Senior Sales Manager Exhibitions (Flagship Show Launch)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Events & Exhibitions
Reporting to: Commercial Director / Show Director
Client: Leading Global Events & Exhibitions Organisation
I'm supporting a major events & exhibitions company in Dubai as they look to hire a Senior Sales Manager to lead the commercial development of a new flagship show launch in the region.
This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, knows the exhibitions world inside-out, and can take a new event from concept to commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial strategy for a major new exhibition launch, driving stand sales, sponsorship revenue, and commercial partnerships.
- Build and manage a strong sales pipeline from scratch identifying, targeting, and converting key clients and industry partners.
- Secure anchor exhibitors and sponsors, ensuring the event enters the market with strong momentum and credibility.
- Develop and execute robust go-to-market plans to accelerate market entry and establish long-term commercial viability.
- Manage the full sales cycle: outreach, meetings, proposals, negotiations, conversion, and contract closure.
- Collaborate closely with marketing, content, and operations teams to ensure commercial objectives are aligned with event positioning.
- Provide accurate sales forecasting, revenue planning, and weekly performance reporting.
- Represent the show at industry events, meetings, and stakeholder engagements to maximise visibility and strategic partnerships.
- Maintain strong, long-term client relationships through excellent service, follow-up, and account management.
Experience & Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of experience in the exhibitions industry this is essential.
- Proven success selling stand space, sponsorship packages, or commercial partnerships for large-scale exhibitions.
- Strong track record in launching new shows or taking products into new markets (highly advantageous).
- Demonstrated ability to generate pipeline, drive conversions, and exceed commercial targets.
- Experience shaping commercial strategy and contributing to the overall growth of a show.
- Highly proactive, resilient, and commercially driven comfortable working in a launch environment.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-growing, high-performance commercial team.
Why This Role
- Opportunity to lead the commercial launch of a flagship new event in a high-growth sector.
- Work with one of the most respected names in global exhibitions.
- High-impact role with clear visibility, growth opportunities, and commercial ownership.
