Sales Manager – Exhibitions
About the role
Akabo Media is one of the fastest-growing B2B events and media businesses in the UK, with a portfolio that includes IntraLogisteX, Supply Chain Excellence Awards, Logistics Manager, Road User Charging, Urban Logistics and Aurora Insights.
Our UK exhibition is now firmly established as the leading event in its sector. The next phase is ambitious:
- Scale the UK show significantly
- Double our US business
- Launch and grow new UK and international exhibitions
We are looking for a Sales Manager – Exhibitions to play a central role in delivering that growth.
The Role
This is not an account management role. It is a revenue-driving sales role.
You will be responsible for delivering and exceeding revenue targets across a portfolio of international exhibitions, while helping to improve sales performance across the wider team.
This is a senior, hands-on role. You will lead from the front — closing deals, managing key accounts and driving commercial outcomes.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Driving Revenue
- Deliver and exceed your personal sales target across multiple exhibitions
- Sell exhibition space, sponsorship and associated packages
- Maintain a strong pipeline and consistent deal flow
- Take ownership of key accounts and high-value opportunities
Sales Strategy & Execution
- Work with the Senior Team to shape strategy across specific events
- Identify new business opportunities and bring new exhibitors into the portfolio
- Build tailored, commercially compelling proposals
- Lead negotiations and close deals efficiently
Exhibitor Growth & Retention
- Drive rebooking and long-term client relationships
- Ensure exhibitors understand and achieve ROI
- Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities across the portfolio
Performance & Accountability
- Maintain accurate forecasting and pipeline reporting
- Work to clear KPIs around activity, conversion and revenue
- Continuously improve personal performance and conversion rates
Team Contribution
- Support and mentor junior sales team members
- Help set standards around pipeline discipline, pace and output
- Share best practice and contribute to overall team performance
Cross-Team Collaboration
You will work closely with:
- Marketing (lead generation and campaign alignment)
- Content (programme-led commercial opportunities)
- Operations (delivery and exhibitor experience)
This is a fully integrated commercial role.
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- 4+ years’ experience in B2B exhibition or event sales
- Proven track record of hitting and exceeding revenue targets
- Experience managing key accounts and closing larger deals
- International sales exposure is a strong advantage
Mindset
- Commercially driven — focused on revenue and results
- Competitive and target-oriented
- Comfortable working at pace in a growing business
- Hands-on — willing to pick up the phone and sell
- Resilient and consistent
Skills
- Strong negotiation and closing ability
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Comfortable managing multiple deals simultaneously
- Proficient with:
- CRM systems
- pipeline management
- reporting tools
Why This Role Matters
We are entering a critical growth phase.
Over the next 12–18 months, we will:
- Grow our UK exhibition significantly
- Scale the US business
- Launch and build new international events
- This role is central to delivering that growth.
…