Experience Manager - Hybrid - Chicago, IL - SC3192

 

Contract position for two Experience Managers to lead the strategic development, coordination, and execution of multiple exhibits and brand activations at a high-profile, global corporate convention. This is a dynamic, high-visibility role requiring strong trade show vernacular, logistical fluency, and excellent stakeholder management skills. 

This position involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and subject matter experts. The Experience Manager will own all facets of assigned exhibit activations, from conceptualization to on-site execution and post-event wrap-up. Candidates must be detail-oriented and highly collaborative team players. 

 

See below for more details on the position.

Experience Manager - Hybrid - Chicago, IL

Contract position for two Experience Managers to lead the strategic development, coordination, and execution of multiple exhibits and brand activations at a high-profile, global corporate convention. This is a dynamic, high-visibility role requiring strong trade show vernacular, logistical fluency, and excellent stakeholder management skills. 

This position involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and subject matter experts. The Experience Manager will own all facets of assigned exhibit activations, from conceptualization to on-site execution and post-event wrap-up. Candidates must be detail-oriented and highly collaborative team players. 

Engagement Details 

Contract Dates: September 2025 – July 2026 

Estimated Hours: 1,215 hours total (see monthly breakdown below) 

Location: Hybrid – Chicago, IL (Able to work from West Loop Office when needed) 

Required Travel Dates: 

  • 3-4-day trip to Las Vegas | Team Pre-site – Fall 2025  

  • 3-4-day trip to Las Vegas| Team Pre-site – January 2026  

  • 3-4-day trip to Las Vegas | Team Pre-site – March/April 2026  

  • 15 days on-site for event | May 23rd – June 6th – Tentative; includes Memorial Day weekend 

Responsibilities:  

As the Experience Manager you will work on:

Pre-Convention: 

  • Project manage and coordinate all aspects of Experience development  

  • Manage regular process meetings with stakeholders including scheduling, creating agendas, recapping key next steps and holding teams accountable for action items  

  • Own individual budget projections that roll into larger Convention budget. Must flag any overages immediately  

  • Align all activity and deliverables against master timeline, including providing inputs to master on-site production schedule  

  • Coordinate graphic, video, interactive and other creative elements with Agency partner as required, ensuring all elements adhere to brand standards 

  • Work closely with client’s Infrastructure Leads (Menu, Technology, Equipment) as necessary to support exhibit development  

  • Understand relevance of Experience elements as it relates to overall event, with ability to see potential conflicts and comfortably solve for  

  • Detailed coordination with convention center on utility, networking, rigging and other required services for Experience activation. Includes managing vendor estimates, understanding detail diagrams and placing orders for technical element 

On-Site: 

  • Coordinate load-in schedule with service contractor, prioritizing elements in order of importance  

  • Ensure all utilities (networking, rigging, power, etc.) have been dropped correctly and all floor markings are accurate to support build-out  

  • Oversee entirety of Experience move in and build with all vendors including general contractor, A/V, utilities, IT, etc. Will include weekend work. Load-in and on-site days can range from 8-14 hours and may run over holidays  

  • Troubleshoot obstacles or timeline delays as needed with relevant vendors to ensure experiences are set up on-time  

  • Conduct daily walk-throughs and stand-up meetings with Core team and general contractor to provide status updates and manage expectations, flagging any significant changes to physical infrastructure and/or budget  

  • Ensure Experiences are ready for all rehearsals, Senior Leadership reviews and show opening  

  • Communicate teardown and move out parameters to stakeholders prior to end of show including timeline, shipping and donation procedures  

  • Oversee tear-down ensuring any elements that need to be saved and/or donated are complete before leaving show-site 

Post-Convention: 

  • Reconcile all invoices and submit for payment  

  • Prepare final budget reconciliation per Experience  

  • Conduct debriefs with Experience Leads, vendor partners and relevant stakeholders  

  • Ensure proper electronic record keeping of event files and assets for future reference 

  • Provide thoughtful recommendations for future event roles and responsibilities  

  • Overall project wrap-up 

Candidate Qualifications:

  • Previous experience working in tradeshows and/or exhibit display development (specialty construction/fabrication) and all elements involved (graphics, AV, electrical, rigging, technology, etc.) required  

  • Ability to manage complex and technical exhibit booth components (restaurant/kitchen equipment, technology equipment, etc.)  

  • Strong project management and organizational skills  

  • Enjoys working with high level of attention to detail in a fast-paced, highly visible environment  

  • Ability to manage multiple project priorities and deadlines across multiple work streams

  • Stellar customer service and client management skills  

  • Must be able to demonstrate confidence and professionalism when faced with challenging situations, including managing client stakeholders as a “contractor”  

  • Proficiently able to face obstacles with a solutions-oriented mindset; comfortable asking clarifying and challenging questions  

  • Ability to be agile in a client facing role, including with Senior Leadership Team and other executives  

  • Proactively self-motivated to take initiative and problem solve independently and in a team situation  

  • Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills  

  • Comfortable working with high level of ambiguity  

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft office suite of services (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, etc.) 

Preferred: 

  • Experience with Fortune 500 brands or recognizable trade shows (e.g., Restaurant Association Show) 

  • Background in digital/technology or marketing exhibits is a plus 

  • Knowledge of the food service or restaurant industry is a bonus 

Estimated Hour Breakdown:

Fill out our opportunity form to express your interest and share availability.

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