Event Sales Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Event Services Group (ESG) is seeking an experienced and creative Event Sales Manager to join our Sales team. This client-facing position is responsible for developing new business, managing client relationships, creating event concepts and proposals, and selling a wide range of event services and experiences.

The ideal candidate has experience in event sales, hospitality, event production, experiential marketing, or a related industry, with the ability to turn a client’s vision, goals, and budget into creative and successful event solutions.

The successful candidate is professional, organized, creative, and confident working in a fast-paced environment. They are strong relationship builders who can effectively communicate ideas, manage the sales process, and collaborate with creative, production, and operations teams to deliver solutions that are both innovative and executable.

This role requires a strong understanding of event production, along with the ability to balance creativity with budgets, logistics, timelines, and execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain relationships with existing clients and identify opportunities for additional business.
• Prospect for and develop new client relationships and business opportunities.
• Meet with clients to understand event objectives, requirements, budgets, timelines, and overall vision.
• Develop creative event concepts and customized solutions based on client needs.
• Prepare proposals, presentations, estimates, budgets, and contracts.
• Present event concepts and proposals to clients in a professional and compelling manner.
• Recommend appropriate event services, products, and solutions, including décor, custom fabrication, scenic design, entertainment, audio visual, lighting, furniture, print, branding, and other event services.
• Work closely with internal creative, production, fabrication, décor, entertainment, project management and event management teams to develop and execute client solutions.
• Conduct venue walkthroughs, client meetings, site visits, and presentations as needed.
• Manage multiple sales opportunities and events simultaneously while maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.
• Develop accurate pricing and budgets while maintaining company profitability objectives.
• Manage the sales process from initial inquiry through proposal, negotiation, contracting, and internal handoff.
• Maintain accurate client and opportunity information in the company's CRM and related systems.
• Attend selected events as needed to support clients and ensure successful delivery of contracted services.
• Stay current on event industry trends, products, entertainment, technology, décor, and experiential opportunities.
• Meet or exceed established individual sales, revenue, and profitability goals.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in event sales, hospitality, event production, experiential marketing, catering, destination management, décor, entertainment, or a related industry preferred.
• Previous sales and/or client relationship management experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of event design and production, including décor, scenic/custom fabrication, entertainment, AV, lighting, furniture, branding, and print.
• Demonstrated ability to develop event concepts and solutions based on client objectives and budgets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, proposals, clients, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable discussing pricing, budgets, contracts, and scope with clients.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM, proposal, and presentation software.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant industry experience will be considered.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules and client requirements.
• PREFERRED SKILLS: Event sales and business development
• Client relationship management
• Creative event design
• Proposal development
• Budgeting and estimating
• Presentation and negotiation
• Event production knowledge
• Experiential marketing
• Venue and site planning
• CRM management
• Project coordination
• WORKING CONDITIONS
• Primarily office-based with regular client meetings, venue visits, and event-site work.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Frequent interaction with clients, vendors, venues, and internal teams.
• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work based on event schedules and client needs.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally for client meetings, venue walkthroughs, and events as required.
• Must be comfortable working in a variety of event environments, including offices, hotels, convention centers, outdoor venues, and active event production sites.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, and move throughout event venues for extended periods.