Business Development Representative

Location: New York, NY;
Alpharetta, GA

Department: 10 - Sales

Forge 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.

Location:
Alpharetta, GA or New York, NY (Broadway) — hybrid options may be available based on team needs.

Why this role matters:
You’ll create the top of the funnel—turning target accounts into real conversations and qualified meetings that become event and sponsorship revenue.

• 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—confirming fit, goals, decision process, and timing—so we focus on high-potential opportunities.
• Create personalized outreach that connects a prospect’s business goals to the value of Forge’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.

• 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! Understand basic discovery methods (BANT) business pain, priorities, stakeholders, and decision process.
• Ability to travel up to 30% (some events require on-site time).

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

• 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.

• Learn markets, messaging, systems, and outreach standards.

• Consistently execute outbound cadence and generate qualified meetings.

• Create repeatable pipeline contribution and begin influencing targeting and messaging.

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