Tradeshow Project Manager

RGI Creative; North Ridgeville (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

A leading creative agency seeks a Tradeshow Project Manager to oversee tradeshow projects from start to finish. This role involves managing budgets, schedules, and vendor services while serving as the primary client contact. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of relevant experience in project management and strong communication skills. A Bachelor's degree in business or marketing is preferred. The position offers competitive benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of tradeshow project management or equivalent event experience.
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships.
• Strong organizational and client-facing communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage tradeshow projects from estimating through execution.
• Serve as primary client contact for tradeshow projects.
• Develop and manage official tradeshow schedules.

Skills

Tradeshow project management

Budget management

Client communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field

Tools

ERP/accounting systems (Foundation, Exhibit Force)

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Position Summary

The Tradeshow Project Manager (TPM) oversees RGI’s tradeshow projects from estimating through execution. Acting as both client liaison and internal coordinator, the TPM manages budgets, schedules, vendor services, and booth properties to ensure flawless tradeshow delivery. This role partners with the Project Finance Specialist and Estimator to contribute tradeshow-specific expertise to the estimating process. The TPM ensures that every tradeshow project is delivered on time, on target, and on budget—with no unpleasant surprises.

Responsibilities & Accountability

Estimating & Budget Management

Contribute tradeshow-specific cost inputs during estimating (ROM estimates, vendor pricing, shipping, show services).

Partner with Estimator and Finance to ensure accurate project budgets.

Align client invoice schedules with cash flow needs in collaboration with Finance.

Client Communication & Support

Serve as primary client contact for tradeshow projects.

Lead pre-show planning and post-show debriefs, presenting financial and performance outcomes.

Counsel clients on industry best practices, trends, and cost-effective solutions.

Project Coordination

Develop and manage official tradeshow schedules (Gantt format, SmartSheets, ExhibitForce).

Coordinate project details with design, fabrication, warehouse, and logistics teams.

Supervise booth property check-in/out, maintenance, and show service coordination.

Change Orders & Documentation

Process and document tradeshow change orders with Accounting.

Maintain accurate documentation for proposals, budgets, POs, and client approvals.

Ensure Exhibit Force and Foundation are updated with current project information.

Thought Leadership & Industry Expertise

Stay current with tradeshow industry standards, certifications, and innovations.

Provide quarterly “Tradeshow Trends & Insights” briefings to internal teams.

Recommend tools, training, or resources that advance RGI’s tradeshow services.

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• 5+ years of tradeshow project management or equivalent event experience
• Demonstrated success managing budgets, schedules, and vendor relationships
• Strong organizational and client-facing communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP/accounting systems (Foundation, Exhibit Force)

Preferred

• 10+ years of corporate tradeshow management experience
• Certified Trade Show Marketing (CTSM) credential
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field

Accountability Framework

The TPM is accountable for successful delivery of RGI’s tradeshow projects. Success is measured by accurate estimating contributions, strong client communication, proactive budget oversight, and alignment with RGI’s promise: “On Time, On Target, On Budget, With No Unpleasant Surprises.”