Role Description
The Trade Show Exhibit Designer will collaborate closely with our Sales, Project Management, and Production teams to conceptualize, design, and document custom and modular exhibit solutions. This individual will translate client objectives into compelling, functional environments that align with brand strategy, budget, and operational realities.
You will design across a wide range of exhibit types, from simple inline to large island booths, leveraging both custom fabrication and modular exhibit systems.
Responsibilities Include
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Conceptualizing innovative exhibit designs that align with client goals, brand identity, and show objectives
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Producing high-quality 3D renderings, layout plans, and construction drawings
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Collaborating with Account Team and Project Management during pitch and proposal development
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Designing within budget parameters and understanding cost drivers (materials, labor, logistics)
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Integrating technology solutions (touchscreens, LED, AR/VR, remote demos)
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Applying modular design principles across multiple exhibits systems
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Ensuring designs are structurally sound, code-compliant, and installation-ready
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Participating in internal design and project reviews and incorporating feedback efficiently
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Supporting value engineering and redesign efforts as needed
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Staying current on industry trends, materials, experiential strategies, and evolving design technologies
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Tracking time spent on every project to support formal Job Costing
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Collaborating with external freelance design partners to support special projects and maintain workflow continuity during peak demand periods
Qualifications
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Minimum 3β7 years of experience in exhibit design, experiential design, environmental design, or related field
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Degree in Industrial Design, Environmental Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or similar discipline (or equivalent experience)
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Strong portfolio demonstrating trade show exhibits, branded corporate installations, or experiential projects
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Proficiency in design and rendering software such as SketchUp, 3ds Max, or similar 3D modeling tools, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and AutoCAD or similar for technical drawings
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Proven experience designing with modular exhibit systems, including but not limited to beMatrix, with a strong understanding of both their creative potential and structural applications
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Understanding of exhibit construction methods, materials, and show services
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Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Detail-oriented with a balance of creativity and practicality
Requirements
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Experience designing (non-trade show) permanent and semi-permanent branded corporate environments
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Familiarity with sustainable design practices aligned with the EDPA ESCA EIC Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction
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Comprehensive knowledge of lighting, AV integration, and interactive technologies
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Experience collaborating with fabrication teams and installation crews
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Comfort with or curiosity about emerging AI-assisted design tools (e.g., for concept ideation, visualization, or workflow efficiency), with an understanding that these tools support, rather than replace, creative thinking and design leadership
Benefits
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Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
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Competitive benefits package including health, retirement, and paid time off
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Opportunity to work on high-impact, nationally recognized trade show marketing programs
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Collaborative, team-oriented culture with strong growth potential
Company Description
Genesis Exhibits is a world-class trade show exhibit / branded environment design & manufacturing group with an extraordinary 38+ year history, based in North Carolina, serving clients across the United States and globally.