Business Development Executive, Sponsorships - National Restaurant Association Show (Chicago-based and Hybrid)

Company Description

Informa Connect:

Home to over 1,000 talented and passionate individuals, Informa Connect is a global business which delivers world-class live events and outstanding digital content to markets across 30 countries. From Biotech and Pharma to pop culture, we connect hard and fast with businesses to create exciting on-demand experiences who expect the very best.

At Informa Connect, we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, where your ideas have the freedom to flourish and your hard work makes a real-time impact. We're committed to supporting your professional growth and celebrating your individual successes – because when you succeed, we all succeed. Move forward, move fast with us at Informa Connect.

The National Restaurant Show:

The National Restaurant Show is not just the largest annual gathering of foodservice professionals in the Western Hemisphere, it also boasts an attendee base full of quality buyers. In fact, 77% of Show attendees are decision makers and nearly 50% purchase more than $5,000,000 per year. The most efficient and cost effective way to meet these decision-making operators is by becoming an exhibitor at the 2024 National Restaurant Show.

With over 900 product categories on a trade show floor that is larger than 10 football fields, there’s no better place to launch new products, grow your brand awareness, generate new leads, and build stronger relationships with current customers than the National Restaurant Show.

National Restaurant Association Show (nationalrestaurantshow.com)

Job Description

As a National Restaurant Association Show Business Development Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in driving exhibit and sponsorship sales growth for this prestigious event. With your expertise and dedication, you'll contribute to making this show a resounding success, connecting businesses and professionals from across the foodservice industry.

In this position, your primary responsibility will be to engage with key audience segments, reaching out to food and beverage suppliers to sell sponsorship packages for our tradeshow. This enables them to promote their brand, highlight their presence at the show, align with customers' business needs, and enhance client engagement. Your main focus will involve identifying potential exhibitors and sponsors within these segments, cultivating relationships, and securing their participation in the event.

You'll leverage your sales expertise to communicate the value proposition of exhibiting or sponsoring at The National Restaurant Association Show, highlighting the unparalleled opportunities for brand exposure, lead generation, and relationship-building that the event offers. With over 900 product categories on a trade show floor that is larger than 10 football fields, you'll emphasize the unique platform the show provides for launching new products, growing brand awareness, and strengthening relationships with current customers.

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue targets for event sponsorship and floor space.
• Identify and prioritize potential sponsors and exhibitors based on target audience segments and industry trends.
• Conduct prospecting activities, including cold calling, email outreach, and networking, to generate leads and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential sponsors and exhibitors, serving as their primary point of contact throughout the sales process.
• Customize sponsorship packages and floor space options to meet the specific needs and objectives of each client.
• Present proposals and negotiate terms and pricing with clients, ensuring alignment with budget and ROI expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, operations, and event management, to ensure seamless execution of sponsorship agreements and floor space arrangements.
• Provide ongoing support to sponsors and exhibitors, addressing any questions or concerns and facilitating their participation in the event.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to identify new sales opportunities and stay ahead of market changes.
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences to promote our events and network with potential clients.
• Manage sales pipelines and update CRM systems with accurate and up-to-date information on sales activities and client interactions.
• Prepare sales reports and forecasts to track progress against targets and communicate performance to management.
• Stay informed about event content, agenda, and speaking opportunities to upsell additional services to sponsors and exhibitors.
• Coordinate logistics for sponsor activations, including booth setup, signage, and promotiona