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Trade Show Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

S.-based contact for PMMI's international trade show initiatives. Duties and Responsibilities: EXPO ... Manage timelines for exhibitor bulletins, service manuals, website updates, registration materials ...

Events Project Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$117K - $137K/yr

Coordinate design, development, and implementation of trade show exhibits and experiential ... Manage relationships with expo organizers, trade show vendors, and exhibit production partners.

Sr. Product Manager

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

The position plays a key role in product lifecycle management, regulatory support, and continuous ... enablement through trade show strategy, branding, and execution. The role partners cross ...

The position plays a key role in product lifecycle management, regulatory support, and continuous ... enablement through trade show strategy, branding, and execution. The role partners cross ...

New

Marketing Coordinator

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$24.04 - $27.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage trade show preparation activities including registrations, hotel accommodations, shipping coordination, setup logistics, and post-event material returns. * Monitor inventory levels of ...

Trade Compliance Officer

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Export licensing and Agreements, CJ's, and AO's - Prepare, submit, and manage export license ... This also includes coordination necessary for Trade Show and Demo support. Conduct contract review ...

Trade Compliance Officer

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Export licensing and Agreements, CJ's, and AO's - Prepare, submit, and manage export license ... This also includes coordination necessary for Trade Show and Demo support. Conduct contract review ...

Minimum 5 years of large-scale convention, trade show, or meeting planning experience required. * Proven ability to organize high volumes of detail, prioritize competing demands, manage long-term ...

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Showing results 1-20

Trade Show Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$26.8K

$66.6K

$105.1K

How much do trade show manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for trade show manager in Virginia is $66,573.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $80,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by trade show managers, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Trade Show Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple vendors, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring all logistics run smoothly on event days. Communication is key—proactively updating stakeholders and having contingency plans in place can help mitigate last-minute issues. Building strong relationships with reliable suppliers and keeping detailed checklists can also streamline operations, making it easier to adapt to unexpected changes or requests. Staying organized and prioritizing tasks are essential skills for navigating the fast-paced environment typical of this role.

What is a trade show manager?

As a trade show manager, you oversee all the logistics of a trade show or similar event. Your responsibilities are to coordinate the event, provide booth assignments to attendees, plan the technical aspects of special events or presentations, develop the master schedule for the event, promote the event through local or national media, help attendees install and tear down their booths after the event, and report on the event. Many trade show managers work as part of a convention center team and put on dozens of conventions or events throughout the year. Others may work for a specific organization or one-off event.

What is the difference between Trade Show Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectTrade Show ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary FocusPlanning and managing trade shows and exhibitionsOrganizing various types of events like conferences, weddings, corporate events
Work EnvironmentTrade show venues, exhibition halls, trade centersEvent venues, conference centers, outdoor locations
Required CredentialsExperience in event planning, industry-specific knowledge, sometimes certifications like CMPEvent planning experience, organizational skills, sometimes certifications
Industry UsageCommonly employed in trade, manufacturing, and sales industriesUsed across diverse industries including corporate, nonprofit, hospitality

While both roles involve event planning, a Trade Show Manager specializes in managing trade shows and exhibitions within specific industries, focusing on booth design, logistics, and industry networking. An Event Coordinator handles a broader range of events, including social and corporate functions, with a wider scope of responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trade show manager?

To thrive as a Trade Show Manager, you need strong project management, organizational, and event planning skills, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software (like Cvent or Eventbrite), budgeting tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems is highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure successful event execution, maximize exhibitor and attendee satisfaction, and help achieve business objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Trade Show jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Trade Show jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trade Show Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Trade Show Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Trade Show Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,573 per year, or $32 per hour.

