Tradeshow & Events Manager - Antioch, CA
Posted on October 24, 2025
ZEISS is a global leader in the fields of optics and optoelectronics, with a rich history spanning over 177 years. As pioneers in science and technology, ZEISS is renowned for its commitment to innovation and continuous advancements, addressing the challenges of a fast-paced and everchanging world. With a workforce of over 42,000 employees worldwide, including more than 4,000 in the US and Canada, ZEISS operates across diverse segments such as Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets, and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. The company is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions and driving global change through its cutting-edge technologies.
This position is based in Dublin, California, and offers an exciting opportunity to be part of ZEISS Ophthalmology’s dedicated trade show and events team. The role of Trade Show & Events Manager is pivotal in orchestrating the planning, logistics, and execution of Carl Zeiss Meditec USA, Inc.'s participation in complex trade shows, seminars, meetings, and other related events. This position requires leadership and coordination of cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure events are delivered to the highest quality standards. The Trade Show & Events Manager is entrusted to operate with significant autonomy, making critical decisions independently and managing daily priorities aligned with the tradeshow calendar and deadlines.
The Manager will play a key role in elevating the entire tradeshow experience—from initial planning phases to on-site execution—creating memorable and professional presentations under demanding conditions. Responsibilities encompass strategic planning of booth layouts and new booth designs based on marketing and sales strategies, budget management for events with budgets up to $1.5 million, contract negotiation with vendors, and handling detailed accounting and reporting. The role also involves managing ancillary events, support staffing, housing arrangements, and coordinating inventory and equipment requests. Effective communication with various stakeholders including Marketing Communications, Sales leadership, and global teams is essential, requiring the ability to work across different time zones and cultural contexts.
Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in national trade show and event coordination, preferably with experience in the medical field. They must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, team leadership capabilities without formal reporting authority, and the ability to independently problem-solve and make decisions. Exceptional organizational and communication skills are a must, along with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and handle competing deadlines efficiently. This position requires a willingness to travel at least 30% annually, often for extended periods, and the physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
ZEISS values diversity and inclusion and is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and ensuring non-discriminatory hiring practices. The company offers a competitive salary range of $87,600 to $109,500 annually, which is influenced by factors such as location, experience, education, and role complexity. Additional compensation may include performance bonuses or sales commissions. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) matching, vacation and sick pay, and employee assistance programs, reflecting ZEISS's commitment to supporting its employees’ well-being and professional growth.
                - Four-year college degree
 - Minimum of 5 years experience in complex national trade show and event coordination
 - Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and must be a team player
 - Must show demonstrated success managing non-reporting cross functional teams
 - Must be able to work independently and take initiative in problem solving and decision-making
 - Ability to analyze the entire planning process and execute preventative measures to insure requirements are achieved
 - Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills
 - Must be able to prioritize and handle a variety of projects simultaneously
 - Prior medical tradeshow experience preferred
 - Must be able to travel a minimum of 30% a year, for a week or more at a time
 - Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds