event coordinator

event manager

material handler

it technician

accounts receivable clerk

Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services

My three years at Edlen Electrical were marked by constant frustration due to severely underqualified management. Leadership was consistently undertrained, unprofessional, and lacked even a basic understanding of how to support senior-level staff.

I was hired as a Senior Event Manager — a role that demands strategic thinking and autonomy — but was instead micromanaged to an absurd degree. Tasks I had successfully handled for years were suddenly questioned or overridden by managers who had little to no relevant experience. The environment was less about collaboration and more about control, with upper management inserting themselves into day-to-day operations in ways that were inappropriate, inefficient, and at times,  disrespectful.

The lack of trust, poor communication, and toxic oversight made it difficult to do my job effectively. If you're a capable professional expecting to be treated as such, think twice. The value a butt in the seat rather than cultivating talent. 

I worked for Edlen for quite some time- I loved this job for many years, so interesting and energizing to see such a wide variety of trades and work with different crews. Upper management really DID make you feel like family. A few years ago, they started cultivating a much more corporate dog-eat-dog environment. They began to put more value on those who knew how to shine the right boots rather than on performance and loyalty. When covid hit the entire industry was completely nil. To their credit, they did try to keep long-term employees on furlough. We were eventually laid off though and I was not considered for re-hire. I am so glad to have had the experience of working there which was wonderful for so long, but also relived that I didn't go back. The revolving door they have now should give them a clue as to when and why things went off the rails. 
Even during the time period when I was happy with the job, work/life balance was non-existent, and I was expected to answer emails AND forwarded phones on evenings, weekends, and at times even on vacation. 

A typical day at work would be to catch up on anything with a deadline in the office (Estimates, closing shows, processing orders, prepping for the next show, etc.) Followed by a pre-shift meeting. This would then allow time to walk the space with the current shows in house and check with the electrical team to get a timeline of progress. If the show is tame and well managed, more office time was most productive. If the show is high stress, I am walking around and on the phone with my electricians non stop, as we want to keep our time management on track. Hours were long and unpredictable and mostly a 9-10hr day.

If you're thinking about taking an event coordinator role, especially in the PNW, think twice. Since I started, local leadership has been all over the place, out of touch, and not really interested in hearing feedback from the people actually doing the work.

We've been short staffed the entire time, and instead of fixing the real issues (like constant turnover, low morale, and bad leadership), the answer has just been to pile more work on whoever's still around — with little support or appreciation. I've tried to speak up about the toxic behavior, but it goes nowhere. No one seems to be listening or willing to change anything.

Management tries to paint you a pretty picture that you're going into a fun and exciting industry, but it's far from it. Too much favoritism from management. Only recognized if you are their favorite. People in office always gossiping, talking bad about other workers. Pay is way too low for all the work that they make you do. Too much turnover which is why they are always looking for people. Not sure how other offices are, but the one in Miami has no teamwork. Don't fall for the trap, keep searching!

This Nationwide company was a pleasure to work for and the Miami team made it that much better.  That office represents the true meaning of teamwork. I worked with some of the best people during my time there. I felt welcomed from day one and developed great relationships throughout. Management always finds a way to make you feel appreciated, especially during busier times. They are very understanding and supportive.  It is truly a great work environment.  More companies should strive to function this way.

Good place to start in the industry. You get to work with a lot of different vendors and many networking opportunities. Edlen has all MGM Mirage properties so you're able to cross train at different locations. It takes a while to learn everything but once you have it down you can travel across the country to different locations. Other event team is nice and fun to work with. Family owned business and while being corporate still has a family feel to it.

I accepted this job and quickly realized that it was not a good fit. The management style and environment can be toxic for growth. The pay does not match the work load, and the style of work is VERY antiquated and outdated. I suggest anyone looking to get into events, to truly research this company and what is expected of you. 

Younger employees train with short cuts they've taught themselves, it conflicts with how employees that have more experience do the job. No one was patient when they were training me. A coworker got upset with me because I was not a fast typer. After being "trained" your left to do things on your own. You have to work on many things at one time. 

Great opportunity to get your feet wet in the events industry and network. Not much time spent in the office - you are usually with clients or walking around a show. Management can lack direction at times, but is fairly flexible and easy going. Usually your vacations are approved. Fun and supportive coworkers. Pays decent. Great benefits!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Event coordinator 18 salaries reported	$25.19 per hour
Event manager 6 salaries reported	$28.00 per hour
Material handler 3 salaries reported	$26.50 per hour
It technician 2 salaries reported	$16.50 per hour
Accounts receivable clerk 2 salaries reported	$23.00 per hour

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