Manager, Conference Experience and Operations – National Association of REALTORS® • Washington, DC (Hybrid) – posted September 14, 2026

Position Summary

Manage end-to-end operational planning and execution for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) major conferences and convention-center environments, including NAR NXT and the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings (RLM). This role manages Expo operational infrastructure, General Session production logistics, convention-center activations, event utilities, security and first aid, accessibility, signage and wayfinding, budgets, vendor relationships and onsite execution. The Manager also serves as the operational lead for the NXT™ FEST Welcome Event, an opening experience designed for approximately 7,000 attendees. Working across internal teams, venues, general service contractors and external partners, this position ensures conference environments are cohesive, engaging, safe and aligned with NAR’s strategic goals.

Duties And Responsibilities

Conference Experience & Convention Center Operations

  • Lead operational planning and onsite execution for NAR’s major conference environments.
  • Develop, maintain and distribute operational specifications through NAR’s event requirements/resume system, including space assignments, room sets, production requirements and service needs.
  • Coordinate conference floor plans, attendee flow, environmental design and operational dependencies with venues, the general service contractor and internal stakeholders.
  • Lead attendee-facing activations throughout the convention center, from concept development and feasibility review through vendor coordination, installation, onsite management and post-event evaluation.
  • Serve as the operational lead for the NXT™ FEST Welcome Event for approximately 7,000 attendees, managing the event environment, production and vendor logistics, guest flow, safety, accessibility and onsite execution.

Expo & Show Management Operations

  • Manage NAR’s Expo operational infrastructure, including show-management spaces, NAR-owned elements, non-sponsored common areas, stages, lounges and attendee-engagement environments.
  • Coordinate Expo specifications for food and beverage, audiovisual, internet, electrical, rigging, decorating, security, first aid, floral and other venue or contractor services.
  • Lead onsite Expo operations and coordinate execution of sold assets with the teams responsible for exhibit and sponsorship sales and fulfillment.

General Session & Production Logistics

  • Co-Manage operational logistics for General Session and other large-scale production environments in partnership with audiovisual and production partners, venues and internal stakeholders.
  • Coordinate room requirements, production schedules, backstage and support spaces, speaker-ready-room logistics, rigging, internet, electrical power and related production infrastructure.

Security, Safety, Accessibility & Attendee Services

  • Manage security, badge-checking and first-aid requirements for assigned conference environments, including vendor coordination, specifications, onsite execution and invoice reconciliation.

Signage, Branding & Wayfinding

  • Manage directional, operational and non-sponsored signage for convention centers and assigned venues, including signage plans, ordering, proofing, placement and onsite execution.
  • Serve as the operational liaison among the general service contractor, Marketing/Creative and other partners for conference branding and signage implementation.

Vendor, Contract & Financial Management

  • Support RFP processes, vendor selection, contract coordination and relationship management for assigned conference vendors and service contractors.
  • Manage pre-conference and post-conference meetings with venues and vendors, ensuring requirements, timelines and deliverables are documented and communicated.
  • Create, manage and forecast budgets for assigned conference operations, activations, vendor services and attendee-experience elements.
  • Track expenses, manage deposits, reconcile invoices and identify cost-management opportunities while maintaining event quality, safety and attendee experience.

Cross-Functional Expo & Sponsorship Coordination

  • Partner with NAR’s exhibit and sponsorship teams and external sales partners to integrate sold exhibit, sponsorship and activation requirements into the overall conference operations plan.
  • Own the operational integration and execution of exhibit and sponsorship elements; this role does not own exhibit or sponsorship sales, sponsor/exhibitor account management, commercial package development, benefit tracking or fulfillment of contracted marketing benefits.

Travel

  • Travel onsite for event execution, including extended onsite periods for major conferences; approximately 20% travel based on the annual event portfolio.

Other Duties

  • This position may be modified at any time to meet the changing needs of the Association.

