Sponsorship and Events Coordinator | Handicraft Portfolio

Koelnmesse, Inc. | Chicago, IL | Full-time | Hybrid (2 to 3 days/week in-office)

Chicago-area applicants preferred

5 YEARS OF GROWTH, AND JUST GETTING STARTED

• Tradeshow Executive Fast 50 — recognized in three categories, multiple years
• Trade Show News Network — Best Use of Technology and Data, Best Engagement, Best Exhibitor Program, Best Community
• Outstanding Show Professional Award recipient
• Grown from one show to four since 2022, with 25% year-over-year growth going into our fifth edition

WHAT THIS JOB ACTUALLY IS

You will own the sponsorship program, start to finish. That means you create the packages, set the pricing, develop the pitch, close the deal, and then show up on the show floor and make it happen. No handoffs. No waiting for someone else to figure out the details.

You will sell the fashion show package and run the fashion show. You will pitch the VIP bag stuffing opportunity and make sure every bag is stuffed right. The work is visible, the wins are yours, and the team around you is genuinely passionate about what they do.

If you are looking for a role where you can see the direct result of your effort, this is it. And if you are looking for a place to build a career, that is here too.

ABOUT KOELNMESSE AND THE PORTFOLIO

Koelnmesse, Inc. is the Chicago-based North American subsidiary of Koelnmesse GmbH, one of the world's leading trade show organizers with events in more than 80 countries. Our craft portfolio, h h americas and the Fiber Fabric Craft Festival, covers both B2B and B2C audiences across quilting, sewing, yarn, fabric, cosplay, and beyond.

The team is small, fast-moving, and proud of what it has built. You will work directly with senior leadership and have exposure to the international Koelnmesse network. People come here for a job and stay for a career.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Create, price, develop, sell, and deliver the full sponsorship and marketing upgrade program
• Build compelling sponsorship packages and bring them to market with exhibitors, brands, and industry partners
• Own every activation you sell, including the fashion show, evening events, VIP bag stuffing, and other signature moments
• Manage all logistics, timelines, and vendor relationships tied to sponsorship programs
• Work with the marketing team to develop print, digital, and advertising assets that fulfill commitments
• Support exhibit sales alongside the Sales Manager and Portfolio Director
• Manage accounts from first conversation through post-event follow-up
• Keep accurate records and an active pipeline in HubSpot
• Be onsite for all event days, making sure everything runs the way it was sold

WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE

• Sponsorship revenue targets hit consistently
• Every program delivered on time and exactly as sold
• Sponsors and partners that renew because the experience was worth it
• A clean CRM with an active, well-managed pipeline
• A reputation on the team as someone who gets it done and makes the event better

WHAT YOU BRING

• 3 or more years in sponsorship sales, event coordination, account management, or B2B business development
• Trade show or live event experience, strongly preferred
• A track record developing and selling marketing and sponsorship packages
• Strong written and verbal communication — you can write a pitch and a run-of-show with equal confidence
• Comfortable managing several projects at once without losing track of the details
• Proficiency with HubSpot, Canva, and current sales and marketing tools
• A genuine interest in the craft community — quilting, sewing, yarn, fabric, cosplay, or related areas is a real plus

WHY THIS ROLE

• Full ownership of the sponsorship program from concept to delivery
• Work alongside a passionate team that cares about the craft community and about doing good work
• Direct path to grow into a senior sponsorship or events management role
• Hands-on exposure across sales, marketing, and event operations at a company with real global scale
• Come for the job, stay for the career — Koelnmesse is a place people build long-term

Ready to own it from the first pitch to the last bag stuffed?

Chicago-area applicants preferred

Some evenings and weekends required during event weeks

Limited travel