Business Development Manager

Role Overview

We seek a motivated and commercially focused Sales Manager to spearhead the sales of exhibition floor space and delegate tickets across Ageing Asia's event portfolio, highlighting the World Ageing Festival as the flagship. This role covers the complete sales cycle—from sourcing leads and securing business opportunities, to signing contracts and managing client commitments through to the event day. Ideal candidates are goal-driven, organized in pipeline management, and dedicated to ensuring exceptional client experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively research and build a client pipeline targeting exhibitors and delegate buyers in industries like healthcare, eldercare, wellness, technology, financial services, and government sectors.
• Develop leads through diverse channels such as cold outreach, industry events, networking, referrals, and digital research.
• Represent the company at industry forums and trade shows to enhance market presence and uncover sales opportunities.
• Maintain and continuously update a robust prospect database to ensure a consistent top-of-funnel.
• Adopt an assertive sales approach, actively scheduling meetings, progressing prospects, and advancing the sales funnel.
• Create and present tailored sales pitches and proposals that clearly express the value of participating in Ageing Asia events.
• Engage confidently with decision-makers across organizational levels, customizing communication according to audience.
• Manage high outreach volumes, balancing new prospecting with advancing and closing deals.
• Steer opportunities through contract negotiation to closure, preparing contracts, confirmations, and invoices accurately and promptly.
• Handle client objections constructively, seeking solutions that benefit both parties, and aim to meet or surpass set revenue targets for exhibition space and delegate tickets.
• Spot and close upselling opportunities like premium booth placement, larger packages, and add-on sponsorships or advertising.
• Ensure all promises made during sales are fulfilled, coordinating with operations for logistics and booth requirements.
• Manage delegate registration and onboarding, providing a seamless experience from payment through event attendance.
• Keep clients informed regularly of milestones, deadlines, and pertinent changes.
• Promptly address fulfillment issues and maintain client trust through effective resolutions.
• Serve as the main contact for exhibitors and delegates throughout the sales process until event handover.
• Deliver high-quality client service marked by responsiveness, professionalism, and problem-solving at every interaction.
• Conduct post-event follow-ups to obtain feedback, resolve outstanding items, and support future client renewals.
• Develop lasting relationships positioning Ageing Asia as a trusted partner, not just a vendor.
• Communicate client feedback to Operations, Communications, and leadership teams for ongoing improvement.
• Organize a detailed and current CRM record of all prospects and clients, and provide management with pipeline reports and forecasts.
• Weekly review of pipeline status, identifying risks and opportunities in advance.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3 to 6 years of B2B sales experience, preferably within events, exhibitions, media, publishing, or related fields.
• Demonstrable history of managing full sales cycles from lead acquisition to contract signing and client relationship management.
• Consistent achievement or exceeding of sales targets.
• Prior experience selling exhibition space, delegate offerings, sponsorships, or advertising is highly favorable.
• Knowledge of healthcare, ageing, wellness, or professional services sectors is beneficial.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline.
• Professional sales certifications or formal sales training are advantageous.

Skills & Attributes

• A proactive 'hunter' mentality with capacity to independently create sales pipelines.
• Strong communication and persuasion skills suitable for engaging stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• High accountability with commitment to follow-through.
• Excellent client service orientation focused on ongoing satisfaction beyond initial sale.
• Effective organization and time management abilities to handle multiple accounts concurrently.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Collaborative approach, working effectively with operations, marketing, and client service teams.

Culture and Values

The organisation embodies the LAUGHTER values, focusing on learning agility, positive attitude, initiative, innovation, empathy for older adults, teamwork, adaptability, and reliability. These values influence daily work culture and client relationships.

Application Process

Applicants interested in this role should prepare a CV and concise cover letter that highlights their relevant experience.