event coordination:

It’s difficult to describe the vastness of the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany.  With over 2,000 exhibitors and almost 60,000 attendees, the entire town essentially shuts down to accommodate the fair.  

My experience in event coordination was put to the test during my time in the toy and hobby industry, arranging our participation in this event.  It required complex coordination with teams both locally and internationally.

setting the scene

Leading up to the toy fair, we faced significant challenges, especially with the logistics of our exhibit. Our display required careful setup, including a model railroad display and delicate scale models, which had to be partially built in New Jersey and shipped to Germany. Coordinating with our shipping department and the German teams on-site was essential to ensure everything arrived on time and in good condition.

Arriving a week early to set up our space at the convention center, I needed to navigate language barriers to communicate effectively with our onsite German teams. Overseeing the construction of our event displays and ensuring the visual appeal and design of our space, required careful planning and coordination.

beyond booth management

During the show, my responsibilities extended beyond booth management. I also faced the challenge of winning back our overseas customers, despite not being in a sales role. Many of our international customers had left us due to past issues with order fulfillment, and it fell to me to repair relationships with them. This required diplomacy, empathy, and effective communication along with understanding social customs in order to address their concerns and rebuild trust.  

I was engaged in a busy schedule from early morning until late at night with both customers and suppliers from around the world. These interactions were essential for nurturing relationships and securing future business opportunities.

After the show, I organized the return of our booth materials and supplies, wrapping up our participation in the event. While the experience was demanding and exhausting, it was ultimately rewarding to see our hard work pay off and our objectives accomplished.