Graduate Business Development Executive

Location: Bristol Office Hybrid

Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 basic + commission

About Us

At IQPC, we create high-impact, insight-led B2B events that bring together senior decision-makers, industry experts and leading solution providers from around the world. With a global portfolio of events and offices across key international markets, we are a leader in conference production, exhibitions and commercial event delivery. Our Bristol-based Exhibitions team is responsible for building and growing high-value international events, connecting businesses with the decision-makers and organisations that matter most to their industries.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially driven Business Development Executive to join our Bristol Exhibitions team, working on our US Microelectronics Exhibition. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing portfolio within the technology and semiconductor sector. You will be responsible for identifying and engaging businesses operating across the microelectronics ecosystem and introducing them to opportunities to exhibit, sponsor and build their presence at our US exhibition. Your initial focus will be on new business development, prospecting and pipeline generation. As you develop your commercial skills, industry knowledge and client relationships, you will take increasing ownership of revenue and accounts, with a clear progression path towards becoming a Sales Manager. This is a role for someone who wants to build a career in B2B event sales rather than simply take their next job.

The Role

As a Business Development Executive, you will be responsible for building a strong sales pipeline through targeted outbound activity and converting prospects into exhibitors and sponsors. You will work closely with the wider sales and event teams to understand the market, identify target accounts and develop compelling commercial propositions. You will initially focus on generating new business and securing meetings, with the opportunity to quickly progress into managing your own sales opportunities and revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• New Business Development

• Research and identify target companies within the microelectronics, semiconductor, electronics and advanced technology sectors.
• Build and manage a pipeline of prospective exhibitors and sponsors.
• Conduct high-volume, targeted outbound activity via phone, email and LinkedIn.
• Identify key decision-makers and establish relationships with senior commercial and marketing contacts.
• Generate new business opportunities for exhibition space and sponsorship packages.
• Qualify prospects and understand their commercial objectives, challenges and event requirements.

• Exhibition & Sponsorship Sales

• Present the value proposition of the US Microelectronics Exhibition to potential exhibitors and sponsors.
• Understand client objectives and recommend relevant exhibition and sponsorship opportunities.
• Sell exhibition stands, sponsorship packages and associated commercial opportunities.
• Manage prospects through the sales cycle, from initial contact through to close.
• Develop long-term relationships with exhibitors and sponsors to encourage repeat business and account growth.

• Pipeline & CRM Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date prospect and client information within the CRM.
• Manage your pipeline effectively and consistently follow up on opportunities.
• Meet agreed activity, pipeline and revenue targets.
• Track calls, emails, meetings, opportunities and conversions.
• Provide regular updates on pipeline performance and market feedback.

• Market Development

• Develop a strong understanding of the US microelectronics and semiconductor market.
• Identify emerging companies, technologies, trends and commercial opportunities.
• Monitor competitor events and commercial activity.
• Share market intelligence with the sales and event teams.
• Contribute ideas to help grow the exhibition and improve the commercial proposition.

• Collaboration

• Work closely with the Event, Marketing, Operations and Senior Sales teams.
• Collaborate on account strategies and target-market development.
• Support the wider team in delivering the commercial growth strategy for the event.
• Build strong internal relationships and contribute to a high-performance sales culture.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is commercially hungry, resilient and motivated by success. You don't need extensive exhibition experience. What matters most is your attitude, communication skills and desire to build a career in sales.

Essential

• Some experience in sales, business development, recruitment, lead generation or another target-driven environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Confidence speaking to new people and initiating conversations.
• Comfortable making outbound calls and engaging prospects.
• Highly motivated and target-driven.
• Resilient and able to handle rejection positively.
• Organised, proactive and able to manage multiple opportunities.
• Strong commercial awareness and curiosity.
• A genuine desire to develop a career in B2B sales.

What You'll Get

This role is designed to give you the training, responsibility and commercial exposure needed to build a successful career in event sales. You'll receive:

• Structured sales training and ongoing development.
• Coaching and mentorship from experienced sales leaders.
• Exposure to senior decision-makers across the technology sector.
• The opportunity to sell high-value exhibition and sponsorship packages.
• An attractive commission structure rewarding both performance and results.
• A clear career progression framework.
• A collaborative and ambitious Bristol-based team environment.
• The opportunity to work on an international event in the US market.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a growing international exhibition portfolio at an exciting stage of its development. You'll have the opportunity to build a specialist network within the microelectronics industry, develop valuable B2B sales skills and work towards a genuine management career. If you're ambitious, competitive and motivated by building something commercially successful, we'd love to hear from you.