Tradeshow Manager

Trade Show Operations Consultant
Location: Remote / Work From Home (WFH)
Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Compensation: $40–$45/hour DOE
Employment Type: Full-Time Contract
Duration: Project slated to run through the end of 2026, with potential for extension into trade show execution and ongoing support
Travel: Potential occasional travel depending on project needs
About the Opportunity
24 Seven is partnering with an established, industry-leading organization seeking an experienced Trade Show Operations Consultant to help develop and standardize its trade show planning and execution processes.
This is a full-time, remote, project-based opportunity currently slated to run through the end of 2026, with the potential to extend into hands-on trade show coordination and execution support.
Our client participates in numerous industry trade shows throughout the year and is looking for an experienced professional to evaluate existing processes and develop clear, repeatable systems for managing each event.
The consultant will review the annual trade show calendar, research exhibitor requirements, document vendor contacts, costs, and critical deadlines, and develop comprehensive tracking tools and operational playbooks that the team can utilize moving forward.
The ideal candidate brings extensive trade show operations experience, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to independently develop practical, scalable processes.
Key Responsibilities
Trade Show Research & Process Development
Review the organization's annual trade show calendar, historical records, exhibitor manuals, and show management resources.
Research and document event-specific requirements, registration contacts, service providers, vendors, and logistical considerations.
Develop standardized processes and workflows to streamline future trade show planning and execution.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, organization, and consistency across the trade show program.
Communicate directly with show organizers and vendors to verify information, requirements, and deadlines.
Vendor, Budget & Cost Management
Research and document exhibitor service providers, show organizers, and third-party vendors.
Compile detailed cost breakdowns for booth space, electrical, internet, flooring, furniture, graphics, lead retrieval, labor, drayage, shipping, and other exhibit-related services.
Identify early-bird pricing opportunities, payment deadlines, cancellation policies, and potential cost efficiencies.
Document payment schedules, deposits, installment dates, and other financial requirements for each show.
Organize vendor contacts, pricing, and service information for easy reference and future use.
Timeline & Logistics Planning
Develop detailed timelines for each trade show, covering initial registration through post-show breakdown and return shipping.
Identify and document critical submission deadlines, vendor dependencies, and advance warehouse shipping requirements.
Track booth materials, equipment, product needs, and associated ordering and shipping logistics.
Establish clear processes for coordinating multiple shows, managing overlapping deadlines, and ensuring timely completion of required tasks.
Translate complex exhibitor information into organized, actionable documentation that internal teams can follow.
Key Project Deliverables
Excel Master Tracker: An Excel workbook that serves as a master tracker for all trade shows, with contacts, vendors, costs, deadlines, and payment schedules organized for easy filtering and updating.
Trade Show Playbooks: A standardized, reusable Word playbook template, with a document for each show (or a combined guide) outlining the process, key contacts, timelines, and show-specific notes in a clear, step-by-step format.
Master Annual Calendar: A consolidated calendar showing deadlines across all trade shows, making it easy to identify overlapping tasks, critical milestones, and busy periods.
Potential Trade Show Execution Support
Depending on project needs, the engagement may extend beyond the initial deliverables to include:
Coordinating trade show registrations, exhibitor service orders, and vendor communications.
Managing shipping, logistics, budgets, and event preparation.
Supporting the execution of established trade show processes and timelines.
Potential travel to select events to oversee booth setup, operations, and breakdown.
Qualifications
5+ years of professional experience in trade show management, exhibit operations, event logistics, or a related field.
Direct, hands-on experience working with exhibitor manuals, service contractors, convention centers, and show management teams.
Strong understanding of trade show logistics, including drayage, material handling, shipping, and installation/dismantle processes.
Demonstrated experience building Excel trackers, project management tools, and standardized process documentation.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including creating organized trackers, calendars, and reusable templates.
Proven ability to develop comprehensive playbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), project timelines, and workflows.
Experience managing vendor relationships, budgets, deadlines, and multiple concurrent trade shows.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable researching information and working independently.
Ability to translate complex operational requirements into clear, practical, and repeatable processes.
Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, manage priorities independently, and meet project deadlines.
Flexibility to support occasional travel if the project expands into event execution.
Ideal Candidate
We're seeking an experienced trade show professional who combines hands-on exhibitor operations expertise with strong project management, organizational, and documentation skills.
The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating exhibitor manuals, researching vendors, managing complex logistical requirements, and independently developing comprehensive Excel trackers and operational playbooks.
This opportunity is particularly well-suited for a process-driven professional who enjoys building systems, improving efficiencies, and creating tools that teams can confidently utilize long after the initial project is complete.

Work arrangement
Yes