Remote Work in the Tradeshow Industry: Why It Works at Grapevine Visual Concepts and How to Make It Work for You
In a world where traditional office spaces are being reimagined, remote work has become a growing trend across various industries—and the tradeshow industry is no exception. Having worked remotely for over 25 years, and currently serving as the Accounts Director at Grapevine Visual Concepts, I can confidently say that remote work isn’t just feasible in our field; it can be incredibly successful. But don’t just take my word for it—many of our talented remote employees are thriving and contributing significantly to our team’s success.
However, like any model, remote work comes with its own set of challenges, and it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone is suited for it. Success in remote roles hinges on having the right people in place, clear communication, and utilizing the right tools. At GVC, leadership, willingness to adapt, and robust processes have all played key roles in creating a successful remote work program that I’m proud to be part of.
Why Remote Work Can Be So Effective
One of the greatest benefits of remote work in the tradeshow industry is flexibility. In my role as an account manager at GVC, I’ve seen firsthand how remote work allows for an ideal balance of autonomy and responsibility. Remote work eliminates the daily grind of commuting, which not only saves time but also boosts productivity. Time that would have been spent sitting in traffic or catching a bus can now be dedicated to focusing on important tasks. The reduction in stress from commuting is a game-changer, allowing for better focus and an improved work-life balance.
At GVC, we have a team of remote employees who consistently produce high-quality work, and the flexibility we offer has become a key factor in our success. Remote work is a great fit for positions like account management, where constant communication with clients, vendors, and internal teams is crucial. However, it’s important to recognize that remote work isn’t for everyone. It requires self-motivation, discipline, and the ability to leverage communication tools and software effectively. Without these qualities, remote work can quickly become challenging.
The Key to Remote Work Success
While the advantages of remote work are clear, the success of any remote program depends on certain key factors. Successful remote work relies heavily on strong communication, organization, and the right leadership. As an account manager in the tradeshow industry, my job involves constant coordination between various stakeholders—exhibit designers, project managers, freight carriers, convention centers, and labor teams, etc. Every project is different, and the complexity only increases as booth sizes grow, meaning the number of people and processes involved can multiply rapidly.
Effective communication becomes even more crucial in a remote environment. Unlike in an office, where casual conversations and quick discussions can happen in passing, remote work requires more intentional and deliberate communication. At GVC, we rely on project management software like Monday.com to keep everything organized and up to date. This tool helps us document every detail of a project and ensures that everyone involved—from designers to clients—is informed and engaged. With transparency and real-time updates, we minimize confusion and reduce the risk of errors. However, the software is only as effective as the team’s commitment to keeping the information accurate and up-to-date.
Why Remote Account Managers Are the “Air Traffic Controllers” of the Tradeshow Industry
In the tradeshow industry, the role of an account manager is complex and multifaceted. Often, we act as the central hub of communication, ensuring that all aspects of a project stay on track and that every detail is addressed. In many ways, we’re the “air traffic controllers” of the tradeshow world—balancing many tasks, deadlines, and moving parts. If something goes wrong, the consequences can be costly, whether it’s a missed deadline or a logistical mistake during the event.
This is where the remote setup can be a huge advantage. Being forced to communicate more deliberately and track every detail in real-time helps eliminate mistakes that might otherwise slip through the cracks in an office setting. I always remind my team, “Think about how your work or the information you have will impact others and the overall project.” This mindset helps prioritize the most important details and ensures that nothing is missed. By keeping all the information in our project management tools and maintaining clear communication channels, we make sure everyone is on the same page—regardless of whether they’re working in the office or remotely.
The Right Leadership and Culture Are Essential
Of course, no remote work setup is successful without proper leadership. Leadership sets the tone for the work culture and ensures that everyone is aligned with the company’s values and goals. Remote workers need to feel supported, trusted, and empowered to do their best work. Leadership also plays an important role in providing the right training and tools to ensure that staff is well-equipped to handle the challenges of remote work.
At GVC, we place a high value on leadership and mentorship for all employees—whether in the office or remote. Account managers must be able to juggle multiple tasks, coordinate logistics, and think on their feet. Having role models in leadership positions who can guide and support remote employees is key to building a successful remote culture. When leaders are open to feedback, promote professional growth, and trust their teams, the result is a cohesive and motivated workforce—one that thrives even when working remotely.
The Future of Remote Work in the Tradeshow Industry
As more companies embrace flexible work models, I truly believe remote work will continue to play an important role in the tradeshow industry. With the right team in place, effective communication strategies, and strong leadership, remote work offers significant benefits: reduced stress, improved work-life balance, and greater productivity.
To my fellow account managers and remote workers in the tradeshow industry, I want to say this: Remote work isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven way to create meaningful work while maintaining a high level of efficiency and productivity. With the right tools, communication strategies, and leadership, remote work can be a game-changer for our industry.
If you’re considering a remote work setup—or if you’re already working remotely—know that it’s possible to thrive. The key is having the right systems in place, the right mindset, and a team that’s committed to making it work.
And let’s be clear: If a remote employee isn’t working out, it’s likely because they weren’t the right fit in the first place. It’s not about needing to be supervised in an office—it’s about matching the right people with the right job. Also, this is not a push to move in office workers to remote by any means. Remote workers should be hired to work remotely to start. Both in person employees and remote employees have specific roles that work cohesively as a team. Both are needed to be successful.
While the pandemic undoubtedly shook up the tradeshow industry, the changes it sparked have had some long-term benefits as people in our industry shifted and opened up to remote work. I can confidently say that Grapevine has the best team I’ve ever worked. The talent, dedication, and hardworking nature of the team are unmatched, whether you’re in the office or working remotely. What truly sets GVC apart, though, is our leadership. They’re always open to feedback, constantly striving for improvement, and creating an environment where everyone—remote or in-person—can grow and thrive.
It’s the people at GVC, after all, that make all the difference. We’re a team of kind, hardworking individuals who are passionate about what we do—and that’s what makes it such a great place to work, remote or not. Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do, and it makes all the difference.
— Tamara Robbins, Accounts Director, Grapevine Visual Concepts