Trade Show & Events Manager in Lakeville, Minnesota at Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc.

The Trade Show & Events Manager leads the planning, coordination, and operational execution of Midwest Veterinary Supply’s participation in more than 65 industry events annually, including national, regional, and state veterinary trade shows, sales meetings, and continuing education programs. The role ensures events are well-organized, cost-effective, professionally delivered, and aligned with Marketing and business priorities.

Working in partnership with the Director of Brand Engagement, Marketing, Sales, and cross-functional stakeholders, this role translates event objectives into clear plans, timelines, logistics, and attendee communications. It manages the event lifecycle from registration and vendor coordination through on-site readiness and post-event reconciliation, while identifying opportunities to improve processes, consistency, and the value Midwest receives from its event investments. Event attendance and travel may be required selectively based on business needs.

• Coordinate Midwest Veterinary Supply’s participation in more than 65 trade shows and industry events annually, ensuring priorities and plans align with Marketing and commercial objectives.
• Manage the end-to-end event lifecycle, including event research, registration, sponsorship applications, exhibitor agreements, deadlines, requirements, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain event plans, project timelines, checklists, and readiness communications to keep internal stakeholders informed and prepared.
• Coordinate booth logistics, including shipping, transportation, setup arrangements, return shipments, and related service orders.
• Partner with event organizers, exhibition service providers, and external vendors to resolve issues, manage requirements, and support successful execution.
• Coordinate branded apparel, promotional materials, giveaways, booth assets, and other materials needed by event participants.
• Ensure consistent, professional presentation of the Midwest Veterinary Supply brand across trade shows and event touchpoints.

• Assist in the planning and coordination of sales meetings, training events, and continuing education programs in partnership with internal business owners.
• Work with third party vendors to research and secure appropriate venues, hotel accommodations, meeting rooms, and event spaces based on event objectives, attendee needs, and budget.
• Coordinate food and beverage, room layouts, audiovisual needs, meeting materials, registration, and attendee logistics.
• Support budget planning, vendor sourcing, and negotiations to balance quality, attendee experience, and cost effectiveness.
• Track event commitments, key milestones, and logistical requirements to ensure smooth delivery.

• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Purchasing, Operations, and other departments to clarify event goals, requirements, roles, and timelines.
• Serve as a central point of contact for event organizers, vendors, and internal stakeholders throughout the planning process.
• Communicate event details, expectations, deadlines, and changes clearly and proactively to internal attendees and partners.
• Build productive relationships with vendors and industry partners, addressing issues promptly and escalating material risks when needed.
• Partner with the Director of Brand Engagement and relevant Marketing team members to align event execution with brand standards, creative needs, and customer engagement priorities.

• Maintain a centralized event calendar, planning documentation, registration details, sponsorship commitments, vendor records, and other event information.
• Monitor event-related expenses and support budget tracking, invoice review, reconciliation, and closeout in accordance with company processes.
• Coordinate post-event activities, including return of materials, invoice reconciliation, documentation, and follow-up with stakeholders.
• Assess event processes and identify opportunities to improve planning consistency, operational efficiency, vendor value, and the experience for Midwest employees and attendees.
• Capture relevant event feedback and lessons learned to inform future planning and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Event Management, Communications, Business, Hospitality, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.

• Strong project management, planning, organization, and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple events and deadlines concurrently.
• Five or more years of experience coordinating trade shows, corporate events, conferences, meetings, or similar programs; experience managing a high volume of events is strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating vendor relationships, event logistics, registration, budgets, contracts, shipping, and post-event reconciliation.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and other business teams; B2B or veterinary/animal health industry experience is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with internal stakeholders, vendors, event organizers, and attendees.
• Strong attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, adaptability, and sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage event-related expenses, compare vendor options, support negotiations, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with common business productivity tools and the ability to learn event registration, project management, and expense systems.
• Ability to anticipate risks, respond calmly to changing requirements, and keep stakeholders informed of issues and solutions.