Project Manager- Trade Show

Innovative Environments Houston•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Innovative Environments (IE) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our growing Trade Show team. This position plays a critical role in delivering successful, profitable, and high-quality exhibit projects from initial design review and estimating through installation, dismantle, invoicing, and post-show analysis. The ideal candidate has proven experience managing projects within the trade show and exhibit industry, is comfortable working directly with clients and vendors, and can confidently coordinate multiple departments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. If you are organized, resourceful, customer-focused, and thrive on turning creative concepts into successful projects, we want to hear from you!

Requirements

3+ years of project management experience within the trade show, exhibit, events, or experiential industry.
Strong understanding of trade show exhibit production and project execution.
Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings and design plans.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with installation and dismantle (I&D) of trade show exhibits.
Experience working with general contractors, show contractors, vendors, and subcontractors.
Experience working directly with clients and presenting project information.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or experience equivalent.
PMP certification is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Review exhibit designs and determine the appropriate construction approach, including custom, modular, or standard structures.
Analyze design packages to identify all required components, materials, labor, subcontracting, graphics, logistics, and other project requirements.
Coordinate revisions and prepare updated quotes as project scope and client needs evolve.
Identify potential challenges, cost concerns, and scope gaps early in the process.
Establish and maintain a comprehensive project folder containing quotes, drawings, correspondence, vendor information, and other project documentation.
Manage the entire project lifecycle, from initial design review and quoting through production, installation, show closeout, and post-show review.
Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and critical deadlines.
Coordinate closely with Sales, Design, Art/Graphics, Fabrication, Logistics, Installation & Dismantle, and outside vendors.
Monitor project progress and proactively address scheduling, budget, quality, and scope issues.
Ensure project deliverables are completed accurately, on time, and within budget.
Communicate project status, changes, risks, and action items clearly to internal teams and clients.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while effectively prioritizing competing deadlines.
Identify potential problems before they become issues and develop practical solutions when challenges arise.
Maintain accurate project documentation throughout the life of each project.
Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned clients throughout the project.
Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and project presentations.
Build strong, professional relationships by understanding client objectives and consistently delivering on expectations.
Establish credibility with clients by demonstrating strong knowledge of exhibit production, timelines, budgets, and project requirements.
Coordinate with vendors, subcontractors, and general contractors to ensure project requirements are clearly understood and executed.
Address client concerns professionally and work collaboratively to resolve issues.
Monitor project costs throughout the project lifecycle.
Request, review, and reconcile vendor and subcontractor invoices.
Ensure all project costs are properly documented and accounted for.
Coordinate project invoicing and assist in maintaining accurate financial records.
Monitor project profitability and communicate potential cost overruns or margin concerns.
Conduct post-show project reviews to evaluate profitability, execution, client satisfaction, and any project issues or incidents.
Document lessons learned and identify opportunities to improve future projects.
Gather client and internal feedback and communicate recommendations to the appropriate teams.
Ensure final project documentation is complete and properly stored.