Nancy Castaneda
Mesquite
Summary
Director of Trade Show and Event Operations with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale venue management. Proven track record of advancing through multiple roles while leading complex event logistics, cross-functional operations, and high-volume market execution. Skilled in budgeting, vendor management, facility operations, and process improvement, with a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and seamless event delivery.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Trade Show Operations
Dallas Market Center
Dallas, TX
07.2024 - Current
- Lead start-to-end planning and execution of large-scale trade shows and market events for the Dallas Market Center.
- Manage budgets, vendor contracts (AV, electrical, rigging), and exhibit logistics including design and shipping information.
- Oversee installation and dismantle, coordinating staff, vendors, and venue operations teams, building contractors.
- Direct booth assignments, exhibitor logistics, and registration support for leasing agents.
- Serve as operational lead from pre-planning through on-site execution and post-event review.
- Resolve real-time technical and logistical challenges to ensure successful event delivery.
Director of Event Operations
Dallas Market Center
Dallas, TX
01.2023 - 07.2024
- Promoted to director role with expanded leadership across departments and executive collaboration.
- Served as primary point of contact for leasing departments on all operational needs.
- Directed coordination between food & beverage company (Levy Restaurants), engineering, maintenance, and event setup teams to ensure execution of contracted events.
- Oversaw event logistics and execution for major markets and high-volume shows.
- Managed temporary labor workforce including scheduling, assignments, onboarding, and budget control.
- Maintained and tracked departmental budgets, ensuring cost efficiency.
- Partnered with marketing to plan and execute event logistics and hospitality activations.
- Developed and maintained run-of-show documents for all major events.
- Assisted in implementing a new digital work order system in collaboration with IT, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
- Ensured compliance with elevator and escalator inspection certifications yearly.
- Supported development of invoicing procedures and operational processes for VP of Building Services.
Manager of Event Operations
Dallas Market Center
Dallas, TX
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed all event service orders and coordinated logistics across multiple departments.
- Collaborated with food & beverage, engineering, and operations teams to ensure successful event delivery.
- Coordinated meeting room setups for VP leasing teams during markets and daily operations.
- Partnered with marketing on event planning and logistics for major shows.
- Created detailed run-of-show documents for hospitality and event execution.
- Assisted in managing temporary housekeeping staff and labor budgets during peak events.
- Supported development of invoicing procedures and compliance tracking for VP of Facility Services and VP of Building Services.
Dispatch Coordinator
Dallas Market Center
Dallas, TX
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Managed dispatch operations for all building and facility service requests.
- Created, tracked, and closed work orders for housekeeping, maintenance, and engineering teams.
- Ensured timely completion of all facility and maintenance work orders.
- Processed payroll for housekeeping department.
- Supervised temporary housekeeping staff during major events, including scheduling, onboarding, and assignments.
- Maintained labor budgets and ensured cost control during large-scale shows.
- Updated SOPs and developed daily task assignments for housekeeping teams.
- Managed janitorial supply ordering through Oracle while maintaining budget compliance.
- Created bilingual (English/Spanish) operational checklists for multiple shifts.
- Assisted in launching employee recognition programs with executive leadership VP of Facility Services.
Registration Associate
Dallas Market Center
Dallas, TX
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Registered buyers and controlled access during trade shows and events.
- Processed and reviewed new business applications for accuracy and legitimacy.
- Verified sales tax permits and required documentation to ensure compliance with buyer qualifications.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Criminal Justice
University of North Texas At Dallas
Dallas12-2020
Skills
- Trade Show & Event Operations
- Logistics & Run of Show Planning
- Vendor & Contract Management
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Facility & Building Operations
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Process Improvement & Systems Implementation
- Staff & Temporary Labor Management
- Compliance & Safety Standards
- Payroll Processor
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Operations management
- Organizational development
- Facilities management
- Business administration
Certification
OSHA 30-Hour Certified
Additional Qualifications
Bilingual: English & Spanish
8 years serving on Safety Committee
Strong experience with Oracle systems and work order management platforms
Experienced with processing payroll.
Timeline
Director of Trade Show Operations
Dallas Market Center
07.2024 - Current
Director of Event Operations
Dallas Market Center
01.2023 - 07.2024
Manager of Event Operations
Dallas Market Center
01.2021 - 01.2023
Dispatch Coordinator
Dallas Market Center
01.2012 - 01.2021
Registration Associate
Dallas Market Center
01.2009 - 01.2012
Bachelor’s Degree - Criminal Justice
University of North Texas At Dallas