Event Marketing Specialist

Responsible for independently planning, managing, and coordinating JDS Industries tradeshow operations from initial arrangements through post-event evaluation. Serves as the primary point of contact for tradeshow matters, manages event logistics and expenditures within approved budgets, directs personnel assisting at events, and ensures booth materials and inventory are prepared, maintained, and replenished.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate assigned tradeshows, including timelines, booth space reservations, registration, hotel accommodations, airline travel, transportation, and other event arrangements.
• Evaluate vendor and service options, coordinate or negotiate arrangements, monitor event expenditures, and make purchasing and operational decisions within approved budgets and established authority.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for tradeshow questions, changes, and issues, whether onsite or supporting an event remotely; independently resolve problems and escalate matters beyond assigned authority.
• Lead tradeshow preparation at the Sioux Falls facility, including booth mock-ups, display assembly, product placement, preparation of price plates and flyers, packing, crating, labeling, and shipment coordination.
• Prepare clear show-specific setup, booth presentation, teardown, and repacking instructions; direct employees assisting with setup, operation, and teardown while actively participating as needed.
• Coordinate with Graphic Design and other departments to ensure booths accurately reflect company branding and that required products, samples, literature, displays, and promotional materials are available.
• Maintain accurate tradeshow inventory and organize, package, and replenish displays, equipment, giveaways, literature, and promotional supplies; place orders for needed materials and replacements.
• Upon return of each show, oversee and participate in unpacking crates, inspecting and reconciling returned items, documenting missing or damaged materials, and ordering replacements to restore readiness for future events.
• Attend required tradeshows and provide onsite operational leadership and support, including coordination of booth setup, event activities, and teardown.
• Compile post-event feedback, results, expenditures, and key learnings into reports; evaluate event effectiveness and recommend improvements to future tradeshow planning and execution.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Independent judgment, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and accountability within established guidelines.
• Effective verbal and written communication; ability to provide clear direction to employees assisting at events and work across departments.
• Strong organization, planning, follow-through, inventory accuracy, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Self-starter with a collaborative, positive, and service-oriented approach.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Frequent lifting, grasping, bending, squatting, reaching, twisting, and turning during tradeshow preparation and onsite activities; ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% of the time, including air travel and onsite tradeshow setup and teardown activities.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, company software, phone, and copier.
• Hours are generally Monday through Friday, with additional or varied hours, including event-related travel, as needed. Position is office-based with work in warehouse and Fabrication areas.

Required Qualifications

• Any combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the duties of the position; an associate's or bachelor's degree and two years of marketing or event experience, or comparable experience, preferred.
• Experience independently coordinating multiple projects, vendors, budgets, and deadlines with strong attention to detail preferred.
• Ability to use business computer programs, including AS400, intermediate Excel, Microsoft Word, and email.