Trade Show Manager at HEIDENHAIN in Schaumburg, IL

The Trade Show Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing trade shows, customer events, conferences, and other marketing events that increase brand awareness, generate qualified leads, and support business growth across North American markets. This role oversees all aspects of event logistics, vendor management, budgeting, and post-event analysis to ensure successful execution and measurable return on investment (ROI).
Event Planning & Execution
Plan, coordinate, and execute trade shows, conferences, customer events, sales meetings, and other marketing events.
Lead event planning meetings with Marketing, Business Development, Sales, and other internal stakeholders.
Manage all event logistics, including booth space selection, exhibit services, transportation, accommodations, shipping, and on-site support.
Coordinate exhibit setup, dismantling, and event operations to ensure a professional and successful presence.
Prepare and distribute pre-event communications, itineraries, and event materials.
Support off-site company events by coordinating venues, catering, lodging, transportation, and entertainment.
Project & Vendor Management
Manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining budgets, deadlines, and project timelines.
Coordinate with exhibit vendors, freight carriers, event organizers, hotels, and other service providers.
Procure and manage event materials, displays, promotional products, and booth assets.
Maintain inventory of trade show equipment and supplies.
Utilize Microsoft Teams, Confluence, and other project management tools to track deliverables and communicate project status.
Performance Measurement & Reporting
Track event performance, lead generation, and budget performance to evaluate ROI.
Prepare and distribute post-show surveys and event reports, including lead and cost analysis.
Maintain and manage the annual trade show and events calendar.
Identify opportunities to expand participation in new markets, events, and industry segments.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Partner with Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Service, and other departments to support company objectives.
Stay informed of industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging event marketing strategies.
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Event Management, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in trade show management, event planning, or a related role.
Experience supporting B2B trade shows, conferences, and corporate events.
Knowledge of event marketing strategies, exhibit management, and lead generation programs.
Familiarity with digital event platforms, lead capture technologies, and CRM systems.
Technical Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams).
Experience with project management and collaboration tools.
Strong logistics, vendor management, and event budgeting experience.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Competencies
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated, dependable, and results oriented.
Creative thinker with a continuous improvement mindset.
Collaborative team player who can also work independently.
Professional, adaptable, and customer focused.
Physical Requirements & Travel
Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work for extended periods during event setup and teardown.
Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including non-climate-controlled exhibit spaces.
Willingness to travel up to 50%, including occasional weekends, evenings, and international travel as required.