Business Development Manager - National Restaurant Show

Location: Hybrid role in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Salary: $60,000–$65,000 per year plus commission

Company

Global events and professional information business operating trusted brands, trade shows, digital platforms, and professional development programs across more than 30 countries.

What you will do

• Identify, prioritize, and prospect potential exhibitors and sponsors in the foodservice industry.
• Sell trade show booth space and sponsorship packages, communicating their value for brand exposure, lead generation, and relationship-building.
• Build, maintain, and expand client relationships, including upsell opportunities with current customers.
• Customize sponsorship packages, negotiate terms, and address client concerns throughout the sales cycle.
• Manage sales pipelines, update CRM records, and monitor industry trends and competitor activity.
• Attend industry events, network with prospects, and collaborate with internal teams to support smooth event execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 2 years of sales experience with a record of building client relationships and meeting or exceeding targets.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce or comparable CRM software.
• Ability to research and prospect independently through online research, cold calling, and face-to-face networking.
• Ability to work in a hybrid arrangement in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Nice to have

• Previous tradeshow sales experience.
• Experience selling creative or abstract ideas to senior executives.
• Strong understanding of core marketing principles and foodservice industry dynamics.

Culture & Benefits

• Welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, colleague groups, and collaborative networks.
• Up to four paid volunteer days per year with charity match funding.
• Training, mentoring, LinkedIn Learning access, and support for internal career moves.
• 15 days of PTO increasing to 20 days after three years and 25 days after six years, plus 10 national holidays and birthday leave.
• Ability to work from almost anywhere for up to four weeks per year, alongside 401(k) matching, health, vision, dental, parental leave, and ESPP benefits.
• Wellbeing support, employee assistance, mental health resources, wellness app access, and recognition programs.