Senior Lead Trade Show Event Manager

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities.

At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter.

This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today.

The External Event Marketing Manager is responsible for leading the execution of Lumen's Tier 1 and Tier 2 third-party event portfolio. This role serves as a key member of the External Event Strategy team, translating event strategies into flawless onsite execution and measurable business results. The manager partners closely with Sales, Product, Partner Marketing, Communications, and agency teams to deliver exceptional event experiences while maintaining ownership of planning, operations, logistics, staffing, and onsite production.

Acting as a versatile "pinch hitter" across programs, this individual develops planning documents, builds scalable event processes, manages agency partners, oversees ancillary event production, and serves as an onsite leader responsible for execution excellence from planning through post-event reporting. Success in this role requires strong project management, attention to detail, cross-functional collaboration, and a willingness to take ownership and lead under pressure.

Candidates must reside in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, or surrounding markets to support the regional coverage requirements of the role.

• Lead end-to-end execution for Tier 1 and Tier 2 third-party events, ensuring programs are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned to business objectives.
• Support the External Event Strategy lead in executing portfolio plans and bringing event strategies to life across key industry programs.
• Own event planning documentation, timelines, project plans, run-of-shows, staffing schedules, and execution work streams.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact and manager for event agencies, vendors, venues, and production partners.
• Lead onsite event execution, managing logistics, stakeholder engagement, staffing, issue resolution, and overall event operations.
• Develop and manage event staffing plans, ensuring resources are effectively deployed before, during, and after events.
• Produce ancillary events, including customer dinners, executive round tables, receptions, hospitality programs, meeting experiences, and partner engagements that complement event objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Sales, Product Marketing, Communications, Brand, IT, and Partner Marketing to drive seamless execution and customer experiences.
• Create and maintain scalable event processes, templates, and planning tools to improve operational efficiency across the portfolio.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, and vendor deliverables while ensuring adherence to brand standards and organizational requirements.
• Track event results and contribute to post-event reporting, insights, and recommendations for future program improvements.
• Identify opportunities to enhance attendee engagement and deliver innovative activations that extend beyond traditional booth experiences.

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of professional experience, or 6+ years with a Master's degree.
• 5+ years of experience executing large-scale third-party events, conferences, trade shows, or experiential marketing programs.
• Experience supporting major industry events such as AWS re:
  
  Invent, Microsoft Ignite, Cisco Live, Gartner Symposium, Mobile World Congress, or similar programs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex event work streams simultaneously with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experienc…