Business Development Representative

Emerald is looking for a high-energy Business Development pro to help grow revenue across our portfolio of trade shows and conferences. You’ll be the person who finds the right companies to talk to, starts the conversation, and qualifies opportunities for our Account Executives to close.

If you like digging into research, testing what messaging works, and using tools like Gong and Salesforce to build a pipeline, you’ll fit right in. You’ll help create pipeline through modern outbound prospecting — combining research, signal-based targeting, and consultative outreach. This is a fast-paced, “learn by doing” role with clear coaching, measurable goals, and a strong path into an Account Executive career track.

This role combines research, signal-based targeting, and consultative outreach.

This position will be based out of our Alpharetta, GA or New York City, NY office.

Why this role matters: You’ll create the early-stage pipeline—turning target accounts into real conversations and qualified opportunities that become pipeline and revenue.

Responsibilities:

• Research net-new exhibitor and sponsor accounts using Zoom Info industry intelligence, and signal-based prospecting(intent, trigger events, engagement signals).
• Build targeted lists and run multi-threaded outreach cadences (email, phone, social) while keeping clean notes and next steps in Salesforce.
• Qualify prospects through short discovery conversations—understanding business pain, priorities, stakeholders, decisions process, and timing so we focus on high-potential opportunities.
• Create personalized outreach that connects a prospect’s business goals to the value of Emerald’s events (ROI, audience, leads, brand visibility).
• Partner closely with Account Executives for a smooth handoff—sharing research, key contacts, conversation notes, and recommended next steps.
• Collaborate with Marketing and attendee teams to share feedback on lead quality, personas, and campaigns—then adjust targeting and messaging accordingly.
• Stay current on industry trends, competitor events, and emerging categories; bring new ideas for who we should be selling to next.
• Occasionally support the close by stepping in to run pricing/package conversations when needed.

Qualifications:

• 0–2 years of experience in sales, customer success, recruiting, fundraising, hospitality, or another role where you had to build relationships and hit goals (internships count).
• Comfortable with outbound outreach (calls + email) and willing to practice, iterate, and get better fast.
• Tech savvy: experience using Salesforce (or another CRM) and confidence learning new tools quickly.
• Organized and self-directed—you can manage a daily outreach plan, follow-ups, and deadlines without things slipping.
• Strong communication skills: you can write clear, professional messages and speak confidently with new people.
• Be a consultative partner. Apply structured discovery to understand business pain, priorities, stakeholders, and decision process.
• Ability to travel up to 30% (some events require on-site time).

Success Metrics:

• You will be measured on pipeline created, qualified opportunities, conversion, target account penetration, activity effectiveness.

Nice to have:

• Experience with Gong, Zoom Info, sales engagement tools, or list-building tools.
• Comfort with light data analysis (Excel/Google Sheets) to track activity and results.
• Interest in events, media, marketing, or B2B communities—and curiosity about how businesses grow.

What success looks like (first 90 days):

First 30 Days
Learn markets, messaging, systems, and outreach standards.

60 Days
Consistently execute outbound cadence and generate qualified meetings.

90 Days
Create repeatable pipeline contribution and begin influencing targeting and messaging.

About Emerald

At Emerald, we strive to foster a diverse and inclusive community. We actively recruit and champion candidates who bring new perspectives from varied professional backgrounds and experiences, and we are intentional about ensuring a positive hiring experience for everyone. Our job postings don’t contain experience inflation, and most don’t require college degrees. Instead, they’re crafted to focus on outcomes and…