Introduction
Exhibition and event planning is now a lucrative industry with diverse career choices. What sets the exhibition industry apart is that it is a creative industry that is forever evolving. The same holds for career paths and roles within the exhibition industry. Another interesting fact that makes the exhibition industry an exciting field is that the roles are not rigid and strictly defined.
A person with a role, say event planner, will also be good enough to complement and collaborate with an exhibit designer. The codependency of such roles in the exhibition industry makes up for an exciting career path with promising job prospects.
Whether you like the logistical challenges of event management, the artistic expression of exhibit design, or the strategic thinking behind marketing campaigns, the exhibition industry has a role for you. So, let’s discuss 5 exciting career paths within the exhibition industry and discuss the responsibilities, skills, and opportunities associated with each role.
1. Event Planner
Event planners are the masterminds behind successful exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows. They oversee all aspects of event planning, from exhibition conceptualisation to execution. This role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and managing multiple tasks.
Event planners work closely with clients to understand goals and objectives and then develop plans to bring their vision to life. They collaborate with vendors, such as venues, caterers, and audiovisual providers, to seamlessly integrate all event elements.
Additionally, event planners are responsible for managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and handling logistical challenges that may arise during the planning process or on the day of the event. The average annual salary for an event planner in the United Kingdom is £30,382.
2. Exhibit Designer
As they say, the first impression is the last impression and exhibit designers are responsible for making a lasting impression in the exhibition industry. They combine their artistic talents with technical knowledge to create visually appealing and functional exhibits that communicate a brand’s message and engage attendees.
Exhibit designers work with clients to understand their brand identity, target audience, and objectives for the exhibition. They then translate these insights into concept development, spatial planning, prototype development, and installation supervision, among other aspects, to create a successful exhibition plan.
Unlike event planners, exhibit designers must have a strong understanding of materials, fabrication techniques, and industry trends to create exhibits that are not only visually appealing but also practical and cost-effective.
Experienced exhibit designers can typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000 annually, while senior exhibition designers’ salaries range from £35,000 to £50,000.
3. Marketing Specialist
No industry or business is successful without marketing these days, and making an exhibition or event successful without a marketing specialist is practically impossible. After all, marketing specialists are responsible for promoting exhibitions and attracting attendees.
They develop and implement marketing strategies that use various marketing channels, such as social media, email campaigns, and content marketing, to generate buzz and drive registration. To generate buzz, marketing specialists work closely with event planners (discussed above) and other stakeholders to develop brand messaging that resonates with the target audience.
The responsibilities of marketing specialists involve creating compelling content, such as blog posts, social media posts, press releases, and promotional videos, to showcase the exhibition’s unique features. Additionally, marketing specialists analyse data to make data-driven decisions and optimise marketing strategies. In London, UK, the average salary for a Marketing Specialist is £40,759.
4. Sales Manager
Exhibitions require a big budget to set up and to meet the budget; they need to generate revenues apart from initial spending. Sales managers are responsible for generating revenues as they sell exhibit space, sponsorships, and other promotional opportunities to potential exhibitors and sponsors.
As exhibition industry roles are codependent, so sales managers work closely with event planners and marketing specialists to develop sales strategies and pricing structures to meet the exhibition’s goals.
The sales manager’s responsibilities involve conducting market research to identify potential exhibitors and sponsors and develop customised proposals highlighting the benefits of participation. They negotiate contracts, manage client relationships, and provide customer service to ensure client retention. The average annual salary for a sales manager in the United Kingdom is £40,000.
5. Technology Specialist
Exhibitions and events are all about interactions, and technology specialists fill this role. As technology continues to shape the exhibition industry, technology specialists are now more than relevant. They are responsible for integrating technologies like virtual and augmented reality, interactive displays, and event management software.
To do that, they have to work with event planners, exhibit designers, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for technology integration and develop solutions that meet the unique needs of each exhibition.
They also have to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that the exhibitions they work on are one step ahead of the competition. Technology specialists also provide technical support so that the event and exhibition go smoothly. In the United Kingdom, the average annual salary for an Event Technology Specialist is £39,991.
Conclusion
The exhibition industry offers many exciting and rewarding career paths for individuals with diverse skill sets and passions. From exhibit design to event marketing and sales, there are numerous opportunities to make a significant impact and contribute to the success of exhibitions and events.
The demand for skilled professionals in various roles will only grow as the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Whether you are a creative visionary, a strategic thinker, or a tech-savvy innovator, the exhibition industry has a place for you to thrive and build a fulfilling career.