Trade Show and Corporate Events Manager

Job Title: Trade Show and Corporate Event Manager

Location: Torrance, CA

Department: Sales & Marketing

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated Trade Show & Corporate Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of our trade show and event strategy. This role will be responsible for managing national trade shows, consumer events, and corporate sampling initiatives, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure a successful experience for our company, clients, and partners that aligns with Inaba’s goals. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in managing large-scale trade show booth design and production, collaborating with both vendors and in-house executives to deliver impactful and innovative event experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Trade Show and Corporate Event Management:

• Lead and manage the end-to-end planning, logistics, and execution of major industry trade shows, including Global Pet Expo, VMX, and SuperZoo, ensuring seamless event operations.
• Manage large-scale trade show booth design and production by partnering with external vendors, fabricators, and internal stakeholders to develop creative, high-impact booth concepts that reflect Inaba’s brand identity.
• Collaborate and coordinate with in-house executives and external design teams to review booth mock-ups, approve design elements, and ensure timely production and delivery.
• Manage booth setup, breakdown, and on-site execution, ensuring all technical, visual, and operational elements are flawlessly implemented. Resolving any issues that may arise.

Consumer Show and Sampling Events:

• Organize and execute consumer-facing events to enhance brand visibility and engagement, ensuring smooth operations and a positive attendee experience.
• Plan and manage product sampling events in partnership with retail sponsors, ensuring proper logistics, staffing, and promotional materials.

Sales and Marketing Collaboration:

• Support the sales team’s presence at trade shows by coordinating booth materials, marketing collateral, and resources for distributor and retailer conventions.
• Work closely with the Marketing Team to develop event materials, promotional content, and social media campaigns that drive attendance and engagement.

Vendor and Partner Coordination:

• Serve as the primary liaison with external vendors and agencies, managing contracts, timelines, and deliverables for booth production and event services.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with event service providers to ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

Budget and Analytics:

• Manage event budgets and adhere to contractual guidelines, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effective execution.
• Gather feedback, analyze event performance, and provide insights to improve future events, showcasing ROI and key success metrics.

Brand Representation:

• Ensure consistent brand messaging and visual representation at all events, maintaining high standards of professionalism and creativity.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Event Management, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in trade show and corporate event planning and management.
• Experience managing trade shows and corporate events in the pet industry or related sectors.
• Knowledge in logistics and operations of large-scale consumer and B2B trade shows.
• Proven expertise in managing large-scale trade show booth design and production, including collaborating with vendors, agencies, and internal executives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience negotiating with and managing external suppliers, agencies, and venues, including services such as space allocation, signage, attendee flows, temp staff sourcing, and giveaways.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software such as Asana.
• Ability to travel frequently for corporate events, including potential weekends and out-of-town assignments, up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the pet category and/or a CPG company.
• Creative problem solver with the ability to adapt and resolve challenges on-site.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and demonstrates the ability to influence others through analysis and presentation.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead high-impact, large-scale events that shape Inaba Foods’ brand presence in the industry.
• Collaborative work environment with a passionate team.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Be an integral part of a growing company with a strong reputation in the pet food industry.

Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. is an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY employer and all qualified candidates are considered for employment with Inaba Foods without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The Company will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the local "Fair Chance" Ordinance(s).