Sales & Project Associate (Contract - Full Time)

International Trade Shows | Full-Time Contract Position

Events: h+h Americas (spring & Fall) & Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival

Location: Chicago-area (Hybrid)

About the Role

Do you like closing a deal and making sure it actually happens? Are you energized by working with people, managing details, and seeing your work come to life on a show floor?

Koelnmesse, Inc. is seeking a Sales & Project Associate to support exhibit sales, account management, marketing coordination, and event execution for two fast-growing craft industry events: h+h americas (spring & Fall) and the Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival.

This is a hands-on, full-time contract role for someone who thrives in a small team environment, moves fast, takes ownership, and enjoys variety. If you’re looking for a role where no two days are the same—and where your work has visible impact—this is it.

About Koelnmesse, Inc.

Koelnmesse, Inc. is the Chicago-based North American subsidiary of Koelnmesse GmbH, one of the world’s leading trade show organizers. The Koelnmesse Group operates events in more than 80 countries, bringing together millions of participants across industries including food, gaming, health, design, and crafts.

From our Chicago office, we develop and execute both international and U.S.-based events. Our craft portfolio is growing quickly, and we are building events with strong communities, loyal exhibitors, and long-term potential.

What You’ll Do

Sales & Account Support

• Support exhibit and sponsorship sales for assigned events
• Manage exhibitor and partner accounts from inquiry through event execution
• Conduct outbound sales follow-ups and support pipeline development
• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales activity tracking in HubSpot
• Work closely with Sales Managers to support revenue goals

Project & Event Coordination

• Support planning and execution of trade shows, including onsite support during all event days
• Coordinate exhibitor needs, timelines, and deliverables across internal teams
• Help keep projects on track by managing details, deadlines, and follow-ups

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent support of sales goals through proactive account management
• Well-maintained CRM pipelines and accurate exhibitor records
• Positive exhibitor and partner feedback
• On-time delivery of projects with minimal escalation
• Reliable onsite execution and strong team collaboration during event cycles

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in event sales, account management, or B2B business development
• Trade show or event industry experience preferred
• Strong marketing background with the ability to write clear, compelling sales and promotional copy
• Experience in the craft industry (quilting, sewing, yarn, fabric, cosplay, or related) strongly preferred
• Proficiency with HubSpot, Canva, and modern sales and marketing tools
• Experience working with influencers, content creators, or brand ambassadors
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, and basic analytics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team

Logistics

• Limited travel required; must be onsite for all event days
• Chicago-area candidates preferred

Growth & Development

• Opportunity to grow into senior sales, account management, or show management roles
• Hands-on exposure across sales, marketing, and operations
• Direct collaboration with senior leadership and international teams
• Experience supporting both U.S.-based and global events

Who Thrives in This Role

• Self-starters who like ownership and accountability
• People who enjoy variety and fast-paced environments
• Strong communicators who enjoy working with clients and internal teams
• Detail-oriented professionals who follow through
• People who enjoy live events and seeing work come to life

Work Environment

• Small, collaborative team with high visibility and responsibility
• Fast-paced cycles leading up to live events, balanced by quieter planning periods
• Direct access to leadership and minimal red tape

BENIFITS

• Competitive contract compensation based on experience
• Paid time off
• Hybrid work environment (in-office and remote)
• Professional development through hands-on experience across sales, marketing, and event operations
• Opportunity to work on international and U.S.-based trade shows
• 401(k) and medical benefits will be reviewed as part of an annual review after one (1) year of employment

Koelnmesse, Inc. energizes your business globally. Join us and energize your career.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience using HubSpot?

Location:

• Chicago, IL 60631 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person