Trade Show Manager

This is a hands‑on, end‑to‑end ownership role within SMART’s Trade Show & Event team, focused on delivering exceptional trade show production and experiences, across key global markets.
As the Trade Show Manager, you are the prime for key SMART trade shows and on‑site experiences. You will plan, build, and deliver trade shows from first brief to post‑show wrap—covering design, logistics, vendors, staffing, technology, budgets, on‑site execution, and follow‑through.
This role is ideal for someone who:

Is highly detail‑oriented and takes pride in flawless execution
Loves solving problems in real time
Thinks deeply about attendee flow, usability, and experience
Is comfortable working independently, making decisions, and owning outcomes

Beyond logistics, you will design the trade show experience itself, how attendees move through the space, interact with products, engage with sales teams, and walk away with a clear understanding of SMART’s value. You will identify gaps, friction points, and opportunities, and translate them into practical, thoughtful solutions that improve usability, accessibility, and sales impact.
You will work cross‑functionally with Sales, Product, Marketing, Technical teams, agencies, and vendors, turning strategic goals into clear, executable plans. Success in this role comes from strong judgment, rigorous planning, calm execution under pressure, and a mindset of continuous improvement.
As SMART evolves, this role will evolve with it—requiring someone who is adaptable, curious, and comfortable operating in a fast‑moving, changing environment.
What You’ll Own
End‑to‑End Trade Show Execution

Own trade shows from concept to completion—planning, coordination, execution, and post‑event evaluation.
Lead multiple concurrent global and regional trade shows, often with overlapping timelines.
Translate business and campaign objectives into clear plans covering logistics, experience design, messaging, and execution.

Experience & Design Excellence

Lead booth structure and experience design, partnering with internal teams and vendors to create intuitive, engaging product showcases.
Evaluate attendee flow, messaging clarity, accessibility, and demo effectiveness, and proactively improve the experience.
Submit creative briefs and manage deliverables with internal creative teams and external agencies.

Operational Detail & Logistics

Own all trade show logistics, including shipping, labor, electrical, internet, rentals, catering, cleaning, and show services.
Manage inventory and lifecycle of trade show equipment, demo units, and assets (scheduling, storage, maintenance, repair, retirement).
Coordinate backend demo requirements with product and technical teams, including systems readiness and inventory flow.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

Run kickoffs and weekly status meetings with clear ownership, timelines, and accountability.
Prepare sales, executives, and stakeholders for events through briefings, demos, and readiness planning.
Ensure alignment with global brand standards, governance, and campaign strategy.

Problem Solving & Performance

Apply critical thinking and calm judgment to solve problems, especially during back‑to‑back or high‑pressure events.
Manage trade show budgets end‑to‑end, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with approved spend.
Track outcomes, KPIs, and ROI; deliver clear, actionable post‑event reporting and recommendations for improvement.

What You Bring
Core Experience

5+ years of hands‑on experience managing trade shows and complex events
Proven ownership of end‑to‑end trade show execution, including global events
Strong experience managing vendors, budgets, and multi‑stakeholder projects

How You Work

Exceptionally detail‑oriented—you notice what others miss
A natural problem solver who stays steady under pressure
Comfortable working independently and making decisions
Strong project management and organizational skills in fast‑paced environments
Ability to think both operationally and from an attendee‑experience lens

Communication & Tools

Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable working with technology, AV, demos, and digital tools
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and AI tools

Nice to Have

Experience with HubSpot, Salesforce, ClickUp, or similar tools
Exposure to product launches or technical demo environments
Familiarity with design tools such as Canva

Additional Details

Travel: Up to 25%
Valid passport required (North America & international travel)
Hybrid work environment with some in‑office days required
This role has no direct reports
Occasional evening/weekend work during peak event periods