Convention and Merchandising InternAt — trils

The Convention & Merchandising Internship provides hands-on experience in pop culture, conventions, merchandising, and digital content creation. Interns will assist with convention prep, booth setup, merchandise organization, and graphic development for online platforms. They will also gain behind-the-scenes experience in running a small creative business, including product preparation, basic design support, and participation in marketing efforts. This role offers a streamlined view of both the creative and operational sides of a fast-paced business.

Tasks:

Interns will assist with the day-to-day operations of a small merchandise-based business, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of tasks. This includes setting up and managing booths at conventions and pop-up events, organizing inventory, preparing and packaging products, and helping with post-event breakdown. Interns will also participate in branding and marketing activities, including designing graphics and creating art materials, producing visual content using tools such as Canva and Photoshop, and receiving demonstrations on using a point-of-sale (POS) system. Additionally, they will support customer interactions, helping provide a professional and approachable experience for all patrons, while learning the operational and creative processes that keep a small business running smoothly.

Training:

Training for this internship will provide hands-on experience in the core operations of a small merchandise-based business. Students will receive demonstrations on tools and systems used in day-to-day work, including Canva and Photoshop for creating visual content and a point-of-sale (POS) system for processing transactions. They will also learn how to set up and manage a booth at conventions and pop-up events, handle inventory and merchandise organization, and assist with product preparation, packaging, and post-event breakdown. In addition, interns will gain practical experience in branding, digital marketing, and customer service, providing a comprehensive look at both the creative and operational sides of running a small business.

Learning Outcome:

By the end of the internship, students will gain a clear understanding of the logistics involved in running a merchandise booth at conventions and pop-up events, including setup, inventory management, and post-event organization. They will develop foundational skills in customer service, branding, and digital marketing, while also participating in product preparation, event packing, and breakdown procedures. Additionally, interns will gain hands-on experience creating visual content for social media using tools such as Canva or Photoshop, strengthening their design and communication abilities within a real small-business environment.