Linda Pappalardo Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il

• Plan and execute company tradeshows, including the world's largest (Consumer Electronic Show), and the nation's largest consumer truck show (Mid America Truck Show). Manage all aspects of trade show operations from conception including: Negotiating space contracts, determining and adhering to budget, keeping event calendars, lead cross functional teams, create detailed documentation, facilitate set-up & tear-down, coordinate logistics, arrange catering, oversee booth design, manage all sponsorship deliverables, determine and oversee marketing collateral. Creatively solve tradeshow issues, such as location, logistics, staffing, and installation problems, and develop excellent relationships with various associations and vendors.• Manage new in-store merchandising displays and POP initiatives for clients including Pilot, Love's Travel Stops, and TravelCenters of America.• Product manage Rand McNally's flagship product, the Road Atlas (in various formats), collaborating extensively with GIS (Geographic Information Systems), Design, Editorial, and Operations. Includes developing custom editions for Walmart, Good Sam/Camping World, and Cracker Barrel.

Chicago, Il

• Product manage the flagship product – The Rand McNally Road Atlas • Sourced and purchased all merchandising needs for Consumer Division, including all permanent wire fixtures as well as corrugate and POP • Managed overall lifecycle planning including initial forecasting through product obsolescence.• Sourced and developed relationships with vendors in China for a new line of electronic accessories.• Strong partnerships with Sales, Operations (GIS, Art & Design, Supply Chain), Distribution and Category Management.• Responsible for marketing activities including consumer promotions, sales support, marketing collateral, and sales presentations.