Director of Events

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) is the leading trade association representing the specialty chemical industry in the United States. SOCMA plays a vital role in promoting the interests of its members, who are engaged in producing specialty and fine chemicals, through advocacy, education, and fostering valuable networking opportunities. As an influential organization within the chemical sector, SOCMA supports its member companies by providing comprehensive resources and platforms to advance industry standards and grow business connections. Through its multifaceted approach, SOCMA continues to enhance the specialty chemical industry’s success and recognition both nationally and globally.

SOCMA's events portfolio represents a critical component of the association’s value proposition. Events are instrumental in driving member engagement, facilitating industry connections, and generating non-dues revenue. The portfolio includes high-profile gatherings such as the SOCMA Summit and Show, which bring together industry stakeholders, experts, exhibitors, and members for knowledge sharing, business development, and collaboration. Events produced by SOCMA are widely recognized for their quality, relevance, and ability to deliver tangible value to attendees and sponsors alike.

The role of Director of Events at SOCMA is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic development, planning, and execution of the association’s entire events portfolio. This individual will lead initiatives to strengthen event performance through innovation and improvement of the attendee experience, while aligning event offerings closely with SOCMA’s organizational priorities and member needs. The Director will collaborate extensively across membership, marketing, communications, and industry program teams to ensure cohesive event strategies that maximize attendance, sponsorship engagement, and overall event impact.

In this role, the Director of Events will be accountable for a diverse range of responsibilities including the evolution of event strategies to support SOCMA’s mission and goals, managing the logistics of event execution from vendor coordination to on-site operations, and driving revenue growth through sponsorships and exhibitor engagement. Additionally, the Director will play a key role in cross-functional collaboration, working hand-in-hand with various teams to maintain aligned messaging and seamless event delivery. Process improvements and the adoption of advanced event technologies will be important facets of the job to optimize workflows and data management.

Candidates for this role will need at least 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in event planning and management, preferably within trade associations, nonprofits, or member-driven organizations. Proven success in leading large-scale events and trade shows involving complex program components and diverse stakeholders is essential. Budget management experience and familiarity with sponsorship structures are critical for meeting revenue goals. A bachelor’s degree is required, and a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential or equivalent certification is highly preferred.

The Director of Events will be an influential and strategic thinker with a strong operational mindset, capable of balancing high-level strategy with meticulous attention to detail. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills and an ability to lead through collaboration and influence. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape a premier events program that supports growth, engagement, and innovation within a leading specialty chemical industry association.