Trade Show Event Manger

Department Marketing Location Houston, TX Description The Tradeshow Events Manager is responsible for developing, planning, and executing the company's trade show and event strategy to support business development, brand awareness, and customer engagement for Cotton Holdings and its subsidiaries. This role manages the full lifecycle of trade shows, conferences, client events, sponsorships, and executive hospitality initiatives while overseeing budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and event logistics from planning through post-event evaluation. The Manager serves as the primary point of contact for corporate events, partnering with Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Operations, and Executive Leadership to deliver high-quality experiences that align with organizational objectives and maximize return on investment. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute the company's annual trade show and events strategy in support of marketing, sales, and business development objectives. Plan, manage, and execute trade shows, conferences, client events, sponsorships, and executive hospitality programs from concept through post-event evaluation. Oversee all event logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, contract negotiations, travel, accommodations, exhibit shipping, signage, promotional materials, and on-site operations. Manage event budgets, forecasts, purchase orders, vendor invoices, and expense reconciliation to ensure financial accountability and cost-effective execution. Serve as the primary point of contact for all assigned events, ensuring a high-quality experience for executives, clients, prospects, and attendees. Partner with Marketing, Sales, Business Development, and Communications teams to align event strategies, branding, messaging, and lead generation efforts. Coordinate booth design, event collateral, promotional items, registration platforms, digital event tools, and attendee communications. Manage executive schedules, customer meetings, hospitality events, and entertainment logistics during conferences and trade shows. Capture and report event leads through IFS or other CRM systems while supporting timely sales follow-up and lead conversion. Evaluate event performance by tracking budgets, attendance, lead generation, and other key performance metrics, providing recommendations for continuous improvement. Research industry trends, trade associations, and sponsorship opportunities to maximize brand visibility and business growth. Travel up to 30% as required to support trade shows, conferences, client events, and other business needs. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Strategic event and trade show management. Project management with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives. Vendor sourcing, contract negotiation, and relationship management. Budget planning, forecasting, and expense management. Executive stakeholder and client relationship management. CRM and lead management systems (IFS or equivalent). Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Exceptional organizational and time management skills. Analytical thinking with the ability to measure event effectiveness and ROI. Ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and event management technology. Ability to travel as business needs require. Work Experience 5-8 years of progressive experience managing corporate trade shows, conferences, or large-scale marketing events. Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple events, vendor relationships, budgets, and project timelines simultaneously. Experience supporting executive-level events and customer-facing programs preferred. Education Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Event Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and professional event management experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Professional Licenses, Accreditations and Certifications None required for this role. Knowledge Corporate event planning and trade show management best practices. Contract administration and vendor management processes. Budget planning, forecasting, and financial management. Event marketing strategies and lead generation methodologies. CRM systems, event technology platforms, and registration software. Brand management, exhibit design, signage, and promotional product procurement. Hospitality, executive event planning, and VIP guest management. Logistics management, shipping coordination, and exhibit operations. Trade association structures and industry conferences within commercial, construction, restoration, or related industries. Event performance measurement, analytics, and ROI reporting. Personal Traits and Attributes Passionate about delivering exceptional event experiences. Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail. Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Resourceful and adaptable when managing changing priorities and unexpected challenges. #J-18808-Ljbffr