General Overview
Rotary International is seeking an experienced Exhibits Specialist to manage the logistical planning and execution of the exhibition hall for our live, virtual, and hybrid events. The successful candidate will have experience with exhibit hall planning, project management, budgeting, internal and external communications, and relationship management.
Rotary offers exhibit opportunities at two annual meetings: International Assembly (35 Exhibits) and the International Convention (400+ Exhibits). The exhibition hall is called the House of Friendship (HOF) at both these events. The Exhibit Specialist also provides support for some smaller meeting which have an exhibit presence (i.e. triennial Council on Legislation).
Exhibitors in the HOF include Rotary show management booths, licensed vendors, Rotary partners and special interest groups, non-Rotary affiliated organizations, and commercial companies. You will work collaboratively with the outside Exhibit Sales support, Sponsorship Sales, the Convention Host Organizing Committee, and other Rotary leadership involved in planning and executing the events to develop a dynamic experience that exceeds expectations for all exhibitors and attendees.
You will be responsible for managing the complete exhibit hall planning cycle (pre-event, on-site, and post-event) generally over the course of multiple years.
You will demonstrate an attitude of professionalism, service and collaboration with the Meetings and Events team, the Rotary Secretariat, and the community at large in support of the Secretariat and Rotary International’s Strategic Plan and Mission.
You will work on multiple events simultaneously and contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented working environment across many Rotary offices.
You Will Have
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
- Minimum four years’ experience managing exhibit operations for conventions/annual meetings
- Experience working with general contractors, shipping and warehousing contractors, and other event suppliers
- Experience using design and/or event management software ExpoCad 3E / Executive and eShow a plus)
- Experience with virtual event platforms to deliver virtual programs and exhibits.
- Computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft 365 software
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities with attention to detail
- Ability to collaborate with third party suppliers from RFP to service delivery
- Knowledge of domestic and international shipping logistics procedures
- Excellent customer service disposition
- Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally
- Ability to work in an international environment with experience planning international events.
Preferred:
- Fluency in a language in addition to English
- CEM, CMP, DES, or related certification
You Are Good At
- Project and supplier management
- Written and oral communication
- Showing attention to detail
- Giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Prioritizing workload
- Making decisions
Customer Experience
- Serve as the primary liaison to exhibitors and Rotary Stakeholders providing excellent customer service to all exhibitors, Rotary stakeholders, and sponsors.
- Work collaboratively with external sales support for commercial exhibits and manage communications with all exhibitors.
- Address questions, assess, and efficiently and effectively resolve issues throughout the entire exhibit cycle.
- Produce and execute communications to exhibitors regarding participation from beginning to end (pre-event, on-site, and post-event)
- Draft all promotional materials including prospectus, sales and website content related to exhibits
- Create and disseminate Exhibitor Service Manuals to exhibitors and sponsors
- Develop exhibit hall traffic building programs.
Project Management
- You will be responsible for overall project management of the exhibit hall planning cycle, including the budget and operational objectives, floorplan design, communications with suppliers, booth design, financial management, onsite floor management, through post event follow up
- Participate in site visits for the International Convention, International Assembly, and other meetings as assigned
- Contribute to the RFP development, negotiation, and implementation of the vendor agreement for the decorator/general services contractor, warehousing and shipping, and other service providers as assigned.
- Coordinate the exhibit hall design and execution with the general contractor, digital event platforms, and other vendors as needed.
- You will secure and manage applications for Rotary and Rotary-affiliated exhibitors through a rolling review process.
- You will confirm, invoice and collect exhibit space and fees for exhibitors secured by outside sales representatives appointed by Rotary.
- Develop & distribute application/ prospectus according to policy & process timeline.
- Drive review of all applications for compliance with cross functional team (RI staff supporting action groups, fellowships, projects & brand compliance) and assign appropriate booth space
- Assign and manage booth inventory effectively
- Collaborate with stakeholders to drive the design Rotary management booths, graphics, and activities from concept through production.
- Track all orders and invoices for additional and/or unbudgeted on-site expenses including graphics in the exhibit hall, shipping and decorating
- Support sponsorship sales to fulfill sponsor benefits and activations
- Assist in inventory of materials, flags, and signs stored at the warehouse
- Create, provide and implement exhibit hall meeting specifications with Sr Planner.
- Assist with the HOF entertainment stage set and A/V needs
- Produce and supervise the approval and production of booth headers / fascias working in conjunction with RI stakeholders and legal
- Provide onsite floor management, customer service and review of booths to ensure exhibitors are adhering to rules of engagement and booth staffing.
- Provide support of feature areas such as registration, public area exhibits / features, and lounges (AKS and other).
- Plan and supervise shipments to and from the convention, including customs documentation and clearance, and serve as primary liaison with freight forwarder/shipping company.
- Serve as on-site liaison for the shipping vendor and as a liaison to the decorator/general services contractor. Develop delivery schedule and exhibitor move-in and move-out plan
Administration
- Annual Set-up of ExpoCad to manage floorplans, customers and event financials.
- Ongoing review and update of Project Management tools in accordance with the event’s timeline.
- Coordinate exhibitor communications, such as certificates of insurance (COI), booth variance request, and exhibitor registration. Track and process all exhibitor applications, registration forms, deposits, and collection of booth fees
- Produce invoices and monitor accounts receivable for exhibitors. Collaborate with Finance team to track payments.
- Provide exhibitor lists to meeting venue and suppliers.
- Manage exhibitor registration process before and during the event.
- Draft internal memorandums to share the initial floorplan and sales plan for approval by Rotary senior leadership.
- Assist in preparation of reports for Rotary leadership, including reports for site visits, committee materials, financial and collections updates and Board meeting materials as needed
- Participate in committee meetings and work with vendors, volunteers, and staff, as required
- Implement Board and Trustee actions as related to responsibilities
- Maintain records for all vendor, exhibits, and exhibit-related logistical items
- Aid in the development of department office manuals and manuals for Council, International Convention, International Assembly, and other events as assigned
- Develop and execute post-event exhibitor survey to measure exhibitor satisfaction
Other duties as assigned
- Other duties may include, but are not limited to, special projects and programs
Leadership Attributes
- Collaboration: Builds partnerships and works jointly with others to meet shared objectives.
- Global Perspective: Anticipates trends in the global humanitarian market to make decisions on where to focus Rotary’s efforts.
- Productivity: Able to generate results that moves Rotary toward achieving its goals.
- Innovation: Move Rotary beyond traditional ways of thinking
- Strategy: Identify Rotary’s opportunities and design approaches that align with our strategic goals.
Why work for Rotary?
- Generous medical, dental, and vision benefits package
- Progressive 401k matching contributions
- Above market and generous paid time off package
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- On-site cafeteria and coffee bar with special pricing for Rotary employees
- Flextime-several different work schedules to choose from
- Close to CTA, Metra, a variety of stores, and many food options