Event Lead - Trade Show

Description

At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It's why we're coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another. We collectively forge our path forward with a level of commitment that speaks to who we are and where we're headed. We're proud to share our story and Make Amazing Happen at CDW.

Job Summary

The Events and Experience team creates meaningful opportunities for people to connect, learn, and grow through impactful, business-aligned events. The Event Planner leads end-to-end event execution, including strategic planning, logistics, and on-site coordination to deliver exceptional experiences for customers, partners, and coworkers. This role partners cross-functionally with Sales, Integrated Technology Solutions, Coworker Success, Product & Partner Management, IT, Marketing, and external vendors and agencies. Operating in a highly visible, customer-, partner-, and executive-facing capacity, this role requires exceptional professionalism, communication, and political savvy. Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to guide stakeholders and mentor junior staff are critical for success.

What you'll do

Event Planning

• Own full-cycle execution of events, including customer programs, internal meetings, and industry tradeshows-delivering seamless, high-impact experiences.

• Ensure all event elements align with CDW's brand standards, business priorities, and audience expectations through collaboration with the event strategy team.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners-including Sales, ITS, Marketing, Product & Partner Management, and Coworker Success-to scope event requirements, managelogistics, and deliver measurable outcomes.

Event Logistics & Execution

• Manage all logistical components of events, including hotel accommodations, vendor management, travel coordination, catering, and A/V.

• Develop and oversee comprehensive event documentation,event roadmap,production timelines, floorplans, staffing plans, and execution checklists.

• Serve as the onsite lead, ensuring flawless execution and real-time problem-solving for both corporate events and tradeshows.

• Lead post-event reconciliation, reporting, and team debriefs to evaluate outcomes and drive continuous improvement.

Tradeshow Management

• Own CDW's presence at key industry tradeshows, including booth layout, staffing, and onsite brand representation.

• Collaborate with both vendors and exhibit house partners to manage design,logistics, shipping, and installation/dismantle.

• Manage exhibitor deadlines, deliverables, and sponsorship activations with precision.

• Ensure brand consistency, partner alignment, and a compelling customer experience at every touchpoint.

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the liaison for external sponsors, partners, and vendors, ensuring their inclusion aligns with event goals and adds value to theattendeeexperience.

• Coordinate partner activations, including speaking opportunities, co-branded deliverables, and booth participation.

• Build strong internal relationships across CDW teams, acting as a consultative planner and trusted resource.

• Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence within the Events & Experience team.

Financial & Contract Management

• Manage event budgets, ensuring accuracy in forecasting,spendtracking, and reconciliation.

• Identifycost savings opportunities whilemaintainingexperience quality.

• Managecontracts with hotels, exhibit vendors, show organizers, and service providers-including attrition clauses, deposits, guarantees, and room blocks.

Marketing, Communications & Promotion

• Oversee development of event-related assets including invitations, signage, registration platforms,giveaways, and booth graphics.

• Manage attendee communications and registration processes pre-, during, and post-event.

• Collaborate with marketing teams to amplify event presence through digital, email, and social promotion.

• Ensure consistent branding across all event materials and show assets.

Experience & Quality Assurance

• Championingthe customer experience across all event types, ensuring thoughtful design and seamless execution.

• Proactivelyidentifyrisks and develop contingency plans to minimize disruption.

• Useattendeeand stakeholder feedback to refine event strategy and elevate impact.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure all event planning and executionalignswith CDW's internal policies and external regulations.

• Maintain planning documentation, templates, and SOPs that drive consistency and operational efficiency.

• Support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the team through documentation, training, and post-event reviews.

What we expect of you

• Bachelor's degree with 7 years of Sales and or Marketing experience including at least 3 years of tradeshow event planning OR 11 years of 7 years of Sales and or Marketing experience including at least 3 years of tradeshow event planning
• Demonstrated knowledge of technology product offerings and solutions
• Proven success in project management and organizational execution
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Experience with sales productivity tools and CRM platforms
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to engage effectively across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership
• Skilled in data analysis and conducting primary research
• Experience developing and executing strategic sales campaigns
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships
• Capable of working independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment
• Highly adaptable with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Builds trust by fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Willingness to work extended hours and occasional weekends as needed
• Availability during standard working hours as required by the project or program
• Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends; estimated 30%, varying throughout the year
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking required
• Cvent Usage is a plus

Pay range: $61,000 - $89,000 depending on experience and skill set
Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/
Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that's curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what's possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what's possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn't just what we do-it's how we do it. At CDW we act as one-building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win-focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward-staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That's why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees-working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a fullstack, fulllifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what's next.

Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.