The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Would you like to be part of a growing industry focused on outdoor recreation and work in an office setting with a small team that is focused on the success for our members? The Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association has a career opportunity for an exhibit sales and service specialist to join our staff. 

Reporting to the RVDA Marketing Director, the Exhibit Sales and Service Specialist is a key point of contact for the association’s industry stakeholders. This role supports the full lifecycle of exhibit space and program sales—including Advertising, Vendor Training +Plus workshops, Sponsorships, and Partnerships. This position also assists with growing and supporting Associate Membership (industry-related, non-dealer members) while ensuring all exhibitors and sponsors receive exceptional service and administrative support.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Exhibitor Support & Relationship Management

• Success Liaison: Act as a point of contact for exhibitors and sponsors, ensuring their needs are met from initial inquiry through event execution.
• Associate Membership Support: Assist in growing the association’s non-dealer member base by reaching out to industry-related companies to share membership benefits. Support the member lifecycle by processing renewals, entering data into iMIS, and distributing welcome emails and membership certificates.
• Application Processing: Review and verify exhibitor and membership applications, perform data entry, and maintain accuracy across databases (iMIS).
• Program Sales Support: Support the sales and coordination of Advertising, Vendor Training +Plus, Sponsorships, and Partnerships to help companies maximize their visibility.
• Proactive Relationship Care: Maintain consistent communication with Associate Members and exhibitors to provide timely updates, gather feedback, and support year-over-year retention.

Operations & Administrative Support

• Workflow Coordination: Review and process applications for exhibitors and Program Sales, ensuring all data is accurate, properly formatted, and ready for system import.
• Financial Administration: Work with the accounting department to calculate and verify payments, issue invoices, and follow up on outstanding balances for space and sponsorships.
• Space & Logistics Management: Support the Director of Marketing in assigning exhibit space and distributing placements according to established guidelines and AutoCAD Lt floorplans.
• Database & Records Maintenance: Update Associate Member and Exhibitor profiles within iMIS to ensure all contact information and historical engagement data remain accurate and current.
• Onsite Support: Engage directly with exhibitors during the convention, walking the floor to provide real-time support and ensure compliance with event policies. Additionally, monitor Vendor Training +Plus workshops to provide onsite assistance and maintain accurate attendee counts for reporting.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Location: Professional office setting in Fairfax, VA.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
• Travel/Events: Ability to work evenings and weekends during the annual event. This role requires an onsite stay of 6–8 days for one convention.
• Physical Demands: Extensive computer use; ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.; ability to stand for long periods and walk several miles daily during annual event.

Benefits

RVDA provides a competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, professional development opportunities, a 401k program, and recognition of all federal holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 1 year in event services, exhibition support, association membership, or a related administrative role.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills; ability to remain professional and helpful during high-volume or high-stress interactions.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required. Familiarity with iMIS and AutoCAD Lt (for floorplan management) is highly preferred.
• Financial Aptitude: Strong attention to detail regarding invoices, payment tracking, and data entry.
• Problem Solving: A proactive, solutions-oriented approach to supporting Associate Members and exhibitors.

About Recreation Vehicle Dealers Associaton

RVDA, The National RV Dealers Association, is the only national association dedicated to advancing the RV retailer's interests through education, member services, industry leadership, and market expansion programs that promote the increased sale and use of RVs and that enhance the positive image of the RV experience. We represent a growing industry.RVDA is at the forefront of dealer-manufacturer issues, state and federal legislation that affects RV retailers, the national Go RVing advertising campaign, and educational programs covering all aspects of dealer operations.

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