Trade Show Supervisor

Trade Show Supervisor

The Trade Show Supervisor is a highly impactful role responsible for bringing our brand to life through the strategic planning, execution, and performance tracking of a diverse portfolio of trade shows and conferences. Leading more than 100 events annuallyincluding our flagship Annual Conference product display and vendor showcasethis position plays a critical role in driving brand visibility, strengthening customer engagement, and supporting overall business growth. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys creating memorable, results-driven event experiences.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Trade Shows & Events, the Trade Show Supervisor will take ownership of all trade show logistics and booth operations, ensuring seamless execution from planning through on-site delivery. You will manage large-scale exhibit spaces, cultivate strong vendor partnerships, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, and product management to deliver high-impact results. In this leadership role, you will also supervise and mentor a Trade Show Coordinator while helping to elevate the overall effectiveness and innovation of the events program.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and detail-oriented leader with strong trade show expertise, excellent operational and project management skills, and a proven ability to manage budgets and multiple priorities simultaneously. Experience working in a fast-paced B2B environment is essential, along with a passion for delivering exceptional event experiences. Prior experience recruiting and managing exhibitors for a large annual conference is highly desirable and will set you apart as a strong candidate for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution for assigned trade shows, customer events, and support the Annual Conference.
• Manage all aspects of large booth space planning including exhibit layout, booth logistics, utilities, labor, shipping, installation/dismantle, and show services.
• Coordinate event timelines, deadlines, internal planning meetings, and deliverables across multiple teams.
• Partner with sales and marketing teams to ensure booth presence aligns with business goals and customer engagement strategies.
• Maintain company brand standards and ensure all trade show elements are executed professionally and consistently.
• Serve as on-site lead for assigned trade shows and manage issue resolution in real time.
• Supervise the Trade Show Coordinator and provide day-to-day guidance on trade show execution and timelines.
• Delegate responsibilities and monitor progress to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Support training and development while fostering strong collaboration within the team.
• Assist in identifying and recruiting new vendors/exhibitors for the company's Annual Conference.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with exhibitors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
• Support exhibitor communications, contracts, booth assignments, and logistics.
• Partner with leadership on opportunities to grow exhibitor participation and improve exhibitor experience.
• Develop and manage budgets for all assigned trade shows and conferences working with all Business Group leaders.
• Track booth spend, labor, freight, travel, sponsorships, and vendor expenses.
• Prepare post-show budget recaps and detailed cost reports for leadership.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining a high-quality attendee and exhibitor experience.
• Lead trade show debriefs and prepare report-outs for each.
• Analyze attendance, customer engagement, exhibitor feedback, budget performance, and ROI.
• Provide recommendations to improve future event strategy, logistics, and spend.
• Maintain accurate trade show records and planning documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Trade Show Management, Marketing, Business, Communications, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of trade show management experience, preferably in a corporate B2B environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing large exhibit booth spaces at trade shows and conferences.
• Previous leadership or direct people management experience.
• Strong budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting experience.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience recruiting and managing exhibitors/vendors for a large Annual Conference.
• Experience supporting dealer conferences, customer events, or industry conferences.
• Familiarity with exhibit houses, freight providers, and show service contractors.
• Experience with Cvent is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Trade show strategy & execution
• Leadership & team development
• Budget ownership & financial reporting
• Exhibitor/vendor relationship management
• Cross-functional partnership
• Operational planning & logistics
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Strong attention to detail

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 - 50 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus.

"We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law."