Live Event Account Executive (Associations) - Chicago
Position Overview
The Business Development Manager - Associations Specialist is a pure new business role focused on identifying, engaging, and converting association clients in the Chicago area and broader Midwest region. This is not an account management position-it's a strategic sales role for someone who thrives on building relationships from the ground up, navigating complex organizations, and closing high-value deals.
You'll be responsible for developing a deep understanding of the association landscape, identifying key decision-makers, and positioning our live event solutions as essential tools for member engagement, brand elevation, and revenue generation.
Key Responsibilities
- Prospect and develop new business opportunities with associations and non-profit organizations, including trade associations, professional societies, and charitable foundations.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline through cold outreach, warm introductions, networking, and attendance at industry events.
- Conduct thorough discovery to understand client goals, challenges, and event strategies.
- Develop and deliver compelling proposals and presentations tailored to each client's unique needs.
- Collaborate with internal teams (production, creative, logistics, AV) to ensure proposed solutions are feasible, innovative, and aligned with client expectations.
- Negotiate contracts and close deals, ensuring smooth handoff to project delivery teams.
- Stay informed on industry trends, association calendars, and competitive offerings.
- Represent the company at relevant trade shows, conferences, and association meetings to build visibility and credibility.
Required Experience & Skills
- Minimum 3-5 years of B2B sales experience in live events, experiential marketing, AV integration, or related industries.
- Proven experience selling into associations-you understand their structure, decision-making processes, and event cycles.
- Strong hunter mentality with a demonstrated ability to build and close new business.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage long sales cycles and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
- Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce) and sales reporting tools.
- Self-starter with a high level of autonomy, accountability, and drive.
- Willingness to travel regionally for client meetings and industry events.
Preferred Qualifications
- Existing network within the association/non-profit space.
- Familiarity with association event formats (e.g., annual meetings, expos, hybrid events).
- Understanding of event production workflows and AV technologies.
FAQs
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