Exhibition Sales Manager (Accounts & Sponsorship)
Posted Updated
Description
- Responsible for exhibit space and sponsorship sales for CloserStill Media’s newest US digital infrastructure and data center events
- Work with management team and follow sales strategies to ensure sales targets are met
- Support colleagues with the smooth running of the event as required
- We are seeking an Exhibit Sales Manager to contribute to the commercial growth strategy and revenue performance for a newly launched digital infrastructure conference brand
- This role requires a true hunter-closer sales professional — someone who thrives on identifying and securing new business opportunities while also managing complex deal cycles through close and renewal
- You will develop market-leading sponsorship and exhibitor programs, drive adoption of premium thought leadership and demand-generation offerings and position the event as a must-attend platform for the industry
- Working closely with executive leadership, event management, marketing, conference programming, and operations, you will help shape the commercial direction of the brand while delivering measurable ROI for partners, strong year-over-year account growth, and industry-leading retention rates
- Own and drive overall exhibitor and sponsorship revenue performance for newly launched digital infrastructure events, consistently achieving and exceeding sales targets
- Execute commercial sales strategy across exhibit space, sponsorships, thought leadership, lead generation, branding, and custom partnership opportunities
- Proactively identify, prospect, and secure new business opportunities across the digital infrastructure ecosystem, including data centers, cloud, AI, telecom, power, cooling, connectivity, and technology providers
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective sponsors and exhibitors through outbound sales activity, industry networking, referrals, market research, and strategic account targeting
- Lead the full sales cycle from prospecting and consultative discovery through proposal development, negotiation, contract execution, and account growth
- Cultivate and expand relationships with senior-level executives, marketing leaders, business development teams, and key industry stakeholders to drive long-term partnerships and recurring revenue
- Partner with event leadership to shape the market positioning, commercial strategy, and growth plan for the event launch and future editions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, conference programming, operations, and customer success teams to ensure seamless partner delivery and strong customer outcomes
- Develop customized sponsorship and exhibitor packages aligned with client business objectives, brand visibility goals, and demand-generation priorities
- Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, competitive events, emerging technologies, and industry investment activity to identify new revenue opportunities
- Represent the brand at industry events, networking functions, and client meetings to elevate market presence and strengthen business relationships
- Accurately forecast revenue performance, manage sales reporting, and maintain pipeline activity within CRM systems
- Drive high partner retention and renewal rates through strong account management, measurable ROI delivery, and ongoing relationship development
- Contribute to the long-term commercial growth and strategic expansion of the event portfolio
- The ideal candidate brings proven success in building and scaling launch events, opening new business – ideally in a lunch environment - and driving exhibitor and sponsorship revenue within the technology, digital infrastructure, data center, AI, or related B2B markets
- You are highly skilled at prospecting, building executive-level relationships, negotiating high-value partnerships, and converting opportunities into long-term revenue growth
- The successful candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, bringing the urgency, resilience, and commercial instincts needed to penetrate new markets and exceed aggressive growth targets
- Collaborative mindset with experience working cross-functionally across sales, marketing, operations, and conference production teams
- Highly organized and results-oriented with strong pipeline management and forecasting capabilities
- Strong executive presence and communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with C-level executives, marketing leaders, and industry stakeholders
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage complex sales cycles, prioritize multiple opportunities, and perform effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Skilled in consultative and solution-based selling, with the ability to align partnership opportunities to client marketing, branding, and business objectives
- Proficient use of Salesforce and sales reporting tools to manage activity, forecasting, and customer relationships
- This position requires domestic and some international travel
- Self-starter with a competitive drive, high energy, resilience, and a passion for building new business and industry relationships
- Ability to manage time and workflows
- Proficient use of LinkedIn Navigator, Apollo, Zoom, MS Office and other technologies
- Demonstrated experience working on event launches, new business initiatives, or high-growth brands with responsibility for building revenue from the ground up
- Strong hunter mentality with the ability to identify, prospect, and convert new business opportunities through proactive outreach, networking, and relationship development
- Strong presentation, proposal writing, negotiation, and account management skills
- Persistent, efficient, and focused self-starter
- Proven closer with experience negotiating and securing high-value sponsorships, exhibit contracts, and strategic partnerships with senior-level decision-makers
- Proven success in B2B exhibit, sponsorship, conference, or media sales, preferably within technology, digital infrastructure, and data centers industries
- Commercially strategic thinker with the ability to identify market opportunities, develop revenue strategies, and contribute to long-term event growth