Director, Events

DescriptionDirector of Events, Crain CommunicationsLocation: Open (Detroit, NYC, or Remote U.S. Preferred)Department: Events & ExperiencesReports to: VP, Corporate EventsPosition SummaryCrain Communications is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Events to lead the evolution of our B2B events portfolio - beginning with the flagship Automotive News brand and scaling across other verticals, including Modern Healthcare, Ad Age, and Pensions & Investments.This role will be responsible for defining and executing a long-term strategy that enhances audience value, deepens client relationships, and drives revenue growth through best-in-class in-person and virtual event experiences. A major focus will be on customer journey optimization - including registration strategy, Cvent flow design, and seamless onsite/offsite engagement.This individual will partner across editorial, marketing, sales, and product teams to deliver impactful tentpole events, executive gatherings, and new scalable formats. Ideal candidates bring a mix of strategic thinking, event lifecycle expertise, and a passion for delivering measurable results.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & Brand ExpansionDevelop and execute a multi-year events roadmap for Automotive News, with a clear path to scale across additional Crain brands.Identify opportunities to launch new formats (e.g., regional summits, executive dinners, micro-events) aligned to brand and audience goals.Translate editorial and audience insights into compelling event products.Audience & Customer ExperienceDesign the full attendee journey - from pre-event registration to on-site experience - with a focus on conversion, simplicity, and satisfaction.Oversee registration strategy and execution, including optimization of Cvent builds, ticketing tiers, group pricing, workflows, and reporting.Event Success & Business GrowthDevelop long-term strategic plans and roadmaps for event growth across key Crain brands, starting with Automotive News.Identify and test new event formats and audience engagement models (e.g., micro-events, regional summits, hybrid formats).Optimize the registration experience across platforms with a focus on ease, mobile experience, and conversion, including the on-site app experience.Drive pricing strategy and campaign planning to increase audience reach and registration yield. Partner with marketing on deployment.Continuously evaluate event performance and industry trends to inform growth decisions and future planning.Content & Production IntegrationPartner with programming teams to ensure content strategy aligns with audience expectations and editorial positioning.Collaborate with technical production teams on stage design, A/V experience, run-of-show flow, and brand presence.Maintain a strong working knowledge of event operations, vendors, and on-site execution.Stakeholder & Team LeadershipAct as the central cross-functional lead for all Automotive News events, managing timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.Oversee direct reports and collaborate with centralized functional teams (registration, sponsorship, operations, tech production).Implement strong planning tools, workflows, and performance reporting to drive accountability and visibility.Qualifications10+ years of B2B event experience, with a focus on large-scale conferences, summits, and awards programsProven ability to scale event portfolios across multiple brands or business unitsStrong expertise in Cvent (registration, build logic, reporting) and attendee experience designAbility to build high-trust relationships with editorial, marketing, and sales leadersExceptional communication, time management, and project leadership skillsTeam-oriented mindset with experience managing direct reports and c

Created: 2025-11-01