Event & Trade Show Marketing Coordinator

smartdept. is searching for an organized, hands-on Marketing Coordinator to own trade shows and events for a commercial lighting manufacturer in Chicago. This contract-to-hire role is for someone who loves keeping many moving parts on track and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves.

You’ll be the go-to person for events from start to finish, while also supporting the broader marketing team with email, social, design, and sales support. This role is onsite near Midway Airport.

What You’ll Do

• Plan, coordinate, and execute trade shows and events from start to finish


• Manage show logistics, including booth materials, shipping, vendors, and timelines


• Travel to up to 3 shows per year, including NeoCon (Chicago) and LEDucation (New York)


• Build and send pre-show and post-show email campaigns


• Support the sales team with marketing materials and event follow-up


• Create social media content around events, products, and launches


• Manage campaigns in marketing automation tools like Pardot


• Create basic graphics and make simple HTML updates as needed


• Help reset and maintain product displays in the showroom, including moving boxes and setting up product

What You’ll Need

• 2 to 4+ years of experience in marketing coordination, events, or trade show management


• Strong organizational skills and a true ownership mindset. You see what needs to happen and make it happen.


• Experience managing event logistics, vendors, and deadlines


• Hands-on experience with email marketing and marketing automation (Pardot, HubSpot, or similar)


• Working knowledge of design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Canva


• Basic HTML skills


• Comfortable with onsite work, travel, and physical tasks like lifting boxes and setting up displays


• Clear communicator who keeps the team in the loop without being asked

Nice to Have

• Experience in commercial lighting, architecture, interiors, or building products


• Familiarity with A&D industry shows like NeoCon or LightFair


• Experience supporting a sales team or rep network