Trade Show & Events Manager

Location: Robesonia, PA (On-site/Hybrid)
Reports to: VP of Marketing
Department: Marketing

The Trade Show & Events Manager is a hands-on, highly organized professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Reading Bakery Systems’ global trade show and event program from concept through completion.

This role blends strategic marketing leadership with practical, roll-up-your-sleeves execution — ensuring every RBS trade show, seminar, and event is delivered on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality.

The ideal candidate is as comfortable developing event strategy and managing budgets as they are on the show floor setting up equipment, unpacking materials, and handling last-minute logistics.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Show Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute an annual trade show and events plan that supports overall marketing and sales goals.

• Lead booth design, layout, and branding efforts; collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver high-impact displays.

• Manage trade show budgets, quotes, and expense tracking with accuracy and accountability.

• Ensure every booth meets RBS brand standards for quality, fit, and finish.

Pre-Show Coordination

• Coordinate all booth logistics — including freight scheduling, trucking layouts, international shipments, customs documentation, and on-site installation planning — to ensure smooth setup and teardown.

• Research and book hotels, negotiate rates, and manage rooming lists for staff and customers.

• Identify sponsorships and speaking opportunities; prepare and submit abstracts, materials, and presentations.

• Manage branded materials and giveaways — track inventory, place orders, and ensure timely shipment to shows.

• Plan and coordinate pre-show and post-show marketing campaigns (email, print, digital) in collaboration with the Marketing team, ensuring all materials and timelines are aligned.

• Partner with Sales to communicate show schedules, promotions, and lead capture goals; ensure consistent messaging and alignment on customer engagement activities.

• Manage all booth orders and show-related tasks — including booth space applications, registrations, company profiles, lead retrieval systems, electrical services, furniture, labor, catering, cleaning, and related logistics.

Hands-On Event Execution

• Participate directly in booth setup and teardown as needed — lifting, packing, organizing materials, and ensuring all assets arrive in good condition.

• Work side-by-side with the RBS team and contractors to troubleshoot setup issues and maintain a professional presentation.

• Manage on-site vendor relationships, deliveries, and services (electrical, furniture, labor, catering, cleaning, etc.).

• Maintain and track all show equipment and material inventory.

• Be willing and able to travel and work extended hours during event installations and shows.

Post-Show Follow-Up

• Collect and organize all leads, ensure accurate import into CRM, and collaborate with Sales for timely follow-up.

• Analyze event ROI and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.

• Document lessons learned and update processes to enhance efficiency for future shows.

Internal Events & Seminars

• Plan and execute company events such as customer seminars, Kaizens, kickoffs, and sales meetings.

• Manage logistics including venues, catering, hotels, rentals, and branded materials.

• Coordinate with the Marketing team to ensure all required materials (digital and print) are produced and delivered on time to support internal and external events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.
  Candidates without a four-year degree are encouraged to apply if they possess significant hands-on experience in trade show or event management.

• 5 years of hands-on experience in trade show and event management, ideally in a manufacturing or B2B environment.

• Proven ability to manage all aspects of events — from strategic planning and budgeting to physical setup and execution.

• Willingness to perform hands-on work (packing, lifting, booth assembly) as needed to ensure success.

• Excellent project management, multitasking, and communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with CRM and marketing automation tools is a plus.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and composure under pressure.

• Ability to travel 35–45%, including occasional international travel and weekend work during shows.

Why Join Reading Bakery Systems

At RBS, you’ll join a world-class team that designs and builds innovative bakery production systems used around the globe. You’ll own the trade show and events process end-to-end — combining creativity, logistics, and teamwork to showcase our technologies to customers worldwide.

This is the perfect role for someone who takes pride in leading, planning, and rolling up their sleeves to make every event a success.