Crain Communications
Overview
Description
Director of Events, Crain Communications
Location: Open (Detroit, NYC, or Remote U.S. Preferred) Department: Events & Experiences Reports to: VP, Corporate Events This role is to lead the evolution of Crain Communications' B2B events portfolio, starting with Automotive News and scaling across other brands including Modern Healthcare, Ad Age, and Pensions & Investments. The Director of Events will define and execute a long-term strategy to enhance audience value, deepen client relationships, and drive revenue growth through best-in-class in-person and virtual 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 with editorial, marketing, sales, and product teams to deliver tentpole events, executive gatherings, and scalable formats. Ideal candidates bring strategic thinking, event lifecycle expertise, and a track record of measurable results. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Brand Expansion
Develop and execute a multi-year events roadmap for Automotive News with a path to scale across additional Crain brands. Identify opportunities to launch new formats (regional summits, executive dinners, micro-events) aligned to brand and audience goals. Translate editorial and audience insights into compelling event products. Audience & Customer Experience
Design the 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 Growth
Develop long-term strategic plans and roadmaps for event growth across 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 registration experience across platforms with focus on mobile and conversion, including on-site app experience. Drive pricing strategy and campaign planning to increase reach and yield; partner with marketing on deployment. Continuously evaluate event performance and industry trends to inform growth decisions and future planning. Content & Production Integration
Partner with programming teams to ensure content 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 strong working knowledge of event operations, vendors, and on-site execution. Stakeholder & Team Leadership
Serve as the central cross-functional lead for all Automotive News events, managing timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables. Oversee direct reports and collaborate with centralized teams (registration, sponsorship, operations, tech production). Implement planning tools, workflows, and performance reporting to drive accountability and visibility.
Qualifications
10+ years of B2B event experience, with a focus on large-scale conferences, summits, and awards programs Proven ability to scale event portfolios across multiple brands or business units Strong expertise in Cvent (registration, build logic, reporting) and attendee experience design Ability to build high-trust relationships with editorial, marketing, and sales leaders Exceptional communication, time management, and project leadership skills Team-oriented mindset with experience managing direct reports and cross-functional initiatives Understanding of event production, show flow, and on-site execution but not required to lead logistics directly Strong collaboration expected with partner event directors focused on operations and client services
Preferred
Background in B2B media, publishing, or vertical industries such as automotive, healthcare, or marketing Exposure to executive-level programming and audience development strategies Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana) and data platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Google Analytics)
Brand Overview
Since 1925, Automotive News has been the go-to source for news in automotive retail, suppliers, and manufacturers. It covers breaking news, data, daily newscasts, webinars, conferences, and events across print and digital formats. Automotive News Europe and Automotive News China are produced locally with a global team of editors and reporters. For more information, visit crain.com. About Crain Communications
Crain Communications is a leading business news and information company with a portfolio of 24 brands serving professionals globally across sectors, including Ad Age, Automotive News, Pensions & Investments, Modern Healthcare, and more. To learn more, visit crain.com. Environmental Demands
Where you work matters. The job posting will provide location details; roles may be on-site, hybrid, or remote. Travel and non-standard hours are possible. Specifics vary by role and team needs. Travel to cover events and meetings with clients may be required. Work schedules may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed. Physical and Other Requirements
Physical demands include prolonged desk work and occasional lifting up to 25-50 lbs depending on role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable performance of essential job functions. Equal Opportunity Employer
The contractor will not discriminate on pay or discuss pay with others in a way that violates policy. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are welcome. Crain complies with applicable equal opportunity laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Description
Director of Events, Crain Communications
Location: Open (Detroit, NYC, or Remote U.S. Preferred) Department: Events & Experiences Reports to: VP, Corporate Events This role is to lead the evolution of Crain Communications' B2B events portfolio, starting with Automotive News and scaling across other brands including Modern Healthcare, Ad Age, and Pensions & Investments. The Director of Events will define and execute a long-term strategy to enhance audience value, deepen client relationships, and drive revenue growth through best-in-class in-person and virtual 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 with editorial, marketing, sales, and product teams to deliver tentpole events, executive gatherings, and scalable formats. Ideal candidates bring strategic thinking, event lifecycle expertise, and a track record of measurable results. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Brand Expansion
Develop and execute a multi-year events roadmap for Automotive News with a path to scale across additional Crain brands. Identify opportunities to launch new formats (regional summits, executive dinners, micro-events) aligned to brand and audience goals. Translate editorial and audience insights into compelling event products. Audience & Customer Experience
Design the 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 Growth
Develop long-term strategic plans and roadmaps for event growth across 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 registration experience across platforms with focus on mobile and conversion, including on-site app experience. Drive pricing strategy and campaign planning to increase reach and yield; partner with marketing on deployment. Continuously evaluate event performance and industry trends to inform growth decisions and future planning. Content & Production Integration
Partner with programming teams to ensure content 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 strong working knowledge of event operations, vendors, and on-site execution. Stakeholder & Team Leadership
Serve as the central cross-functional lead for all Automotive News events, managing timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables. Oversee direct reports and collaborate with centralized teams (registration, sponsorship, operations, tech production). Implement planning tools, workflows, and performance reporting to drive accountability and visibility.
Qualifications
10+ years of B2B event experience, with a focus on large-scale conferences, summits, and awards programs Proven ability to scale event portfolios across multiple brands or business units Strong expertise in Cvent (registration, build logic, reporting) and attendee experience design Ability to build high-trust relationships with editorial, marketing, and sales leaders Exceptional communication, time management, and project leadership skills Team-oriented mindset with experience managing direct reports and cross-functional initiatives Understanding of event production, show flow, and on-site execution but not required to lead logistics directly Strong collaboration expected with partner event directors focused on operations and client services
Preferred
Background in B2B media, publishing, or vertical industries such as automotive, healthcare, or marketing Exposure to executive-level programming and audience development strategies Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana) and data platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Google Analytics)
Brand Overview
Since 1925, Automotive News has been the go-to source for news in automotive retail, suppliers, and manufacturers. It covers breaking news, data, daily newscasts, webinars, conferences, and events across print and digital formats. Automotive News Europe and Automotive News China are produced locally with a global team of editors and reporters. For more information, visit crain.com. About Crain Communications
Crain Communications is a leading business news and information company with a portfolio of 24 brands serving professionals globally across sectors, including Ad Age, Automotive News, Pensions & Investments, Modern Healthcare, and more. To learn more, visit crain.com. Environmental Demands
Where you work matters. The job posting will provide location details; roles may be on-site, hybrid, or remote. Travel and non-standard hours are possible. Specifics vary by role and team needs. Travel to cover events and meetings with clients may be required. Work schedules may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed. Physical and Other Requirements
Physical demands include prolonged desk work and occasional lifting up to 25-50 lbs depending on role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable performance of essential job functions. Equal Opportunity Employer
The contractor will not discriminate on pay or discuss pay with others in a way that violates policy. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are welcome. Crain complies with applicable equal opportunity laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr