Event Operations Coordinator

Informa Connect - Global Finance; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great community: welcoming culture, social events

Career opportunity: bespoke training, mentoring

Paid time off: 15 days PTO plus holidays

Competitive benefits including 401k match

Wellbeing support through various programs

Job summary

A prominent event management company in Chicago is seeking an Event Operations Coordinator to oversee exhibitors for the National Restaurant Association Show. This role requires a detail-oriented individual knowledgeable in customer service and event management to ensure seamless communication and execution. Responsibilities include managing exhibitor inquiries and maintaining exhibitor databases. Compensation ranges from $50,000 to $55,000 based on experience, with a variety of employee benefits and opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of customer service, events, hospitality, or trade-show experience; internship experience also acceptable.
• Ability to learn additional software and maintain accurate data.
• Confidentiality of work records.

Responsibilities

• Manage all exhibitors for the National Restaurant Association Show.
• Respond to exhibitor inquiries via phone and email with positive customer experiences.
• Assist with production and maintenance of onsite exhibitor planning information.
• Track and process exhibit cancellations, approvals, and provide data trend feedback to sales.

Skills

Strong writing, reading, and math skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Computer proficiency (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Organizational and time-management skills

Creative problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical and critical-thinking skills

General understanding of the restaurant industry/business environment

Job description

Job Description

Location: 300 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago office.

The Event Operations Coordinator will manage all exhibitors for the National Restaurant Association Show, the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere. This role is integral to our Show Planning Team and requires a detail‑oriented, multitask‑savvy individual who excels at customer service and learns quickly in a computer‑based environment.

Event Preparation & Execution

• Manages updates, changes, and configurations to the exhibitor floor plan and participates in floor plan reviews.
• Requests updated utility port floor plans from Freeman and confirms alignment with the floor plan in Booth 101 and FAQs on the website.
• Sends monthly exhibitor lists to Freeman.
• Tracks exhibitor priority points and organizes space selection criteria.
• Assists with production and maintenance of onsite exhibitor planning information.
• Coordinates exhibitor space selection communications.
• Handles invitations and database management for specialty booth programs.
• Travels to the Show as an onsite team member to support logistics and exhibitors.

Exhibitor Support

• Responds to exhibitor inquiries via phone and email, providing positive customer experiences.
• Acts as first contact for sales‑exhibitor related questions.
• Assists with office hours, call campaigns, and webinars for exhibitor education as needed.
• Manages E354 and FHC confirmations and queries.
• Follows up on out‑of‑date signatures.
• Processes exhibitor payments, generates invoices, and assists with collections.
• Handles over‑payments, applying to package/sponsorship or refunding as applicable.
• Administers the exhibitor database, leading MYS Zendesk tickets and maintaining a 2‑week turnaround time.
• Manages the Exhibitor Dashboard setup, including Service Kit tiles and forms.
• Collaborates with Registration Manager on badge registration, list rental, and lead retrieval.
• Creates and sends exhibitor confirmation documents.
• Owns the Service Kit, updating dates, links, and colors, and recommends clarifications to exhibitors.
• Coordinates with Marketing to update the website for Service Kit launch.
• Manages Alcohol exhibitor review, approval, and communications, liaising with Savor for approved exhibitors.
• Learns OSSS and MYS new show processes and assists with error checks.

Departmental Support

• Performs quality checks of application/account information, reports, custom fields, and planner messages.
• Tracks and processes exhibit cancellations, approvals, and website link applications, providing data trend feedback to sales.
• Supplies GDPR‑no‑list requests for Marketing.
• Processes specialty requests for the Show (e.g., F&B sampling forms, export interest).
• Contributes productively to the Exhibitions team, achieving departmental goals.
• Supports internal teams and departments, promoting company culture.
• Assists department managers with special projects as needed.
• Enthusiastically takes on additional tasks to ensure Show success.

Qualifications

Essential Training/Certifications

• 1‑3 years of customer service, events, hospitality, or trade‑show experience; internship experience also acceptable.

Essential Skills/Knowledge

• Strong writing, reading, and math skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to learn additional software and maintain accurate data.
• Basic trade‑show knowledge.
• Basic office equipment knowledge (scanner, telephone).
• Confidentiality of work records.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Creative problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Team‑player and independent worker.
• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
• General understanding of the restaurant industry/business environment.

Additional Information

Work in‑person three days a week or more, with flexibility to work remotely or from home as needed.

Life at Informa rewards and supports employees, with opportunities to volunteer, pursue training, and grow careers.

Benefits

• Great community: welcoming culture, social events, charitable days, and colleague networks.
• Broader impact: up to four days a year to volunteer with charity match funding.
• Career opportunity: bespoke training, mentoring, and access to LinkedIn Learning courses.
• Paid time off: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays and a birthday leave day.
• Competitive benefits including 401k match, health, vision, dental, parental leave, and ESPP with company shares at a 15% discount.
• Wellbeing support through EAP, mental health first aiders, a wellness app, and more.
• Recognition program, global awards, and kudos.
• Opportunity to collaborate with global teams.

Salary range: $50,000‑$55,000 (based on experience).

This posting will automatically expire on February 7, 2026.

We champion energy and ambition, welcoming applicants who possess most of the listed skills and experience.

Requests for reasonable adjustments or accommodations during the hiring process can be made to the Talent Acquisition Partner once they have been in touch. Informa is an Equal Opportunities Employer and does not discriminate on any protected characteristic.

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