Exhibition organiser

Exhibition organiser job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Exhibitions provide the opportunity for potential buyers to meet a wide range of sellers within a single venue and range from general consumer shows to specialist trade events. The work is very similar to conference organisation and typically involves:

• locating suitable venues
• financial and managerial administration
• identifying new business
• marketing and selling exhibition space/stands
• advertising and publicising events
• liaising with caterers, suppliers and contractors
• writing promotional material/press releases
• undertaking market research
• problem solving
• ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation.

The work can require long hours and meeting tight deadlines. Travel to exhibition venues and nights spent away from home are often necessary.

Typical employers of exhibition organisers

Employers include exhibition centres, specialist exhibition organising companies and major private companies. Self-employment is an alternative option, although this necessitates a good network of contacts. Vacancies are advertised in local, regional and national newspapers and in specialist publications such as Caterer and Hotelkeeper. Speculative applications are advisable - The Association of Event Organisers lists its members. Recruitment agencies often advertise immediate vacancies.

Qualifications and training required

Although a degree is not essential for entry into the profession, strong competition for vacancies often makes relevant experience and/or qualifications necessary. Employers may favour those possessing management, marketing, hotel and catering management or languages qualifications.

Key skills for exhibition organisers

IT, languages, sales, financial, marketing and PR skills/experience are usually beneficial. Potential employees should have plenty of energy, a calm 'customer focused' manner, the ability to cope with pressure, excellent interpersonal skills, meticulous attention to detail and effective time management and organisational abilities.