Director of Events

POSITION SUMMARY:

Key Responsibilities

SOCMA is the leading trade association representing the specialty chemical industry. Events are a core component of SOCMA’s value proposition, driving member engagement, industry connection, and non-dues revenue.

The Director of Events leads the planning, execution, and ongoing development of SOCMA’s events portfolio, including the SOCMA Summit and Show. This role is responsible for strengthening event performance, enhancing the attendee experience, and supporting organizational priorities. The Director works closely with membership, marketing, and industry program teams to ensure events are well executed, aligned, and positioned for continued growth.

Event Strategy & Portfolio Development

Develop and evolve SOCMA’s events portfolio to support organizational prioritiesIdentify and drive opportunities to grow attendance, sponsorship, and overall event valueEvaluate event performance and implement improvementsAlign events with member needs and overall organizational strategyEvaluate and select event locations, including site visits

Event Execution & Strategy

Lead planning and execution of SOCMA events, including the annual meeting and trade showOversee timelines, logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site operationsEnsure a consistent, high-quality experience across all eventsShape event programming, speaker strategy, and overall attendee experience

Revenue & Sponsorship

Partner with leadership on sponsorship strategy and packaging, and drive executionLead exhibitor engagement and retention effortsWork closely with marketing and membership teams to drive attendanceTrack and report on event performance metricsManage event budgets, including tracking revenue, expenses, and overall performance

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Coordinate closely with membership, marketing, communications, and industry program teams to ensure successful execution of eventsEnsure alignment between event programming, member engagement, and organizational messaging

Work across teams to support planning and execution of major events and related initiatives, including workshops and regional meetingsSupport event planning and execution for affiliated organizations as needed, based on organizational priorities and capacity

Operations & Process Improvement

Identify and implement improvements to event workflows and processesDevelop tools and systems to support efficient executionDrive improvements in event technology and data tracking

Vendor & Partner Management

Manage relationships with venues, vendors, and contractorsOversee contract coordination and ensure vendor deliverables are metLead negotiation of contracts with venues, vendors, and event partners, with final terms subject to internal review and approvalMonitor costs and ensure effective use of event resources

Education and Experience

8–10+ years of experience in event planning, meetings, or conference managementExperience leading the planning and execution of large-scale events or trade shows, including multi-day programs and exhibitor componentsExperience managing event budgets and working with revenue targets, including sponsorships and exhibitor engagementDemonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, timelines, and prioritiesExperience developing and advancing event strategy and portfolio growthExperience working within a trade association, nonprofit, or member-driven organization is preferredBachelor’s degree required; relevant field preferredCMP (Certified Meeting Professional) certification or similar industry credential preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong understanding of event planning and execution, including large-scale meetings, conferences, and trade showsAbility to manage complex projects with multiple timelines, stakeholders, and competing prioritiesStrong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to execute at a high levelAbility to think strategically about event performance while also managing day-to-day executionStrong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work effectively across teamsAbility to influence cross-functional teams and drive accountability without direct authorityAbility to build and maintain relationships with vendors, partners, exhibitors, and sponsorsSound judgment and problem-solving skills, particularly in fast-paced or high-pressure event environmentsAbility to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team setting