POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the successful execution of the annual global trade show plan in line with marketing objectives. This position leads the planning logistics, communications, and execution of our trade show program. This role will participate in the creation, development and implementation of event marketing strategies, tactics, activities and materials to enhance communications programs. The Trade Show Manager will ensure seamless and professional quality events that convey MSD’s company and product objectives. The role will also work closely with cross functional teams in the development of marketing collateral to support trade show and sales initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the development of trade show plans and budgets consistent with marketing objectives
o Prepare, forecast and manage trade show budget and track all expenses for complete financial reconciliation
o Manage all pre-show planning activities including placing orders for show logistics, arranging exhibit space, utilities, managing the space selection process
• Develop, maintain, and manage the master Trade Show data base including
o Potential shows and show details for consideration
o Show recommendations, evaluations, and approvals
o Operational timelines for all aspects of each show
• Logistics management for tradeshow event programs
o Overseeing booth selection, set-up, shipping, staffing, registration, travel coordination and pre-show communications
o Facilitate activities and manage timelines for cross-functional stakeholders and contributors
o Manage inventory and shipments of booth properties, product samples, booth graphics and marketing literature
o Supervise onsite management of large tradeshows including set up and logistics
o Plan, execute and manage on site activities such as booth interactivities, giveaways and on site meetings
• Coordinate and attend company-sponsored events associated with targeted scientific symposia
• Ensure show leads are processed and properly entered in SFDC for lead management.
o Provide timely reporting on lead generation and follow up
• Marketing Collateral
o Coordinate development of marketing collateral to support Trade Show objectives and messaging
o Work cross functionally to identify marketing and communication opportunities and ensure timely development of content
o Develop marketing collateral, as part of marketing team, to support ongoing company and product messaging
• Event Recommends
o Evaluate potential events and solicit input from key sales personnel
o Recommend potential new events
o Gather feedback and provide reporting on current event effectiveness
o Recommend enhancement to event effectiveness
• Reporting
o Provide monthly activity and lead generation reporting
o Compile year on year performance analysis
o Compile post-event reports
o Conduct analysis to determine effectiveness of each event
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Management or related field strongly preferred
o Equivalent combination of education and experience also accepted
• Minimum 4 years of experience in a corporate tradeshow and events environment
• Extensive experience in managing trade show calendar, event, and logistics database
• Extremely professional appearance both in person and over the phone

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to manage overall Trade Show operations
• Demonstrated ability to manage to a budget and budget reporting
• Demonstrated ability to proactively solve problems on a largely self-directed basis
o Logical problem solving and demonstrated ability to organize and move project tasks forward in an orderly and structured fashion
o Ability to achieve goals in a deadline driven work environment
• Track record of successful trade show event management
• Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills
o Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of event timeline data
• Proficient in MS Office Suite
o Advanced Excel skills with the demonstrated ability to create, automate, and manage the overall trade show plan and database
o The quantitative background to advance this knowledge on the job is expected
• Demonstrated success in matrix management across multiple functions
o Sales, purchasing, marketing, R&D, operations, legal, multimedia
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected including the ability to multi-task and work productively in a demanding sales/marketing environment with changing priorities

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to push, pull and/or lift up to 40 lbs.
• This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is performed in a traditional office environment with occasional travel and work in a trade show environment.
o Must be able to travel, over-night, up to 20%.