Trade Show Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Matrix designs, manufactures, and sells innovative technological products that help keep people safe. Originally focused on the underground coal mining industry, Matrix has expanded into new industrial markets in the United States and globally.

We are currently seeking a highly organized and proactive Trade Show & Events Specialist to lead the planning, coordination, logistics, and execution of the company's trade shows, conferences, customer events, and corporate initiatives. This role is responsible for managing all aspects of event operations to ensure a professional, impactful, and consistent brand presence that supports company growth, customer engagement, and business development efforts. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, has exceptional project management skills, and can successfully coordinate multiple events simultaneously while collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, sales, product, leadership, and external vendors. This position works in a team environment at our office in Lexington, KY. This is not a remote position.

This position reports to the Marketing Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Trade Show & Event Management
  • Lead planning and execution of all company trade shows, conferences, customer events, dealer meetings, and corporate functions
  • Manage event timelines, schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful execution
  • Coordinate booth reservations, sponsorships, exhibitor services, vendor communications, and event registrations
  • Oversee shipping logistics, booth materials, inventory management, and onsite event setup/tear-down
  • Ensure all event materials, signage, displays, and branded assets are prepared and delivered on schedule

• Logistics & Operations
  • Coordinate travel arrangements, lodging, transportation, and onsite schedules for attending staff
  • Maintain detailed event calendars and planning documentation
  • Manage event-related purchase orders, invoices, contracts, and budget tracking
  • Serve as primary point of contact for venues, trade show organizers, contractors, and external vendors
  • Troubleshoot onsite logistics and operational issues as needed during events

• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with sales and leadership teams to align event participation with business objectives
  • Coordinate with marketing team members on promotional campaigns, booth messaging, graphics, presentations, and pre/post-show communications
  • Collaborate with product and technical teams to support demonstrations, equipment displays, and customer engagement opportunities
  • Support internal corporate events, training sessions, customer visits, and company meetings

• Brand & Marketing Support
  • Ensure consistent and professional representation of the Matrix brand across all events
  • Assist with development and organization of trade show collateral, promotional materials, giveaways, and booth graphics
  • Support pre-show marketing efforts including email campaigns, social media promotion, and customer outreach
  • Assist with post-show lead tracking, reporting, and event performance analysis

• Event Strategy & Continuous Improvement
  • Evaluate event performance, attendee engagement, and ROI metrics
  • Identify opportunities to improve event execution, efficiency, and customer experience
  • Research and recommend new industry events and sponsorship opportunities aligned with company goals
  • Maintain organized inventories and processes for scalable event operations

Qualifications & Competencies

Employment Eligibility & Verification

All applicants must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of the I-9 form, as required by federal law. Additionally, candidates will be required to undergo an employment verification process before beginning work. Please note that we do not offer sponsorship for work authorization (e.g., H-1B, TN, or other visas) at this time.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Event Management, Business, or related field preferred
• 37 years of experience managing trade shows, corporate events, or B2B marketing events
• Strong project management and organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously
• Excellent communication and vendor management skills
• Experience coordinating logistics, travel, shipping, and event operations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools
• Ability to travel frequently (25% - 30%) for events and onsite support

Preferred Skills

• Experience in industrial, mining, manufacturing, technology, or B2B environments
• Familiarity with trade show exhibit management and booth logistics
• Experience supporting marketing campaigns and lead generation efforts
• Graphic design or marketing communications exposure is a plus
• Budget management and contract negotiation experience preferred

Working Conditions

• The primary working conditions will be in a climate-controlled office setting.
• Other working conditions will consist of trade show sites.

Physical Requirements

The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, or crouch. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. #LI-Onsite

Benefits

• First day coverage of all benefits - no waiting period
• Premium free medical, dental and vision insurance working spouse must take major medical at their place of employment if offered
• On-site health clinic
• Basic Life (2x annual base salary at no cost)
• Optional Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance (no cost)
• 401(k) Plan with up to an 8% company match
• FSA for Health Care and Dependent Care
• 10 Paid annual holidays plus vacation time
• Educational Reimbursement Program
• Scholarship Program
• Optional Gym Membership
• E-Sports Room