Manager of Business Development

Responsibilities

• Sells, produces, and renews individual accounts serving as the primary sales/client services point of contact.
• Represents GES to clients, venues, facilities, and industry stakeholders.
• Develops relationships with Convention Bureau Staff, Hotels, Venues, and subcontractors to generate leads and position GES as a trusted partner.
• Prompts for new business by developing targeted solicitation plans for key accounts including any and all potential meeting venues, hotels, associations and corporations exhibition and events opportunities.
• Identifies opportunities for cross-selling with other GES lines of business, such as audio-visual and event accommodations.
• Works with GES Business Development and Client Services teams to coordinate with others within GES for all Phases of pre-show, on site and post show project management.
• Maintains accurate records of all sales and prospecting activities including sales calls, presentations, closed sales, and follow up activities within the Salesforce.com (CRM).
• Maintains open and ongoing communication with clients to ensure their needs/expectations are consistently met or exceeded on schedule.
• Creates and conducts GES Capabilities presentations.
• Prepares client centric RFP responses.
• Manages shows from planning stages through collection of final invoice.
• Develops creative proposals and presentation materials.
• Negotiates and prepares contracts to secure new business and retain existing business.
• Proactively provides information to clients to assist in securing future business.
• Attends, participates and maintains, memberships in local and national industry organizations to provide maximum exposure for the Company; and meet face to face with clients and prospects.
• Maintains current knowledge of the Exhibitions & Events Industry and our competitors.
• Assists with and assumes Client Services responsibilities when necessary.
• Transitions new employees to the GES culture and workforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hotel/Business Administration, related field or comparable experience.
• 2-8 years consultative Sales/Production experience in the Exhibitions and Event Industry preferred.
• Exhibition Industry experience a plus.
• Experience developing targeted solicitation plans to secure key accounts.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Dynamic, consultative and influential sales communications style.
• Results oriented individual with proven sales success.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing short-term and long-term vision and strategy to achieve targeted sales objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to develop and deliver a polished, professional presentation with very limited direction.
• Professional attire-Business professional and Business Casual.
• Able to negotiate sales contracts.
• Able to problem solve in a positive and creative manner that serves both GES and Client needs.
• Able to manage multiple projects and events at various stages of development.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Proficient computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suite.