IMO Event Director Position (Retail)

Inner Mountain Outfitters — Chattanooga, TN

Inner Mountain Outfitters (IMO) is a specialty outdoor retailer focused on vertical caving and technical gear. We attend a small number of high-quality events each year and are looking for an Event Director to own the full execution of those events from planning through teardown.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys logistics, problem-solving, and interacting with customers — not a desk-only position.

 

Role Overview

The Event Director is responsible for end-to-end management of IMO’s off-site events, including planning, transportation, setup, sales, and teardown. You’ll be the person who makes sure we show up prepared, operate smoothly, and leave with everything accounted for.

First on-site event: weekend of May 16th
Start date: Flexible — paid training and dry runs in March/April

 

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Event Planning

  • Maintain an event calendar and prep timelines

  • Build and follow event checklists (inventory, displays, POS, signage)

  • Coordinate inventory pulls with shop staff

  • Confirm event logistics (space, power, tent needs, staffing)

  • Identify and communicate issues early

Transportation & Logistics

  • Plan vehicle load-outs (inventory protection, access, weight distribution)

  • Oversee or perform loading and unloading

  • Transport gear to and from events

  • Ensure nothing is left behind on site or at the shop

On-Site Setup & Teardown

  • Lead setup of tents, tables, displays, and POS

  • Ensure a clean, professional, and efficient booth layout

  • Lead teardown and confirm post-event inventory counts

  • First to arrive, last to leave

Sales & Customer Interaction

  • Sell IMO products confidently and accurately

  • Answer customer questions about technical outdoor gear

  • Guide event staff on product placement and selling flow

  • Handle basic on-site problem solving

Post-Event Wrap-Up

  • Reconcile inventory and sales

  • Provide feedback on what sold, what didn’t, and improvements for future events

  • Reset gear and prep for the next event

 

What This Role Does Not Include

  • Setting retail pricing

  • Choosing which events IMO attends

  • Managing social media or marketing strategy

  • Vendor negotiations or accounting beyond event reconciliation

 

Who We’re Looking For

  • Experience with:

    • Event vending, trade shows, farmers markets, or outdoor retail

    • Logistics, operations, or warehouse work (plus if you enjoy customer interaction)

  • Comfortable leading setups and making decisions on site

  • Organized, reliable, and calm under pressure

  • Physically capable of lifting up to ~50 lbs and working long outdoor days

  • Available for weekends and early mornings

No degree required. We care far more about execution than credentials.

 

Compensation

  • TBD (based on experience)

  • Paid training and prep days

  • Event day pay

  • Opportunities for increased responsibility as the event program grows

 

Why IMO

We’re a small, focused team that values:

  • Clear expectations

  • Good systems

  • Doing things right the first time

You won’t be micromanaged — but you will be trusted with real responsibility.

 

To Apply:
Send a brief email to mike@innermountainoutfitters.com describing your background and any relevant experience with events, logistics, or retail. If you’ve worked events before, let us know what role you played.