I'm always looking for a job. Not that I'm not happy with the one I have, but I think it's important to always be looking—in case something happens.

That  "something" has happened to me three times in my career, and each time I was prepared because I had been "looking" all along. I've always found jobs and been laid off during "bad" times; and I always found employment. It wasn't easy; people didn't respond when I sent my resume, and sometimes it took months of searching, but everything worked out in the end.

So, what's happeing in today's job market for trade show and event managers?

Good News: There are plenty of trade show jobs today; more than there were 25 years ago. And thanks to certification programs like the university-affiliated CTSM program offered by EXHIBITOR, employers are beginning to understand the value we, and the events we manage, bring to the bottom line. So, take heart, there ARE jobs out there.

Bad News: Everyone thinks they can manage trade shows & events, so the competition is fierce.

So what do you do now that you know what the market is like? I have a suggestion: stop moaning about the lack of opportunity and employer response and get moving, get creative, and get celebrating! There's never been a better time to be a trade show or event manager.