Account Executive, Exhibits, Chicago

Salary:	Base + Commission
Location:	Chicago
Type:	Full-Time Hybrid On-Site
Position:	Account Executive

Emerge XP is leading the search for an Account Executive for an established exhibit and experiential solutions partner with capabilities across custom exhibits, rental programs, modular environments, events, and branded spaces. This is a sales role for someone who knows how to create opportunity, build trust quickly, and move business forward. The Account Executive will focus on generating new relationships, developing sales opportunities, responding to proposal requests, and working closely with internal teams to shape solutions that align with client goals, budgets, and timelines. The ideal candidate is confident, proactive, and commercially sharp. They can prospect with intention, lead strong conversations, uncover client needs, and help convert opportunities into profitable exhibit and event work.

Why This Role

Chicago is a strong market for the exhibit and event industry, and this role gives the right sales professional an opportunity to build business in a highly active region. This is a strong fit for someone who enjoys the pursuit: opening doors, developing relationships, presenting solutions, and staying close enough to the work to ensure opportunities are positioned for success. For an Account Executive who wants visibility, autonomy, and a role centered on revenue growth, this is a compelling next move.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business relationships and sales opportunities within assigned markets, shows, and target accounts
• Prospect through trade shows, industry events, market activity, referrals, and direct outreach
• Build rapport with prospective and existing clients to uncover future exhibit, event, and branded environment needs
• Develop opportunities involving custom exhibits, rental exhibits, modular and portable displays, corporate events, retail or showroom environments, general contracting, and I&D services
• Coordinate presentations, proposal activity, and responses to client requests
• Meet with clients to define objectives, budgets, timelines, scope, and project expectations
• Partner with internal teams to develop proposals, budgets, estimates, and sales strategies
• Prepare and manage project budgets with attention to margin and profitability
• Lead internal before sale and post sale meetings to ensure sales opportunities are clearly communicated and positioned for successful execution
• Maintain accurate records of prospects, opportunities, client activity, and sales pipeline updates
• Keep CRM or project tracking systems current with assigned shows, markets, prospects, and opportunities
• Collect, analyze, and summarize sales activity to support reporting and future business development
• Stay informed on industry trends, show requirements, market activity, and new exhibit related processes
• Identify potential risks, cost considerations, and opportunities to strengthen sales outcomes
• Communicate clearly with internal teams throughout the sales and project hand off process

Requirements

• 2+ years of exhibit industry sales experience
• Experience selling custom exhibits, rental exhibits, modular systems, portable displays, corporate events, branded environments, I&D, construction, fabrication, or related project based solutions is strongly valued
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent experience in sales, exhibits, construction, fabrication, or related industry work will be considered
• Strong prospecting, presentation, and relationship building skills
• Ability to identify opportunities, ask strong questions, and move conversations toward next steps
• Commercial awareness with the ability to understand budgets, timelines, margins, and project scope
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Strong initiative and ability to work with minimal day to day oversight
• Organized, responsive, and able to manage multiple opportunities, deadlines, and moving parts
• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to keep opportunities moving
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Experience with sales tracking platforms is helpful
• Professional business etiquette and a polished client facing presence
• Ability to travel as needed