Art Fair Event Staff – Guest Experience

Chicago Artists Coalition helps people connect with opportunities including calls for artists, jobs, and available studio space

Be part of one of the most exciting cultural events in the city right on the lakefront at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall.

Each April, EXPO CHICAGO brings together leading contemporary and modern art galleries from around the world, alongside an ambitious program of talks, immersive installations, and public art experiences. Since its launch in 2012, the fair has helped shape Chicago as a global destination for art, culture, and creative exchange.

Now part of Frieze, the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art, EXPO CHICAGO continues to deliver a world-class experience for exhibitors, collectors, and the public.

We are seeking energetic, polished, and detail-driven temporary staff to support this international, multi-day event. You’ll play a key role in welcoming guests, supporting galleries and partners, and helping ensure every visitor enjoys a seamless, memorable experience from opening day to close.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, love working with people, and want to be part of a major cultural moment in the city, we’d love to hear from you.

Event Dates: April 9-12, 2026. Applicants should be available during the main fair period; some positions may require availability for additional pre-event setup and post-event breakdown days.

Available Roles:

• SECTION LEADER – The Section Leader is a frontline ambassador of the fair experience, ensuring all exhibitor booths within their assigned section are built to specification and that exhibitors receive exceptional, white‑glove support throughout move‑in and installation. This role bridges operations, production, and client service, requiring calm authority, attention to detail, and a deeply service‑oriented approach.
• ONSITE SHOW OFFICE ATTENDANT – Supports the Show Office Manager by assisting with exhibitor and staff check‑in, serving as a central point of contact for questions and minor issues, and coordinating updates between the show office, management teams, and logistics.
• SET UP CREW / DISTRIBUTION – Supports the physical setup, operation, and dismantle of the art fair, focusing on exhibitor space preparation, furniture deliveries, and onsite logistics. Works closely with the Staff Supervisor, Show Office Supervisor, and production teams to ensure exhibitor areas are installed accurately, safely, and on schedule.
• EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION ASSISTANT – Supports a smooth and professional arrival experience for exhibitors and sponsors, preparing and printing badges in advance of the fair, managing onsite registration, and serving as a knowledgeable point of contact for exhibitor questions.
• TICKET SCANNER – Often the first point of live interaction guests have with the fair. Sets the tone for professionalism, efficiency, and welcome, requiring precision, composure, and an excellent visitor‑facing presence.
• PUBLICATIONS STAFF – Supports the distribution of the fair’s intellectual and editorial materials, including maps, programs, and catalogues, ensuring visitors engage thoughtfully with the fair’s content and programming.
• FLOOR STAFF / DIRECTIONAL – The public face of the fair, combining approachability with professionalism and embodying the values of a global contemporary art institution.
• INFORMATION DESK STAFF – Cultural ambassadors for the fair, providing thoughtful, articulate guidance to visitors and contributing directly to the intellectual and experiential quality of the event.
• VIP DESK STAFF – Supports the most senior stakeholders of the fair, including collectors, curators, sponsors, artists, and institutional partners. Requires exceptional discretion, polish, and emotional intelligence.
• VIP EXHIBITOR ASSISTANT – Provides elevated, white‑glove support to exhibitors by managing their VIP guest experience onsite, ensuring all VIP requests are handled smoothly, discreetly, and with exceptional professionalism.

Please complete our application here: or submit a resume with a cover letter to Nikki Valentine at infoject line: "

Position Title:

Expo Chicago Art Fair".

Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Compensation: Compensation for all roles is hourly; rates start at $24.00 per hour.