Sharing a common love of anime and Japanese culture!

SPJA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the unique and deep culture that surrounds Japanese animation. Our roots originated from Cal Animage Alpha, an anime club at UC Berkeley, which co-sponsored the first Anime Expo in 1992, along with its predecessor Anime Con in 1991.
Since then, SPJA has grown exponentially in its endeavors, with Anime Expo becoming the largest anime convention in North America, as well as establishing B2B conference Project Anime, and partnering with World Cosplay Summit to organize its US preliminary. With each unique event we produce, our purpose never strays – we aim to promote, celebrate, and educate the public about Japanese animation, manga, video games, and traditional culture.
What we are looking for: Exhibitor Services Coordinator
Purpose of this role:  
The Exhibitor Services Coordinator is responsible for attending to all customer service after the sale for event exhibitors and artists and serving as internal team support. Must have exceptional customer service proficiency including strong written and verbal communication skills.  The Exhibitor Services Coordinator will play a key role in supporting vendors and artists in the Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley.

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree or 2+ years in events/trade show industry or relevant experience.

Functions of this role: The major areas of responsibility include:
  • Customer Service: Be the first point of contact for all exhibitor and artist engagement and fulfillment, communicating regularly via email and phone calls as needed.
  • Exhibitor Management: Develop and execute an annual exhibitor communications plan.  
  • Planning: Work directly with internal teams and the General Services Contractor to own the creation of the Exhibitor Services Manual.
  • Financial Reporting: Assist in developing operational budget. Create and analyze year-over-year reports including but not limited to booth sales, square footage, staffing, and service level.
  • Vendor Management: Manage Exhibitor Management System vendor relationship and provide internal support to users. Assist in managing 3rd party vendors involved with Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley.
  • Reporting: Assist in reporting and analysis of Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley activities.
  • Onsite Customer Support: Act onsite as a concierge to exhibitors and artists and be available to assist them as needed throughout the show.  
  • Onsite Vendor Management: Oversee vendors onsite involved with set-up, break-down, logistics, layouts, and security. 
  • Sales Support: Support rebooking sales process, both pre-show and onsite.
  • Volunteer Management: Work with volunteer resources and temp staff agencies to ensure departments are appropriately staffed, scheduled, and informed. Interview, recruit, and onboard volunteers.
  • Collaboration: Collaborate with all central departments including operations, marketing, programming, production, and sales.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desired:

  • Event Planning experience is strongly desired.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills required.  Ability to multi-task priorities, meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment and have a proactive attitude.
  • Strong communication, ability to drive projects, accountability to get things done & hold others accountable.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to build trust, confidence, and respect of vendors, clients, and stakeholders while working in a professional environment.
  • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and online software programs.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Flexible, team-oriented personality.
  • Familiarity with Exhibitor Management Systems and CRM software is a plus.
  • No commitments to other conventions.
  • Must be able to perform required tasks and manage staff at convention away from SPJA office.
  • Respect for anime, Japanese culture and its lifestyle, and familiarity with fandom communities is a plus.


Travel: The Exhibitor Services Coordinator will be based out of SPJA’s principal office. However, this position must also be able to attend offsite meetings, conferences, and events, as necessary.  


 Physical Demands & Work Environment:

  • The duties of this position are performed indoors in a business/office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud during events and minimal during non-event times.
  • During convention, this individual must have the ability to stand/walk for up to four hours at a time as there is constant walking required during the convention.
  • The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, computer printer, etc.
  • The person in this position frequently communicates verbally with coworkers, supervisors, and volunteers. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and requirements of this position.

Benefits:

SPJA offers a competitive benefits package which includes:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts – Health and Dependent Care
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching
  • Flexible work schedule
  • 12 Holidays
  • Sick time off
  • Paid time off 


This position has been filled. Would you like to see our other open positions?