Tradeshow Supervisor

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future.

We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

The Tradeshow Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and execution of US trade shows that effectively promote Thorlabs’ products and services as well as supporting international tradeshow efforts, all while maintaining brand consistency and meeting timelines. In this role, you will work with marketing management to evaluate current and potential trade shows, execute them from conception to completion, and train all tradeshow staff.

The Tradeshow Supervisor must be extremely detail oriented, with excellent organizational, project management, and leadership skills. Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

• Oversees communication and logistical needs prior to, during, and after tradeshow events, which could be occurring simultaneously, all in accordance with marketing strategy, budget, and brand guidelines.
• Guides and coaches tradeshow coordinators to effectively execute trade shows of various sizes, providing feedback as needed to improve knowledge gaps and ensure brand standards are met.
• Prepares, manages, and tracks the tradeshow budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high standards.
• Collaborates with sales to choose lead capture software and develop/deploy trainings that ensure optimal lead capture by tradeshow attendees. Partners with the CRM Business Administrator to ensure successful lead capture.
• Regularly reports on tradeshow performance and continuously seeks to elevate the comprehensive tradeshow experience — from planning through execution — by creating exceptional experiences under extremely demanding conditions.
• Coordinates with internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless event execution, collaborating with business and marketing leads to execute show themes, align demos and capabilities, and secure technology, services, and collateral that meet requirements.
• Oversees or coaches others on the proper setup and teardown of the Thorlabs booth at exhibitions, directing paid labor and booth staff as necessary. Mans the booth during exhibition hours, providing guidance to booth personnel as needed. Creates pre-show and post-show communications with booth staff to ensure everyone has the needed information to facilitate a successful show (deadlines, expectations, etc.).
• Directly handles or coaches others when last-minute issues arise and develops preventative measures to avoid similar issues moving forward.
• Oversees the maintenance of calendars of annual (internal) and upcoming (external) WW trade shows activities and ensures all trade shows have appropriate exposure via social and other marketing outlets.
• Oversees the maintenance of the tradeshow warehouse, equipment, and giveaway inventory, ensuring any needs are addressed promptly. Explores new solutions to elevate the tradeshow experience.
• Ensures accurate and current documentation of all tradeshow processes is available, cross training all tradeshow coordinators and other support personnel as needed.

The company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

3+ years of progressive experience in tradeshow planning and management.

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing, communications, or a scientific field; or equivalent work experience.

• Strong oral and written communication, including the ability to create and deliver a presentation/proposal.
• Proven experience in…