Manager, Industry Events

Job Description Summary

The Manager, Industry Events reports to the SVP, Industry Trade Partnerships, Co-Marketing & Events and plays a critical role in bringing Horizon's Trade Marketing strategy to life through exceptional execution. As part of Horizon's Corporate Marketing organization, the Trade Marketing team is responsible for strengthening the agency's visibility, influence and relationships across the marketing and media ecosystem. Through industry events, strategic partnerships, sponsor ships, commercial alliances and executive engagement, the team creates opportunities that elevate Horizon's brand, deepen client and partner relationships and support business growth.

The Manager, Industry Events serves as the operational lead across Horizon's portfolio of industry programs, overseeing the planning and execution of tentpole events, executive experiences and partner activations. This individual will translate strategy into action by managing complex programs from concept through execution while building scalable processes that enable operational excellence across the function.

• 50% - Industry Event Planning & Execution:
  Lead end-to-end planning and execution of Horizon-owned events, third-party industry conferences, executive experiences and client-facing activations. Develop integrated project plans, timelines, budgets and production schedules across multiple concurrent initiatives. Oversee venue selection, registration, travel logistics, speaker management, run-of-show development, production schedules and onsite execution. Manage relationships with venues, production partners, agencies and vendors to ensure successful delivery against scope, budget and timelines.
  
  Anticipate operational risks and proactively implement solutions to ensure seamless execution. Serve as the primary operational lead for high-profile agency initiatives including industry tentpole events and executive engagement programs.
• 20% - Sponsorship & Partnership Activation:
  Lead execution of sponsorship benefits and partner activation plans across Horizon's Trade Marketing portfolio. Coordinate partner communications, asset development, promotional timelines and co-marketing deliverables. Ensure contractual obligations and activation milestones are executed with excellence while cultivating strong external relationships. Collaborate with internal marketing, communications, creative and business teams to maximize the impact of each activation.
• 15% - Program Operations & Process Optimization:
  Develop and maintain scalable project management processes, operational playbooks and standardized workflows. Build tools and templates that improve planning, communication and execution across the Trade Marketing function. Manage event budgets, purchase orders, invoices and financial reconciliation in partnership with Finance. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency and operational effectiveness across programs.
• 10% - Cross-Functional Leadership:
  Partner closely cross functionally with key internal collaborators from teams like Corporate Marketing, Communications, Product Marketing, Creative, Executive Leadership, Business Solutions (Client Management), Investment Partnerships, Finance, Legal and Procurement to successfully execute integrated initiatives. Serve as the central point of coordination across stakeholders, ensuring alignment, accountability and proactive communication throughout each project.
• 5% - Team & Department Contribution:
  Contribute to the continued evolution of Horizon's Trade Marketing function through process improvements, knowledge sharing and operational best practices. Participate in department initiatives that strengthen collaboration, culture and organizational effectiveness. Support mentoring and onboarding of new team members as the function continues to grow.

5-7+ years of experience in event marketing, experiential marketing, integrated marketing, partnership marketing or project management within an agency, media, marketing or technology environment. Demonstrated success leading complex, high-visibility events involving executive stakeholders and external partners. Exceptional project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail. Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, contracts and production timelines.

Strong communication, collaboration and relationship-building skills across all levels of an organization. Highly organized, resourceful and solutions-oriented with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. AI literate with an appetite to implement emerging tools and technologies that enhance efficiency and team workflows. Demonstrated curiosity and initiative in applying AI driven insights, communications technology, and modern best practices. Experience using project management tools like  and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to travel domestically in support of industry events. Occasional…