Required

Qualifications :

  • 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in conference and event operations, including convention-center or tradeshow operations, show management, production logistics, vendor management and onsite execution.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, large-scale event environments that include show-floor operations, attendee activations and General Session or comparable production environments.
  • Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, RFP processes, contracts, budgets, invoice reconciliation and service delivery within a complex organization.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, competing priorities and firm deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders, cross-functional teams, vendors and external partners.
  • Collaborative, detail-oriented self-starter with sound judgment, adaptability and the ability to anticipate operational needs and solve problems onsite.

Preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management, business or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
  • CMP or comparable industry certification.
  • Previous experience in a membership organization, professional association or large-scale conference environment.

Compensation Range: $100,000-$120,000 for the Washington DC office.

NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance.

NAR is on a hybrid schedule and in the office 3 days a week.

Organizational Overview

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing world-class service to approximately 1.5 million REALTORS® working in the United States and around the world. The real estate industry is fast-paced and fast-changing–each year, our members participate in the sale, lease, and management of real estate. As in every industry, our members’ value proposition is constantly being challenged by innovation.

It is our mission to empower REALTORS® as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all. We cannot do that without the ideas, passion, and commitment from our talented employees. As our greatest assets, employees are offered their pick of competitive benefits/perks and flexible work options.

You can apply to this job using your profile from Indeed or by visiting https://realtors.applicantstack.com/x/login

Manager, Convention Operations – National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) – Tyson’s Corner, VA (on site) – posted September 14, 2026

About the job

Are you an organized, detail-driven event professional with a passion for bringing large-scale events to life? If so, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is looking for a dynamic Convention Operations Manager to plan, coordinate, and execute key operations for the world-class NADA Show.

This is a full-time position offering a positive work culture, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits. The role requires occasional travel (up to 10%), including weekday and weekend travel for site inspections, industry trade shows, and onsite event execution.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement convention center logistics for key areas of the NADA Show (offices, public spaces, Franchise Meetings, the PAC Suite, shuttle routes, registration, and specialized hubs like Relax and Restaurants). Oversee design, floor plans, A/V estimates, food and beverage selections, room sets, and signage.
  • Manage assignment of function space within the convention center and official NADA hotels for the Board of Directors, manufacturers, state associations (ATAEs), 20 Groups, exhibitors, and affiliate groups.
  • Oversee the planning, development, and execution of all NADA Show signage, working closely with NADA’s general service contractor throughout the process to ensure accurate production, placement, and onsite implementation.
  • Develop and manage RFPs, review contracts, assist with negotiations, track budgets, and reconcile vendor invoices. Build and maintain strong working relationships with facility personnel, suppliers, and industry representatives.
  • Oversee the creation, tracking, and fulfillment of sponsorship commitments for the NADA Show, keeping systems like Airtable and Envision seamlessly updated.
  • Serve as the main point of contact and lead operational logistics for NADA Franchise Meetings during the Show.
  • Establish event timelines, participate in planning meetings and site inspections, and collaborate across internal departments and leadership to ensure flawless event execution.
  • Assist with web, mobile app, and directory proofreading, maintain up-to-date process documentation, support general onsite operations as needed, and attend industry trade shows to stay ahead of market trends.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event management, business administration, or related field or equivalent amount of relevant experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of large-scale convention, trade show, or meeting planning experience required.
  • Proven ability to organize high volumes of detail, prioritize competing demands, manage long-term project timelines, and deliver high accuracy under pressure.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with a track record of building effective relationships with internal teams, external vendors, and executive stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with industry tools like Map Your Show, Envision, and Airtable is highly desired.
  • Proactive, self-motivated, and solution-oriented individual with the ability to take initiative, confidently manage events, and collaborate effectively within a team. Demonstrates flexibility, curiosity, and a strong willingness to learn, while actively seeking opportunities to improve processes and contribute to team success.
  • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred, or a strong interest in obtaining it preferred.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and travel as required for event operations.

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing the unique strengths and event management expertise you would bring to the NADA team. https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=1ccb5659-63a7-4dcd-a4e7-170cad923fdb&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CurrentOpenings&jobId=568268&source=LR

NADA is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspective and lived experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and lactation), sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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