Event Specialist

Kanarey is a creative and marketing company built for the global video-game industry. We partner with major publishers, developers, and entertainment IPs to produce world-class campaigns, events, content, and community experiences. With deep roots in gaming and anime culture, our mission is to bring unforgettable, fan-first experiences to life-online and in person.

As we grow our experiential team, we're seeking a passionate Event Specialist who thrives in the fast-paced world of conventions, live events, and fandom culture.

Requirements
Role Overview

The Event Specialist will plan, manage, and execute immersive events-including large-scale trade show booths (e.g., Anime Expo, PAX, Comic-Con, GDC), pop-up brand activations, press events, and private engagements for our gaming clients.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• LOVES anime, video games, fandom culture, and IRL community experiences
• Understands the technical side of exhibiting video games (hardware, platforms, peripherals, streaming setups)
• Has hands-on experience managing exhibitions, booth builds, or brand activations
• Thrives in a creative environment and can bring big ideas to life

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, production, and on-site execution for booths at major trade shows, gaming expos, and industry conventions.
• Manage pop-up events, influencer meetups, launch parties, and private client activations.
• Oversee vendor coordination (AV, fabrication, staging, equipment, staffing).
• Work closely with creative teams to develop immersive concepts, signage, and experiential features.
• Build event timelines, run-of-show schedules, packing lists, and on-site ops plans.
• Manage event budgets and reconcile expenses.
• Ensure technical readiness for demos (game builds, PCs/consoles, controllers, streaming gear, network requirements).
• Evaluate risk, safety, and compliance for all installations and operations.
• Represent Kana Rey and client brands professionally-before, during, and after each event.
• Gather performance metrics and create recap reports with insights and recommendations.

Qualifications

Required:

• 2-4+ years experience as an event specialist/producer, booth manager, experiential coordinator, or similar role.
• Demonstrated experience managing booths or installations at large trade shows or conventions.
• Strong understanding of video game hardware, platforms (PC/console/mobile), and technical setup workflows.
• Passion for anime, video games, fandom communities, and pop culture.
• Excellent communication and vendor-management skills.
• Ability to travel frequently and work long on-site hours during event periods.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in fast-paced environments.

Preferred:

• Experience with entertainment, gaming, or tech industry events.
• Knowledge of AV systems, lighting, sound, and staging fundamentals.
• Bilingual Japanese/English is a plus.
• Background in experiential marketing or creative production.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to produce high-impact experiences for major gaming IPs and entertainment brands.
• Cross-cultural work with teams in the US and Japan.
• Creative freedom and the chance to shape memorable fan experiences.
• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• Growth pathways into event production, experiential creative, or brand leadership.