Event Operations Manager - Conference and Events
hace 2 días
Madrid
The world depends on digital infrastructure. We empower the people who invest, plan, design, build, and operate it to make better decisions in a fast moving and complex environment. To achieve this, we collaborate with and connect the most important stakeholders in the global technology and services supply chain, curating and creating always-on content, learning and events that support the mission-critical workforce. We have been publishing content, L&D programs and running events exclusively for the data center industry since 1998. Our web traffic is over 15,000,000 each year and we engage an active database of 300,000+ professionals across the digital infrastructure ecosystem. We help organisations who want to influence this market build highly targeted, underwritten, multichannel marketing campaigns that are aligned to modern B2B tech-buyer journeys. They deliver attributable pipeline and revenue impact that our sales intelligence platform reports in real-time. DCD Connect is DCD’s live event series with events in London, New York, Bali, Dubai, India and Virginia, plus Madrid, Cancun and Sao Paulo. This portfolio of events is set to generate over £16 million revenue in 2025. DCD Connect events bring together the most senior level decision makers from across the region's data center design and construction supply chain, for 2 days of debates, workshops, panels, interviews, demos and 1-2-1 introductions to support technology and partner discovery and day-to-day best-practice. In addition to our industry-leading content, we host a variety of networking and relationship building opportunities, so that buyers can connect with the industry's tech innovators in a 5-star setting, (think exclusive hosted lunches, networking cafes, open bars and wine-tasting experiences, industry nights) to reinforce existing relationships and build new ones. As DCD deliver industry-leading events which attract considerable sponsorship revenue, we therefore work to design commercial, content-rich conferences and networking experiences whose content, format and quality is such that: Attendees take away cutting-edge, insightful regional content from key industry thought leaders Sponsors gain access to large, senior and diverse audiences of qualified buyers and purchase influencers, offering a solid, measurable return on investment for our customers DCD stands out from the competition and creates events which are so compelling that delegates and sponsors come to regard them as truly essential Reporting into the Head of Operations, the Event Operations Manager is a hands-on role responsible for the end-to-end planning and delivery of DCD’s live events across LATAM. The role owns all event operations and logistics, ensuring a high-quality experience for delegates, sponsors, and stakeholders before, during, and after each assigned event. You will deliver seamless event execution across all operational elements, including venue and exhibition/conference management, AV and production, signage, security, stakeholder coordination, and overall customer experience. This is a delivery-focused role suited to a solutions-driven events professional who thrives in fast-paced environments. Working closely with the Head of Operations, internal teams, and external partners, you will manage all technical and logistical aspects of event delivery, bringing both operational rigour and creativity to deliver engaging, experiential events with the visitor journey at the heart of every decision. The role spans the full event lifecycle, from pre-event planning through to on-site delivery and post-event review, contributing directly to the success and continuous improvement of DCD’s events portfolio. Event Planning & Operational Delivery Lead and deliver the end-to-end operational planning and execution of events from concept through to post-event close-down. Build and manage detailed event plans, timelines, production schedules, budgets, floorplans, and run-of-show documents. Ensure all operational elements align with event objectives, brand standards, and the overall attendee experience. Take full ownership of the operational delivery of assigned events, acting as the primary executor as well as the decision-maker Provide hands-on operational support to the wider ops team, flexing across projects and event cycles when needed. Work closely with Sales, Client Relations, Content and Marketing to align operational plans with commercial and content objectives. Logistics, Venues & Supplier Management Plan, coordinate, and deliver all logistical elements including venues, AV, production, staging, catering, staffing, registration, signage, transport, internet, security, and health & safety. Source, brief, appoint, and manage suppliers and contractors, handling the full RFP, briefing, negotiation, and contracting process in collaboration with the Head of Operations. Act as the main point of contact for venues and suppliers, managing access times, technical constraints, local regulations, and operational logistics. Build and manage production schedules and on-site plans, ensuring all milestones are met. Budgeting & Financial Control Own event budgets end-to-end, including forecasting, cost control, approvals, and reconciliation. Track all spend against budget and ensure costs are approved, accurately forecasted, and reported. Identify cost efficiencies while maintaining quality and delegate experience. Branding, Signage & Show Features Plan and deliver event branding, signage, sponsor visibility, and show features, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines. Coordinate production and installation of signage and on-site features with suppliers and internal teams. Ensure sponsor deliverables and branded assets are positioned and executed correctly on site. Own the on-site experience, ensuring a high standard of delivery for delegates, sponsors, and clients from registration through to live event days. Act as an escalation point for delegate, sponsor, or client queries before and during events. Work with internal teams to deliver engaging networking areas, ancillary events, and attendee touchpoints. Risk Management, Compliance & Health & Safety Ensure compliance with all health, safety, legal, and venue requirements, including RAMS, insurance, permits, and local regulations. On-Site Management & Problem Solving Lead on-site build, live delivery, and breakdown, acting as the senior operational point of contact. Manage and coordinate suppliers, contractors and internal teams on site. Ensure all event elements are delivered to specification, on schedule, and to a high standard. Post-Event & Continuous Improvement Oversee event close-down, final supplier payments, and evaluations. Lead operational post-event debriefs and reviews, capturing learnings and identifying improvements. Contribute to the development of operational processes, templates, and best practices for future events. Fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese Proven experience in event operations, ideally within exhibitions, confex-style events, or large-scale conferences (typically 3-5 years in a similar role) Ability to manage multiple workstreams, work to tight deadlines, and remain calm and professional under pressure during live events Pragmatic and solutions-focused, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively when challenges arise Confident team player, comfortable working across departments and with senior internal and external stakeholders Experience working with budgets, suppliers, and operational documentation, including floor plans and stand drawings Proficient in Microsoft Office and G Suite (e.g. Excel, Google Sheets) Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally to support DCD events, including Europe, Mexico and Brasil Flexibility to work outside standard office hours, including evenings and weekends, in line with event schedules and time zones Attendance at events is a mandatory requirement due to the onsite nature of the role Hybrid working scheme (3 days in the office) ~22 days holiday entitlement, long service leave, and birthday off ~ Access to a health insurance ~ Early Friday finishes in summer ~ Fresh fruit and snacks in the office ~ Regular socials and celebrations