Exhibit Coordinator

Career Guide
An Exhibit Coordinator plans and supports the logistics and day to day details needed to deliver exhibits for trade shows, museums, visitor centers, or corporate spaces. The role focuses on schedules, vendor coordination, shipping, on site setup support, and clear communication so exhibits are delivered on time, on budget, and in good condition.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create and maintain exhibit timelines, task lists, and run of show documents
  • Coordinate shipping, receiving, and storage of exhibit materials
  • Track inventory of booth structures, graphics, and promotional items
  • Request quotes and manage purchase orders with vendors and contractors
  • Coordinate with designers and fabricators to confirm specifications and deadlines
  • Support on site installation and dismantle schedules
  • Ensure compliance with venue rules, safety requirements, and union guidelines when applicable
  • Manage exhibitor services orders such as electricity, internet, and furniture rentals
  • Prepare packing lists, labels, and shipping documentation
  • Handle updates and issue resolution during build, show days, and tear down
  • Track expenses and reconcile invoices against budgets
  • Collect feedback after events and document improvements for future exhibits

Top Skills for Success

Project Coordination
Schedule Management
Vendor Management
Budget Tracking
Written Communication
Stakeholder Communication
Attention to Detail
Issue Resolution
Inventory Management
Shipping Coordination
On Site Logistics
Exhibitor Services Ordering
Event Operations
Venue Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Exhibit Coordinator
Exhibit Manager
Event Operations Manager
Trade Show Manager
Production Coordinator
Transition Opportunities
Project Manager
Event Planner
Marketing Operations Specialist
Account Manager
Museum Operations Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Contract BasicsNegotiationCost EstimationRisk ManagementTechnical Drawing LiteracySafety ComplianceVenue Documentation Management
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple budget and timeline template you can reuse, practice writing clear vendor briefs, learn the basics of exhibit shipping and material handling, and shadow an install to understand on site constraints and safety expectations.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$40,000 to $55,000
Mid Level$55,000 to $72,000
Senior Level$72,000 to $95,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand. Hiring rises with event schedules and travel budgets, with continued need for coordinators who can manage both in person and hybrid event requirements.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
FreemanGESEncoreMCI GroupPSAVSmithsonian InstitutionAECOM
Industry Sectors
Event servicesTrade show and exhibition servicesMuseums and cultural institutionsCorporate marketing teamsConvention centers and venuesExperiential marketing agenciesExhibit design and fabrication

Recommended Next Steps

1
Create a portfolio of 2 to 4 exhibits or events with your timeline, budget, vendors, and outcomes
2
Learn one project tracking tool used by teams such as Asana or Smartsheet
3
Build a vendor list with notes on lead times, pricing, and reliability
4
Practice exhibit documentation such as packing lists, labeling, and inventory logs
5
Ask to support an on site build to gain installation and troubleshooting experience
6
Strengthen your resume with measurable results such as cost savings, on time delivery, and issue resolution examples