New

Director, Tradeshow and Industry Events

AIT Worldwide Logistics, INC.

parental leave, sick time, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)

United States, Illinois, Itasca

2 Pierce Place (Show on map)

Nov 26, 2025

Director, Tradeshow and Industry Events

2025-6427

Position Type

Regular Full-Time

Introduction

Join us at AIT, where we believe every day presents an opportunity to make a global impact!

We're problem solvers, driven by our curiosity and creativity, in endless pursuit of solutions for our customers. Together, we champion the strength of our global teams. And, as trusted advisors, we go above and beyond, working together in a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure customer satisfaction.

Through the company's continued growth, we challenge ourselves to be better, continuously learning and growing in our dynamic environment. Helping others is at the core of our culture, join us in finding fulfillment by giving back to our local communities as the united team that is AIT. Find out what our people deliver. means when you come move the world with us! Hear directly from our teammates at AIT Worldwide Logistics and make us the next stop on your career journey.

Overview

The Director, Tradeshow and Industry Events is responsible for leading the global events strategy and execution to drive corporate growth and market expansion. This role establishes a long-term, multi-year roadmap for tradeshows and industry events, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and maximizing return on marketing investment (ROMI).

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:
* Define and execute the global events strategy and roadmap.
* Align event initiatives with corporate growth objectives and market expansion priorities.
* Implement risk management and contingency planning for all major activations.

Operational Excellence:
* Direct global event activations, ensuring flawless execution across regions.
* Standardize processes, documentation, run-of-show materials, and production schedules.
* Oversee tradeshow operations team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Financial Management:
* Develop and manage comprehensive event budgets.
* Ensure cost control, financial reporting, and vendor compliance.
* Negotiate vendor contracts to secure favorable terms and optimize resources.
Data-Driven Insights:
* Leverage analytics platforms to measure performance, scalability, and continuous improvement.
* Establish performance metrics to evaluate event success and team effectiveness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
* Partner with brands, product teams, regions, and vertical markets from space agreements through post-show execution.
* Manage key vendor relationships and third-party partnerships across regions.
* Interface with executive stakeholders to ensure alignment and visibility.
Global Engagement:
* Represent the company at tradeshows and industry events through onsite leadership at high profiled, selected events.
* Travel as required for in-person and virtual engagements with vendors and stakeholders.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards
The wage range for this position is $142,400.00-$205,100.00 and may vary based on geography as well as relative knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience

Qualifications

Education
* Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience
* 10+ years of progressive experience in event management (Required) and
* 5+ years in a leadership role (Required)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Proficiency in brand management platforms, creative software, and analytics tools. Experience with Cvent platform or similar High
* Understanding of Asana, Mondaymorning.com or similar High
* Proven track record of developing and executing multiyear global event strategies aligned with corporate growth objectives. Ability to align event strategy to organizational goals High
* Demonstrated success in negotiating vendor contracts to secure favorable terms and ensure exhibitor compliance.Experience managing thirdparty agencies and vendors across regions, including production, logistics, and technology partners. High
* Experience managing large-scale international tradeshows and industry events across multiple regions (e.g., North America, EMEA, APAC, LATAM), including on site people leadership, process activation, technology, and international travel for event execution.Strong background in crossfunctional collaboration with product, brand, regional, and vertical market teams. High
* In-depth understanding of HubSpot Medium
* Ability to translate business strategy into brand initiatives with measurable impact Medium
* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Products Medium
* Excellent organizational skills, people leadership methods, always open lines of communication Medium

Licenses and Certifications
* Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) - (Required) or
* - Certified Special Events Professional, CSEP (Preferred) or
* - Certification Exhibition Management (Preferred)

What AIT Can Offer You

In addition to your base compensation, you may be eligible for a bonus based on achievement of business and/or individual performance metrics (dependent on position). Benefits offered include Medical, Prescription, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Supplemental Health, Employee Support, Paid Parental Leave, Pet Insurance, 401(k) and Tuition Reimbursement. In addition, teammates may be eligible for up to 10 to 20 days of vacation (depending on tenure), 2 personal days, 1 floating holiday, 5 sick days, 5 volunteer hours, and 6 company holidays (plus Veterans Day for Veterans) annually.

About AIT Worldwide

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT's flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail-on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT's full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.

AIT Worldwide Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veterans/Disabled. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact Human Resources at 630-766-8300 ext 5218.