Senior Trade Show Manager
Reston, VA - USA
Job Summary
Leidos isseekinga strategic and execution-focusedSenior Trade Show Managerto lead the planning and delivery of high-impact trade shows and events from local engagements to large-scale national and international programs. This role plays a critical part in driving brand visibility supporting business development and delivering measurable results aligned with enterprise growthobjectives.
The ideal candidate combines strong program management marketing integration and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability tooperatein a fast-paced high-visibility environment.
Key Responsibilities
Event Strategy & Execution
Develop and execute comprehensive trade showand event strategies aligned with Leidos business priorities growthobjectives and brand positioning.
Manage a portfolio of trade shows ranging from regional engagements to large-scale national and international trade shows.
Evaluate and recommend event participation opportunities based on strategic relevance audience engagement and return on investment.
Partner with Growth Communications and Marketing/Branding to ensure events support customer engagement pipeline growth and strategic messaging.
Ensure all events reflect Leidos brand standards and deliver a high-quality professional attendee experience.
Program & Logistics Management
Lead all phases of event planning and execution including venue coordination booth development exhibit management production schedules transportation and onsite operations.
Manage eventlogisticsincludingboothdesign and fabrication graphics production shipping and freight coordination inventory management registration processes etc.
Oversee event timelines and project plans to ensure milestones deliverables and operational requirements are met.
Coordinate setup and teardown activities while proactivelyidentifyingand resolving operational challenges.
Ensure compliance with organizational processes procurement requirements and event-specific regulations.
Budget & Financial Oversight
Develop and manage event budgets across multiple programs and business areas.
Track expenditures reconcile invoices and ensure effective stewardship of company resources.
Negotiate vendor contracts sponsorship agreements and service-level commitments to maximize value and operational efficiency.
Provide financial reporting and post-event budget analysis including ROI assessments and recommendations for future investments.
Marketing & Communications Integration
Collaborate with integrated marketing digital and communications teams to support event marketing strategies that increase awareness engagement and lead generation.
Support development of event-specific messaging promotional campaigns presentations and executive briefing materials.
Coordinate pre-show onsite and post-show communications strategies across multiple channels.
Leverage social media digital engagement tools CRM systems and marketing automation platforms to enhance attendee engagement and lead tracking.
Partner with Growth Strategic Accounts and Communications teams to ensure eventobjectivesalign with customer and growth priorities.
Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
Build andmaintainstrong relationships with internal stakeholders senior leadership vendors event organizers and strategic partners.
Serve as a trusted advisor to internal teamsregardingevent strategy planning and execution.
Collaborate cross-functionally across communications marketing communications growth operations and leadership teams to drive successful event outcomes.
Support executive engagement activities including customer meetings leadership briefings and VIP experiences during events.
Onsite Leadership & Team Coordination
Serve as the primary onsite lead for assigned events ensuring smooth execution and rapid issue resolution.
Direct onsite staff vendors contractors and support personnel tomaintainoperational excellence and a consistent brand presence.
Manage real-time event adjustments and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment whilemaintainingprofessionalism and composure.
Ensure all onsite activities support positive customer experiences and strengthen Leidos market presence.
Relationship Management & Influence
Establish collaborative partnerships across all levels of the organization.
Influence decision-making and drive progress in support of businessobjectives.
Foster a culture of teamwork accountability and continuous improvement across event programs.
Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement
Track and analyze event performance metrics including attendee engagement lead generation pipeline contribution and overall ROI.
Conduct post-event reviews and debrief sessions with stakeholders toidentifylessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
Develop recommendations and best practices tooptimizefuture trade show participation and event execution.
Maintain awareness of industry trends emerging technologies and evolving event strategies to continuously enhance program effectiveness.
Qualifications
To be effective in this role candidates should meet the following qualifications:
Bachelors degree with 8 years of experience developing and deploying communications and event strategies; OR Masters degree with 6 years of experience. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
Strong project management experience supporting trade shows marketing and communications initiatives.
Experience with virtual and hybrid event platforms and emerging event technologies.
Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships and influence across all levels of the organization.
Ability to multitask adapt and work effectively in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to manage ambiguity and shiftingpriorities.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting defense government or technology-focused organizations.
Experience managing large-scale national and international trade shows.
Familiarity with CRM and event technologies supporting lead capture and reporting.
Additional Information
Willingness to travel asto support events (domestic and international).
Bachelors degree in Marketing Communications Business or related field preferred.
Why Join Leidos
This role offers the opportunity to shape how Leidos engages with customers and partners across key markets. You will work alongside cross-functional leaders to deliver impactful experiences that strengthen brand presence and drive business growth.
If youre looking for comfort keep scrolling. At Leidos we outthink outbuild and outpace the status quo because the mission demands it. Were not hiring followers. Were recruiting the ones who disrupt provoke and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. Were already at step 30 and moving faster than anyone else dares.
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity alignment with market data applicable bargaining agreement (if any) or other law.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. Our 47,000 employees collaborate to create smarter technology solutions for customers in these critical markets.