The Wisconsin State Fair Vendor Services Department is responsible for programming and contracting over 500 food & beverage, commercial and attraction vendors for the annual Wisconsin State Fair, and is involved in the development of collateral information and vendor-based promotions.
The vendor services intern will play an important role in many of the above mentioned areas, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Assist in administration and database management of 500+ vendor contacts including distribution of annual vendor license agreements, tracking of payments and checklists for each individual account
- Assist in managing approximately 20 Vendor Services Representatives (VSRs) during the Fair
- Manage incoming vendor applications, maintain application database and refer applications to the Commercial Vendor Director or Food & Beverage Director
- Produce the comprehensive Vendor Services information binder in coordination with the Commercial Vendor Coordinator and Guest Services Department for use by the VSRs before and during the Fair. This binder contains information needed to answer a multitude of vendor and Fairgoer questions
- Assist with planning and execution of the VSR orientation session
- Compile vendor information to be used for media press kits, VSRs and customer service to include food & beverage, merchandise, and vendor location lists
- Assist with daily Bargain Book coupon redemption auditing during the Fair
- Answer vendors’ and Fairgoers’ questions before and during the Fair
- Assist in gathering information from vendors including but not limited to menu pricing, alcohol beverage pricing, cash register & reporting preferences
- Manage the creation, assembly and distribution of vendor check-in packets, which include items such as executed agreements, emergency contact information, admission ticket & credential orders, vendor program signage, daily sales reporting paperwork, and vendor badges
- Assist in managing the Souvenir Cup order pick-up and payment in the week prior to and during the Fair
- Manage and maintain electronic records of various items including but not limited to: parking permit receipts, admission order receipts, menu pricing compliance checks
- Serve as primary source of contact for vendors and Fairgoers entering Fair-time office in the weeks leading up to and during the Fair
Candidate must be able to work all 11 days of the annual Wisconsin State Fair; for 2017 these dates are August 3 – 13, 2017.
The Vendor Services Intern will work from mid-April/May through mid-August, although exact dates and hours are flexible to work around school schedules. The position is part-time during the spring semester (5-10 hours per week) and full-time during the summer (40 hours per week, up to 60 hours during the State Fair). Prior to appointment to this position, the candidate will be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check.