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is the leading global resource for packaging and processing and voted one of the "Best Manufacturing Associations to Work For" on multiple occasions. PMMI connects the makers of goods with the packaging and processing suppliers they rely on. Together, we help provide people around the world with innovative, safe, convenient, and cost-effective products that touch lives every day. PMMI represents more than 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components, and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through our world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of business resources. Learn more here:
PMMI has industry leading benefits and a strong employee-focused culture that effectively aligns our talent with the PMMI mission through generous employer-paid insurance options and employee perks like flexible work time, unlimited PTO, frequent celebrations, Washington Capitals and Nationals season ticket raffles, weekly telecommuting days, a generous performance-based bonus program, a very lucrative Retirement Plan that includes an incredible Profit Share, and more! Take home your full earnings potential - no need for costly benefit deductions at PMMI! Come join us and see for yourself. Your family will thank you.
This leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to access and analyze data more easily.
Summary of the Position: The Manager, International Trade Shows manages the PMMI Member Pavilion for EXPO PACK México and EXPO PACK Guadalajara and serves as the primary project coordinator between PMMI's U.S. and Mexico offices. Working closely with the Mexico team, this role oversees key timelines, cross-functional deliverables, exhibitor participation, marketing coordination, and pavilion operations to ensure successful show execution. The position also supervises the International Trade Show Coordinator and serves as the primary U.S.-based contact for PMMI's international trade show initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
EXPO PACK México/Guadalajara
  • Serve as the primary liaison between PMMI's U.S. and Mexico offices for EXPO PACK-related projects and initiatives including marketing, sales and operations.
  • Coordinate with Mexico team to ensure timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder responsibilities remain on track throughout the show cycle.
  • Coordinate activities involving Marketing, Sales, Operations, Registration, Finance, and the Mexico Office.
  • Participate in project meetings, communicate status updates, and proactively identify and resolve project risks and delays.
  • Coordinate day-to-day activities of the International Trade Shows function within the U.S. office.
  • Supervise the International Trade Show Coordinator, including assigning work and establishing priorities.
  • Review and approve administrative work products, exhibitor communications, agreements, reports, and system updates completed by the International Trade Show Coordinator.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and exhibitor experience.
  • Partner with Marketing team in Mexico to establish and maintain timelines for exhibitor and attendee promotion
  • Manage timelines for exhibitor bulletins, service manuals, website updates, registration materials, and other exhibitor-facing communications.
  • Review and provide input on exhibitor service manuals, websites, advertising materials, email campaigns, fact sheets, and promotional content developed by the Mexico Office.
  • Ensure consistency and accuracy across all communications and platforms to maintain brand integrity and maintain established branding guidelines.
  • Coordinate setup, testing, maintenance, and functionality of exhibitor platforms, floor plans, online directories, mobile applications, and exhibitor resource tools.
  • Collaborate with marketing, registration, and technology vendors to ensure timely and accurate launch of exhibitor and attendee-facing platforms.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between PMMI, the Mexico Office, and show technology vendors, including Map Your Show and the Registration Vendor.

PMMI Member Pavilion
  • Oversee all aspects of the PMMI Member Pavilion at EXPO PACK México and EXPO PACK Guadalajara.
  • Manage pavilion space sales, exhibitor participation, and operational planning.
  • Oversee booth assignments and pavilion layouts within Map Your Show.
  • Coordinate PMMI Pavilion logistics, including staffing, travel, shipments, lounge operations, and exhibitor support.
  • Oversee the development and production of PMMI Pavilion structures, graphics, and related vendor deliverables in conjunction with international trade show coordinator.
  • Resolve escalated exhibitor issues and support successful pavilion operations.
  • Work with floor managers, vendors, and exhibitors to support successful move-in, show operations, and move-out activities.
  • Provide on-site support in the PMMI Pavilion during the events.

International Exhibitor Sales & Pavilion Organizers
  • Maintain relationships with international pavilion organizers and key exhibitor partners.
  • Coordinate international space sales activities with the Mexico Office to ensure accuracy across floor plans, reporting, and exhibitor records.
  • Oversee sponsorship opportunities and related exhibitor agreements.
  • Oversee the development of pavilion organizer agreements and exhibitor participation requirements.
  • Work with internal departments to support collections and account resolution activities as needed.
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex exhibitor and organizer issues.

PACK EXPO Domestic Shows
  • Maintain relationships and oversee contracting activities for International Pavilions participating in PACK EXPO trade shows.
  • Support operational initiatives and special projects across the PACK EXPO portfolio as assigned.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for external international sales representatives and coordinate related agreements and commission reporting.
  • Provide general support for PACK EXPO trade show operations as needed.
  • Travel to domestic PACK EXPO events and provide on-site support as required.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum 5-7 years of experience in trade show management, event management, association management, or a related field.
  • Spanish proficiency required.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
  • Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience with Map Your Show, Salesforce, event management systems, or similar platforms preferred.
  • Experience working with international teams or events preferred.
  • Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including travel to Mexico and PACK EXPO events.