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Last Updated on January 19, 2025
If you’re feeling stuck in your current job and unsure how to explore new opportunities without appearing solely motivated by money, it may be time to start looking for alternatives. If traditional job searches, like scanning classifieds, aren’t yielding results, or if working for someone else long-term doesn’t align with your goals, consider joining trade show staff. Trade shows offer a dynamic environment filled with diverse attendees, making them an excellent platform for networking and job hunting.
A well-executed trade show experience can pave the way for meaningful connections that open doors to the corporate world or lead to exciting new career opportunities. It might even help you land the
What This Article Covers
- The advantages of trade show jobs: Learn why trade show roles are ideal for networking, gaining experience, and opening doors to new opportunities.
- How to build a strong resume: Discover the importance of showcasing your past experience, hobbies, and passion projects to appeal to potential employers.
- Gaining relevant experience: Understand how volunteering or taking entry-level roles can boost your qualifications for trade show jobs.
- Researching trade show opportunities: Find tips on locating upcoming trade shows and researching exhibitors to target the right positions.
- The importance of professional relationships: Explore strategies for maintaining good connections with employers and interviewers, even after rejection.
- Patience during the
hiring process: Learn how to navigate waiting periods and rejection with resilience and a proactive approach. - Proactive job searching strategies: Gain insights into directly approaching event managers and leveraging networking to secure roles.
- Preparing for trade show roles: Understand how to align your skills and expectations with trade show job requirements for the best chances of success.
Build Your Resume
Everyone looking for a job, no matter how long they’ve been employed or unemployed, must consider their past work experience and any work they’ve done outside of their day job. This can be anything from personal projects or volunteer positions but includes hobbies that apply to your target industry. For example, if you want to work for a game developer specializing in role-playing games (RPGs), your knowledge of RPGs will be invaluable.
On the other hand, if you want to apply for trade show jobs in the aerospace industry, you’ll need to let your future employer know what passion projects you’ve completed. They expect their employees to be invested in the field they’re working in. Putting this information on LinkedIn and other social media profiles would also be helpful.
Get Some Experience
There are no entry-level positions at trade shows; everything is based on experience and qualifications only. As such, consider getting some related experience to make yourself more employable by these companies and the events they host.
Volunteer for non-profit organizations like UNICEF if you want to work for a trade show that benefits women or children, volunteer with any organization that lets you interact with the public, or apply your hobbies in an office environment if you want to work for a startup company. The best way to get job experience is by working for free, but if that’s not an option, you can also consider working the cash register at your local gaming store or assisting a game designer.
Find Out What They Want
Take some time and look for trade shows in the area, whether local or national, it’s important to find out what’s coming up. Reach out to show managers directly by visiting their website—most exhibitors list this information on their “contact” page (or somewhere similar). If no upcoming events are listed, research online under “trade show calendar.”
It’s also advisable to research the companies exhibiting at the event. Find out about their business, who they are targeting, and what products or services they offer. This information can be especially helpful if you’re looking for more than one job at a time—some events book multiple jobs but require different qualifications. Keep this in mind as you begin your search so you don’t apply to an event only to realize later the position isn’t right for you once you attend it.
Don’t Burn Bridges
It’s always good practice to contact everyone you meet while looking for work, including employers and interviewers you didn’t get along with well enough to acquire a job. It doesn’t cost you anything to send a small e-mail or a quick thank you message after a meeting, and it can open doors that you never expected. Be sure not to spam people by sending out bulk messages, but if you get to work with one of these employers again, be prepared to take advantage of the opportunity. Additionally, it’s good to take note of the names and faces of everyone you meet during your
Be Patient
It’s not uncommon for groups of applicants to be invited to trade shows and then expected to wait around until needed, often without information about what they’ll be doing. If this seems like something you’d like to avoid, consider bringing a book or your laptop to have something to do while waiting. Also, remember that employers need to review each application carefully, so don’t take it personally if your file was passed over in favor of a more qualified candidate.
These folks work hard to host successful events and need someone to help them achieve their goals, even if sometimes those people are just as qualified as you are. Therefore, be patient, do your research, and be sure to follow up with managers when you apply for future positions.
Take the Plunge
If you’ve exhausted all conventional ways to find a trade show job and still feel stuck, it might be time to take a proactive approach. Start by attending events and directly engaging with event managers or key decision-makers. Establish relationships by discussing your skills and experience, and maintain those connections by following up with updates after each event or conversation. Strict rules do not bind trade show
Trade show jobs provide a unique pathway to build connections with companies you may want to work with long-term. They offer a valuable experience that can be challenging to find elsewhere. While many positions require prior experience, some opportunities, such as internships, are well-suited for recent graduates or those new to the field.
Conduct thorough research before applying to understand the skills or qualifications employers expect. Whether you bring expertise or enthusiasm, your contributions can make you a standout candidate. With persistence and preparation, a trade show employer is likely eager to welcome you.
