Account Executive- Tradeshows & Corporate Events

Shepard Exposition Services; California; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Shepard Exposition Services is seeking an Account Executive to serve as the primary contact for clients, venues, and internal teams to deliver successful trade shows and events. You will lead planning, coordination, and execution from initial planning through on-site delivery, ensuring an exceptional customer experience.

The role requires proven hospitality/trade show experience, strong project management, and exceptional communication.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, trade show, or event services.
• Experience managing complex client projects from planning through execution.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Salesforce a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to design and prepare detailed floor plans aligned with event objectives.
• Coordinate with facilities and vendors to meet logistical requirements.
• Develop and manage event timelines using the company’s Critical Path.
• Monitor design processes to stay within client-approved budgets.
• Prepare and distribute exhibitor service manuals for clarity and accuracy.
• Coordinate show planning and communicate details with operations pre-move-in.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned clients and maintain year-round communication.
• Provide on-site support during events and verify billing accuracy per contracts.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and expanded services with clients.

Skills

Project management

Client relationships

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

AI tools (Copilot/Claude)

Job description

The Account Executive serves as the primary point of contact for Shepard customers, partnering closely with clients, venues, and internal teams to deliver successful trade shows, exhibitions, and events. This role leads the planning, coordination, and execution of event services from initial planning through onsite delivery, ensuring an exceptional customer experience and seamless event execution.

Key Contributions of the Role

• Consult with clients to design and prepare detailed floor plans that align with event objectives.
• Coordinate with facilities and vendors to ensure logistical requirements are met.
• Develop and manage event timelines using Shepard’s Critical Path, verifying that deadlines are realistic and achievable for both customers and internal teams.
• Monitor the graphic and structural design processes to ensure designs stay within the client’s approved budget.
• Prepare and distribute exhibitor service manuals to ensure clarity and accuracy of information.
• Coordinate show planning and communicate all relevant details with the operations team prior to the move-in of an event.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned clients and maintain consistent communication throughout the year.
• Provide on-site support during events, including preparing invoices and confirming billing accuracy in accordance with contractual agreements.
• Build long-term relationships by identifying opportunities for innovation, improvement, and expanded service offerings.
• Partner with the sales team to support the rebooking of events and explore opportunities to extend client contracts without requiring competitive bids.

Requirements

• Proven experience working in the hospitality, trade show, and/or event services industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex client projects from planning through execution, including timeline management, budget oversight, expense tracking, and overall project profitability.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple accounts simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Outlook, Word, and Excel); familiarity with Salesforce is a plus.
• Familiarity with company-approved AI-forward solutions (e.g., Copilot, Claude, Perplexity) to support productivity, analysis, and operational efficiency is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted for formal education.

Aligning With Our Values for Success

• Demonstrate Core Values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork.
• Ability to perform as a responsible ESOP owner by making daily decisions to benefit the client and the company.
• Treat all internal and external customers with courtesy and respect, as outlined in our Blue Diamond Customer Service Program.

Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000- $85,000 per year

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k)

Shepard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military status, veteran status, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, or any other non‑merit factor. All employment decisions are made based on business need, job requirements, individual qualifications, and merit.