Trade Show Manager

SMART Technologies is an award-winning company that collaborates with bright minds around the world who believe in the power of innovation. We’re large enough to do great things but small enough that you don’t get lost in the crowd. Our continued success is possible because of our ‘Best in Class’ culture and unique talents of every individual at SMART.

Make an impact in education and business and beyond. Be a part of meaningful work that fuels connections across the globe. These are the connections that really matter - and inspire greatness. #WeAreSMART #ConnectionsThatMatter

This is a hands‑on, end‑to‑end ownership role within SMART’s Trade Show & Event team, focused on delivering exceptional trade show production and experiences, across key global markets.

As the Trade Show Manager, you are the prime for key SMART trade shows and on‑site experiences. You will plan, build, and deliver trade shows from first brief to post‑show wrap—covering design, logistics, vendors, staffing, technology, budgets, on‑site execution, and follow‑through.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Is highly detail‑oriented and takes pride in flawless execution
• Loves solving problems in real time
• Thinks deeply about attendee flow, usability, and experience
• Is comfortable working independently, making decisions, and owning outcomes

Beyond logistics, you will design the trade show experience itself, how attendees move through the space, interact with products, engage with sales teams, and walk away with a clear understanding of SMART’s value. You will identify gaps, friction points, and opportunities, and translate them into practical, thoughtful solutions that improve usability, accessibility, and sales impact.

You will work cross‑functionally with Sales, Product, Marketing, Technical teams, agencies, and vendors, turning strategic goals into clear, executable plans. Success in this role comes from strong judgment, rigorous planning, calm execution under pressure, and a mindset of continuous improvement.

As SMART evolves, this role will evolve with it—requiring someone who is adaptable, curious, and comfortable operating in a fast‑moving, changing environment.

What You’ll Own

End‑to‑End Trade Show Execution

• Own trade shows from concept to completion—planning, coordination, execution, and post‑event evaluation.
• Lead multiple concurrent global and regional trade shows, often with overlapping timelines.
• Translate business and campaign objectives into clear plans covering logistics, experience design, messaging, and execution.

Experience & Design Excellence

• Lead booth structure and experience design, partnering with internal teams and vendors to create intuitive, engaging product showcases.
• Evaluate attendee flow, messaging clarity, accessibility, and demo effectiveness, and proactively improve the experience.
• Submit creative briefs and manage deliverables with internal creative teams and external agencies.

Operational Detail & Logistics

• Own all trade show logistics, including shipping, labor, electrical, internet, rentals, catering, cleaning, and show services.
• Manage inventory and lifecycle of trade show equipment, demo units, and assets (scheduling, storage, maintenance, repair, retirement).
• Coordinate backend demo requirements with product and technical teams, including systems readiness and inventory flow.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Run kickoffs and weekly status meetings with clear ownership, timelines, and accountability.
• Prepare sales, executives, and stakeholders for events through briefings, demos, and readiness planning.
• Ensure alignment with global brand standards, governance, and campaign strategy.

Problem Solving & Performance

• Apply critical thinking and calm judgment to solve problems, especially during back‑to‑back or high‑pressure events.
• Manage trade show budgets end‑to‑end, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with approved spend.
• Track outcomes, KPIs, and ROI; deliver clear, actionable post‑event reporting and recommendations for improvement.

What You Bring

Core Experience

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience managing trade shows and complex events
• Proven ownership of end‑to‑end trade show execution, including global events
• Strong experience managing vendors, budgets, and multi‑stakeholder projects

How You Work

• Exceptionally detail‑oriented—you notice what others miss
• A natural problem solver who stays steady under pressure
• Comfortable working independently and making decisions
• Strong project management and organizational skills in fast‑paced environments
• Ability to think both operationally and from an attendee‑experience lens

Communication & Tools

• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working with technology, AV, demos, and digital tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and AI tools

Nice to Have

• Experience with HubSpot, Salesforce, ClickUp, or similar tools
• Exposure to product launches or technical demo environments
• Familiarity with design tools such as Canva

Additional Details

• Travel: Up to 25%
• Valid passport required (North America & international travel)
• Preferred candidate would be able to maintain a hybrid work environment with in‑office days potentially required, however, open to candidates located outside of Calgary
• This role has no direct reports
• Occasional evening/weekend work during peak event periods
  
  

At SMART, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace where all individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.