A trade show coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of a trade show generally based in a convention center or hotel. This job requires a great deal of planning and problem solving. A coordinator needs to make sure the venue is set up, food and drinks are handled properly, attendee and vendor needs are met, audiovisual equipment is set up, marketing and promotion is managed, and everything is within the scope of budget. This person will frequently supervise multiple employees who perform these tasks.

A fair is a professional gathering of experts in a specific industry; It's an opportunity to network and see the latest developments in the field. In many cases, a trade show coordinator works for a convention center or hotel with a large meeting space that can accommodate visitors. The coordinator's initial job is to work with the fair organizers to understand the specific needs and budget of the event. For example, a computer fair has different technology requirements than an organic food fair, but each must have specific needs met.

The trade show coordinator's duties differ from fair to fair, but there is a basic set of responsibilities for almost all events. Ensuring that the venue is prepared is crucial to the success of a show. The coordinator must ensure that there is sufficient space for all booths, that those booths have adequate electricity, and that audiovisual presentation equipment is operational. Food and beverages must also be contracted and scheduled to be in the right place at the right time.

The organizers of the fair often handle the marketing and promotion, although some of this work is done by the sponsors of the fair. A coordinator works with printers, graphic designers, marketing departments, and public relations professionals to spread the word about the event. Show organizers will often have specific demands and standards for marketing that must be met.

This job is generally too much to be handled by one person. A fair coordinator can personally handle any of these jobs if the situation requires it, but most supervise a staff. It is the coordinator's responsibility to hire trained professionals to perform this diverse work and to create schedules to ensure that a show is adequately staffed. Successfully juggling these varied responsibilities is the most important job of a coordinator, but doing it right will create a fun and informative show for all attendees.