Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
WonderFil Specialty Threads is seeking an experienced, proactive and highly organized Exhibitions and Events Manager to plan and execute our participation in trade shows, consumer shows, retail-store events, guild programs, workshops and other promotional activities throughout Canada and the United States.
This is a hands-on role requiring strong event and project-management skills, creativity, physical stamina and frequent travel. The successful candidate will take ownership of the complete event lifecycle while creating engaging, professional experiences that strengthen WonderFil’s relationships with retailers, distributors, guilds, educators, designers and consumers.
Key Responsibilities
- Research, evaluate and recommend trade shows, retail events, guild programs and other promotional opportunities.
- Develop and maintain the annual events calendar, schedules, budgets and travel plans.
- Manage events from initial planning and registration through execution, dismantling and post-event evaluation.
- Plan booth layouts, product displays, demonstrations, signage, promotional materials and staffing requirements.
- Coordinate the preparation and transportation of product samples, displays, signage, fixtures, equipment and marketing materials.
- Ensure all event materials arrive on time, in good condition and ready for use.
- Coordinate event staffing, travel arrangements, accommodations and work schedules.
- Lead and support staff before, during and after each event.
- Participate directly in booth setup, product merchandising, customer engagement, packing and dismantling.
- Coordinate retail-store events, guild presentations, in-house workshops and training events.
- Work with the marketing and sales teams to promote events and support timely follow-up with leads and customers.
- Ensure WonderFil is represented professionally and consistently at every event.
- Track and report event expenses, sales performance, leads, customer feedback, market insights and competitive activity.
- Evaluate event performance and provide recommendations to management regarding future participation and return on investment.
- Maintain organized event records, procedures, inventories and post-event reports.
Qualifications and Experience
- At least three years of experience in trade shows, exhibitions, event management, retail events, project coordination or a related role.
- Demonstrated ability to manage the complete event lifecycle, from initial planning through execution and post-event evaluation.
- Experience coordinating freight, inventory, travel, vendors and event personnel.
- Strong organizational, budgeting, scheduling and project-management skills.
- Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving abilities.
- Comfortable engaging with customers, retailers, educators and industry professionals.
- Able to manage multiple events and changing priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.
- Proficient with standard office, scheduling and project-management software.
- Professional proficiency in English is required; proficiency in French is an asset.
- Experience or knowledge in sewing, quilting, embroidery, textiles, crafts or creative consumer products is an asset.
- A valid driver’s licence and satisfactory driving record are required.
- Willing and able to drive rental vehicles, including moving trucks, as required.
Travel and Physical Requirements
- Frequent travel throughout Canada and the United States.
- Availability for early-morning travel, evenings, weekends and occasional extended trips.
- A valid Canadian or U.S. passport and the ability to meet applicable requirements for business travel between Canada and the United States.
- Ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 lb/23 kg, with reasonable accommodation where appropriate.
- Ability to assist with booth setup and dismantling, packing and the movement of event materials.
- Comfortable standing and working for extended periods during shows and events.
What We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate is resourceful, dependable and comfortable taking ownership of complex events. This person combines strong planning and relationship-building skills with a practical, hands-on approach. They can remain calm when plans change, solve problems independently and represent WonderFil professionally within the sewing, quilting and creative-textile communities.
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter outlining:
- Your relevant trade-show and event-management experience.
- Examples of events you have personally planned and executed.
- Your availability for frequent travel throughout Canada and the United States.
- The languages in which you have professional proficiency.
- Any experience in sewing, quilting, embroidery, textiles, crafts or consumer products.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
