Tradeshow Specialist

Purpose of Position

Results-driven position with project management responsibility to plan and execute a variety of tradeshows that vary in complexity.  Position will work directly with Corning Incorporated’s Tradeshows, Exhibits & Displays (TE&D) department supervisor and team members, as well as internal customers, staff groups, and external vendors.  Support or lead special projects, as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute assigned tradeshows and projects of varying complexities, while adhering to established policies and processes to meet customer requirements.
• Responsible for overall planning, shipping, on-site execution, budget tracking, and post-show follow up, as well as contingency and risk assessment planning.
• Construct/assemble tradeshow booths from modular properties for pre-show walkthroughs and when on-site.  Ability to supervise others to do so in accordance with local labor laws while on show site if necessary.
• Support internal events and setups when necessary.
• Possess technical ability to read and decipher tradeshow drawings and understand technical requirements of product demonstrations.
• Lead, or be a key contributor for, internal projects.
• Partner with customer and technical product specialists to understand product displays and demonstrations.
• Partner with internal vendors, such as Corporate Events, Media Services, Global Security; and external vendors / venues to deliver high-quality tradeshows.
• Control tradeshow budgets to deliver value for the company and customers.
• Develop professional working relationships with team, customer base and vendors. 
• Work with internal procurement to manage existing suppliers (i.e. exhibit houses, show organizers, show service providers) and negotiate contracts with variety of tradeshow service vendors.
• Contribute to department time tracking and metrics program to drive continuous improvement in process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Utilize the Exhibit Force platform for inventory management when utilizing property for show use.
• Leverage department technology platforms (i.e. SharePoint, MSFT Teams, FORMS, OneDrive), for tradeshow and department assignments.
• Identify and implement improvement opportunities.

Experiences/Education - Required

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2 or more years of relevant project management experience
• Tradeshow or event planning experience strongly preferred
• Strong Project Management Skills
• Effective organizational skills with attention to detail
• Excellent computer skills with focus on Microsoft 365. Ability to quickly learn additional platforms
• Prioritize projects and manage multiple tasks concurrently
• Professionally handle stressful situations and meet deadlines
• Manage customers’ expectations and requests; be solutions oriented
• Maintain a high level of integrity
• High degree of confidentiality
• Execute as a high-performance individual contributor, while also being a team player
• Interact effectively and professionally with a diverse employee group and across all levels of management
• Ability to adapt to constant change; be flexible
• Ability to take initiative
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to stand / be on feet for extended periods of time
• Lift up to 50 lbs. and operate basic hand tools

Work/Travel Requirements

• 8am – 5pm, M-F, however extended workdays, weekends and holidays may be required
• Candidate to be located in Corning, NY area or within an hour driving distance
• Domestic travel, amount determined by event calendar; expect travel for 3-8 tradeshows per year that average 4-10 consecutive days per show
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle