistance program (EAP)
• Employer-paid life insurance/AD&D/short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)
• Matched 401(k)
• Employee stock purchase plan

• Base salary offers for this position may vary based on factors such as location, skills, and relevant experience.
• Some positions may include additional compensation in the form of bonus, equity, or commissions.
• A reasonable base salary range is $70,000.00 - $100,000.00

Your personal information will be handled in accordance with Illumia's Candidate Privacy Notice