Show Manager (Exhibitor & Sponsorship Sales) (Schaumburg)

Job Title: Show Manager (Exhibitor & Sponsorship Sales)

Position Summary

The Show Manager is an individual contributor role responsible for driving the overall success of AED Summit for exhibitors and sponsors , by combining exhibitor and sponsorship sales with targeted event execution responsibilities. This role owns the revenue performance of AED Summit while leading exhibitor and sponsor-related planning and on-site execution to ensure a high-quality experience.

The ideal candidate is both a strong salesperson and an operational leader , capable of independently managing relationships, closing business, executing exhibitor-focused event operations, and leveraging data to inform sales strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibitor & Sponsorship Sales (AED Summit)

• Prospect, pitch, and close sales for AED Summit exhibitor booth space and sponsorships
• Develop and manage a sales pipeline to achieve or exceed individual revenue targets
• Independently manage the full sales cycle from lead generation through contract execution
• Identify new business opportunities and target industries relevant to AED Summit
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing Summit exhibitors and sponsors to drive renewals and upsells

Market Research & Data Analysis (Supporting Function)

• Conduct targeted market research to identify new AED Summit exhibitor and sponsor prospects
• Analyze industry trends, competitive events, and historical Summit data to inform sales strategy
• Utilize data to prioritize outreach, refine targeting, and improve conversion rates
• Maintain accurate sales tracking, forecasting, and reporting using Excel and CRM tools
• Support direct manager with database-related projects to enhance the association’s market intelligence, including market research, database updates, and database reporting as directed by management

Show Planning & Management (AED Summit)

• Lead exhibitor and sponsor planning for AED Summit from concept through execution
• Manage exhibitor and sponsor communications, timelines, and logistics
• Coordinate with marketing on exhibitor promotion and sponsor visibility opportunities
• Track exhibitor and sponsor revenue and related performance metrics

Exhibitor & Sponsor Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for AED Summit exhibitors and sponsors
• Manage onboarding, including contracts, payments, and deliverables
• Ensure all sponsorship benefits are executed accurately and on time
• Provide guidance and support to maximize exhibitor ROI and satisfaction

On-Site Show Management (Exhibitor & Sponsor Focus)

• Serve as on-site lead for exhibitor and sponsor operations at AED Summit
• Manage exhibitor move-in, setup, and move-out processes with onsite external vendors
• Oversee exhibitor booth readiness and ensure compliance with show guidelines
• Coordinate sponsor activations and ensure all sponsorship deliverables are fulfilled on-site
• Act as primary escalation point for exhibitor and sponsor issues during the event
• Troubleshoot and resolve exhibitor and sponsor-related issues in real time
• Monitor exhibitor and sponsor satisfaction and address concerns promptly

Operational & Administrative Support

• Process invoices, payments, and related documentation for AED Summit exhibitors and sponsors
• Maintain accurate records, reporting systems, and timelines
• Support continuous improvement of Summit sales processes and exhibitor experience

Post-Event Responsibilities

• Conduct post-Summit analysis, including exhibitor and sponsor revenue performance and feedback
• Prepare reports on key metrics and identify areas for improvement
• Lead exhibitor and sponsor rebooking efforts for future AED Summits

Qualifications

Required

• Proven experience in direct sales with individual quota responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed revenue targets
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word (required)
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• High level of accountability, initiative, and results orientation
• Willingness to travel and work on-site during AED Summit

Preferred

• Experience selling trade show or conference exhibitor/sponsorship packages
• Experience as a Show Manager or Event Manager for trade shows
• Familiarity with exhibitor sales cycles and sponsorship development
• Experience working with event vendors and venue operations
• Experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools (preferred)
• Experience with WordPress website development (preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field

Core Competencies

• Direct sales execution and closing ability
• Pipeline development and account management
• Data-driven decision making
• Exhibitor and sponsor operations management
• Client relationship management
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• Attention to detail and operational excellence

Working Conditions

• Office-based with required on-site responsibilities focused on exhibitor and sponsor operations at AED Summit
• Travel required for Summit planning and execution
• Ability to stand, walk, and manage extended hours during live event operations

Performance Metrics

• Individual AED Summit exhibitor and sponsorship revenue targets
• Pipeline development and conversion rates
• Number of new Summit exhibitors and sponsors acquired
• Exhibitor and sponsor retention and satisfaction rates
• Accuracy and timeliness of reporting and forecasting
• Successful execution of exhibitor and sponsor operations at AED Summit
• Post-event rebooking rates for AED Summit