Automation Alley is seeking an experienced event
professional to join our operations team in a role that blends events,
conference, and expo management with supporting responsibilities related to grant
program operations.
About Automation Alley
Automation Alley is Michigan’s Digital Transformation
Insight Center — a nonprofit technology business association accelerating the
growth and global competitiveness of businesses through Industry 4.0
technologies and innovation.
With a regional foundation of more than 4,000 member
companies spanning all 83 Michigan counties, Automation Alley unites industry,
academia, and government to build a connected ecosystem that drives
technological adoption, workforce development, and economic prosperity. Over
the past 25 years, our programs have engaged one in three Michigan
manufacturers, helping companies of all sizes develop the skills, strategies,
and partnerships needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Job Description
Automation Alley is seeking an organized, driven, and
versatile events professional to join our team. The ideal candidate thrives in
a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing multiple large- and small-scale
events simultaneously, and is energized by the opportunity to represent
Michigan's manufacturing and technology ecosystem.
As a key member of the Operations team, this position will
lead the planning and execution of trade shows, pavilions, conferences, expos,
and member-facing events. The role is responsible for managing all aspects of
event logistics and operations, from concept through execution, while ensuring
a high-quality experience for attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, an
excellent communicator, and comfortable managing relationships with external
partners, vendors, member companies, and internal stakeholders. They are
equally confident coordinating the logistics of a trade show booth, managing
onsite event operations, and supporting strategic organizational initiatives
through exceptional event execution.
This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Troy,
Michigan (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) and requires periodic
travel to industry trade shows, conferences, and member events.
Duties and Responsibilities
Events, Expos & Pavilion Management
- Lead
Automation Alley's participation in trade shows, industry conferences, and
expos, including booth planning, logistics coordination, vendor
management, shipping, signage, staffing, and onsite execution.
- Collaborate
with the Marketing team on branded pavilions, exhibitor experiences, and
shared exhibitor spaces featuring member and partner companies, including
exhibitor onboarding, contracts, booth assignments, payment tracking, and
onsite support.
- Plan
and execute Automation Alley-hosted events, workshops, receptions,
networking events, and program-related convening both onsite at
Automation Alley facilities and at offsite venues.
- Manage
event logistics and operations for client and member events hosted at
Automation Alley facilities or external venues, serving as the primary
point of contact for venues, vendors, caterers, AV providers, and event
stakeholders.
- Develop
and manage event budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and operational
plans to ensure successful event delivery and an exceptional attendee
experience.
- Manage
contracts, memorandums of understanding, sponsorship agreements, and
exhibitor agreements from initial drafting through execution.
- Track,
analyze, and report on event outcomes, attendance, engagement, and event
performance metrics.
- Maintain
event records and registration data within Zoho CRM, including creating,
updating, and managing event listings that populate Automation Alley's
public website and event calendar.
- Manage
event registrations and attendee communications through CRM and event
management platforms.
- Produce
regular status updates, dashboards, and post-event reports for internal
leadership.
Requirements
- Three
or more years of experience in event management, trade show coordination,
conference planning, or event operations.
- Willingness
and ability to travel to trade shows and industry events as required.
- Proven
ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and external partners
simultaneously.
- Experience
working with contracts, vendors, sponsors, and partner agreements.
- Strong
organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to
detail.
- Excellent
written and verbal communication skills.
- Collaborative
team player with a proactive, problem-solving mindset who thrives in a
fast-paced environment.
- Strong
quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to track metrics and
produce clear reports.
- Experience in the nonprofit or manufacturing ecosystem
- Proficiency
in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).
- Experience
using project management tools such as Trello or similar platforms.
- Experience
using CRM or event management systems such as Zoho CRM or similar
platforms.
Benefits
- Flexible work arrangements,
including remote work options
- Comprehensive health, vision, and
dental insurance
- Generous paid time off, including
vacation, sick leave, and 14 paid holidays annually, including the observance
of Juneteenth and Veterans Day. Additionally, Automation Alley observes
extended time off during the year-end holiday period between late December and
early January.
- Opportunities for professional
development and growth