Tradeshow Production Manager

About the role

Fern is at the top of the trade show and expo service industry, with operations spanning more than 200 cities coast to coast. We provide experienced local teams for exceptional service and support at major convention centers and event venues. This role may be done remotely, but candidates must reside within the Northeast territory: Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine.

Responsibilities

• Support Account Executives as a primary point of contact and liaison for clients, responding to and coordinating the delivery of client requests.
• Interface with workforce, operations, warehouse, and office personnel to ensure smooth and reliable delivery of all client requests.
• Act as a hub for gathering information from clients/account executives, organizing it, ensuring materials and labor are available, and managing labor to complete the job.
• Build relationships with workforce, facility, and vendor representatives to drive efficient operations and long-term client retention.
• Perform prompt, thorough, and effective verbal, written, and face-to-face communications.
• Maintain an ongoing understanding of event production costs (labor, materials, equipment) to assist Account Executives with accurately priced client proposals.
• Participate in company event production planning activities to stay aligned with company directives and resources.
• Ensure client requests for information and services are fulfilled promptly and professionally.
• Maintain proficiencies in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other requested technologies.
• Perform budgeting and scheduling for assigned accounts.

Pre-Show Planning

• Communicate with Account Executive and Client to ensure all event needs are understood.
• Create material/equipment needs for the show.
• Establish manpower needs and daily schedule for the event.

On-Site Production

• Organize workflow for labor crew to meet timing needs and deadlines (e.g., marking the show floor, booth setup, registration, freight handling, show dismantle, load out).
• Maintain daily records of onsite labor usage.
• Ensure superior quality of workmanship and professionalism.
• Record material and labor usage for each project.
• Maintain contact with Account Executive and Client to accommodate adjustments in material needs and schedule.
• Troubleshoot onsite problems/issues as they arise.

Show-Site Activities

• Serve as the overall operational leader of the event.
• Lead and direct labor crews.
• Keep the project on schedule and on budget.
• Ensure a high level of client service experience and quality of deliverables.
• Maintain accurate, legible records as required.

Post-Show Activities

• Formalize material and timing reports for billing purposes.
• Create a ‘Production Notes’ file to document observations or ideas for improving future event production.
• Follow up with Account Executive to ensure all client expectations were met.

Requirements

• Experience in trade shows or a related industry, preferably in the General Service Contractor space.
• Five plus years of experience managing operational teams in the live event market.
• Strong client relationship and service delivery experience.
• Excellent written and presentation skills.
• Ability to multi-task, stay organized, and meet deadlines.
• Dependability and strong leadership skills.

Pay

Salary is $95,000–115,000.