Manager, Sponsor & Exhibitor Services - Fanatics Events

Manager, Sponsor & Exhibitor Services

Fanatics is a global leader in licensed sports merchandise, collectibles, and fan experiences. Our newest platform, Fanatics Events, creates large-scale consumer festivals and live experiences that bring fans, athletes, and partners together. Our flagship productions include Fanatics Fest – a first-of-its-kind multi-day fan festival currently hosted in New York City, combining sports, collectibles, athlete appearances, and immersive activations; and WWE World – a multi-day consumer event produced in partnership with WWE, bringing fans closer to superstars, storylines, and experiences during major tentpole weekends. As we scale our live events business, we're seeking a Manager, Sponsor & Exhibitor Services to help bring to life sponsorship programs for our brand partners.

Role Summary

The Manager, Sponsor & Exhibitor Services leads the operational execution of all sponsor and select exhibitor activation builds at Fanatics Fest and other Fanatics Events properties. This role owns the physical activation lifecycle inside the venue, ensuring that sponsor booths, branded environments, and in-venue signage are compliant, on schedule, and on budget. Working closely with the Partnerships team, event operations, sponsor agencies, and the show contractor (Freeman), this role oversees activation design approvals, EAC coordination, and onsite installation management. This role does not own broader sponsorship fulfillment (talent, content, marketing assets, etc.). Instead, the Manager is the internal expert responsible for translating sponsor activation concepts into real, compliant builds inside the Javits Center.

Key Responsibilities Activation Build Management

Own the operational execution of sponsor and select exhibitor builds once partnership agreements are finalized. Responsibilities include:

• Manage the full activation build lifecycle from concept approval through onsite installation
• Coordinate with sponsor agencies, Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EACs), and the show contractor (Freeman)
• Ensure builds meet venue requirements, safety regulations, and event timelines
• Track and enforce deadlines for design submissions, approvals, freight, and installation
• Provide operational guidance to sponsors and agencies on venue constraints and best practices

Venue Compliance & Operational Oversight

Serve as the internal expert on Javits Center rules, labor, and build regulations. Responsibilities include oversight of:

• Union labor jurisdictions and work rules
• EAC approvals and documentation
• Insurance requirements and COIs
• Structural drawing submissions
• Rigging approvals
• Fire safety regulations
• Booth height restrictions and line-of-sight compliance
• Floor load limitations and venue infrastructure constraints Proactively identify compliance issues and resolve risks before move-in.

Sponsor Activation Graphics & Signage

Manage production and installation of sponsor-related graphics throughout the venue. Responsibilities include:

• Identify all graphic components tied to sponsor activations
• Create artwork specification sheets for agencies and sponsors
• Establish submission deadlines and approval workflows
• Coordinate artwork approvals with Event Operations and Event Leadership
• Manage production timelines with the show contractor Examples include:
• Booth graphics
• Hanging banners
• Digital signage
• Floor decals
• Environmental branding elements

Booth Plan Review & Approvals

Lead the booth approval process for large or complex sponsor activations. Responsibilities include:

• Review booth plans and structural drawings for compliance
• Ensure adherence to safety requirements and venue restrictions
• Coordinate revisions with agencies and EACs
• Issue final operational approvals prior to fabrication

Fulfillment Tracking & Coordination

Work closely with the Partnerships team to ensure activation deliverables are tracked and executed. Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate with the Sr. Associate of Partnerships managing SponsorCX
• Maintain accurate records of activation deliverables, deadlines, and build milestones
• Provide operational updates during weekly fulfillment check-ins
• Identify risks and escalate issues early

Build Execution & On-Site Leadership

Lead the installation and move-in process for sponsor activations during event build week. Responsibilities include:

• Define build sequencing and move-in schedules
• Coordinate advance warehouse logistics and freight timelines
• Confirm utilities, internet, electrical, and rigging requirements
• Coordinate labor call times with Freeman
• Oversee activation installation onsite
• Troubleshoot operational issues and ensure show readiness

Sponsor Concierge Operations

Oversee the Sponsor Concierge team during event build and show days. Responsibilities include:

• Manage concierge staffing and deployment across sponsor activations
• Serve as escalation point for operational issues
• Ensure sponsors receive timely operational support during the event

Ideal Candidate

• 5+ years experience in trade show operations, convention center services, or large-scale event production
• Prior experience working with major show contractors such as Freeman, GES, or similar organizations
• Deep knowledge of Javits Center operational rules strongly preferred
• Experience managing custom exhibit builds or large-scale brand activations
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple builds simultaneously
• Ability to coordinate agencies, contractors, and internal teams under tight deadline
• Direct communicator comfortable interacting with sponsors, vendors, and production partners
• Experience building and improving operational processes

Success Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by:

• On-time completion of all sponsor activation builds
• Full compliance with Javits Center safety and operational requirements
• Minimal build-related escalations during move-in and show days
• Positive sponsor feedback regarding operational support
• Efficient coordination across agencies, contractors, and internal teams

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000, which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.