Exhibit Sales & Services Associate presso NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores)

About Us

The leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing, NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted adviser to retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, conducts 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $860 billion in 2023. A member-driven organization, NACS has 70-plus employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $60 million. 

NACS supports the industry through its media platforms, advocacy efforts, research, events, products & services, and industry initiatives, helping members stay informed and connected. NACS Media is the voice that connects the convenience and fuel retailing industry through various channels, including its award-winning monthly publication NACS Magazine, NACS Daily e-newsletter and other modern media such as its weekly Convenience Matters podcast and Convenience Corner blog. This is where ideas are shared, products are launched, and consumer needs are solved.
 

NACS also is a hub for cutting-edge research, insightful analysis, innovative educational opportunities and key industry initiatives that aim to advance the future of convenience and fuel retailing, including the NACS Show, one of the largest annual tradeshows in the country; more than a dozen targeted and regional events; 5 executive education programs at  ivy-league universities and extensive advocacy to both elected leaders and the general public. Here is more about what it’s like to work at NACS.

Position Overview

Join the team behind the NACS Show — the largest and most dynamic trade show in the convenience and fuel retailing industry. As our Exhibit Sales & Services Associate, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving exhibitor success at the NACS Show, our annual flagship event, as well as other key industry experiences.   In this role you will support everything from small start-up companies to large, nationally recognized name brands. 
 
 This role goes beyond sales — it’s about building long-term relationships, guiding exhibitors through the full event cycle, and ensuring every exhibitor has a seamless, rewarding and professional experience. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, loves solving problems, and knows that customer service isn’t a department — it’s a mindset.

This position will collaborate closely with several support team members, and report directly to the Exhibit Sales & Services Manager. The role is located onsite at NACS Headquarters in Alexandria, VA.

Scope of Responsibilities:

       Exhibit Sales

• Drive exhibit space sales to both new and returning exhibitors
• Strategically manage floor plans to optimize inventory, traffic flow, and exhibitor placement
• Maintain accurate sales records in Map Your Show (MYS) and track revenue
• Execute sales processes with precision and attention to detail

       Exhibitor Support & Account Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for exhibitors throughout the event lifecycle — from initial outreach to post-show follow-up
• Guide exhibitors through key deadlines, deliverables, and online resources such as exhibitor portal, service kit, registration dashboard, etc.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve exhibitor inquiries, logistics, and service needs
• Be a critical part of, and contributor to the Exhibitor Advisory Committee to inform ongoing improvements
• Perform other duties as assigned to support team and organizational goals

       Event Planning & Onsite Execution

• Partner with the Events team on floor plans, timelines, and logistics
• Ensure exhibitor listings, payments, and policies are up-to-date and accurate
• Provide on-site support at the NACS Show, including exhibitor check-in, troubleshooting, and operational oversight

       Reporting & Administration

• Create reports and insights on exhibit sales, lead activity, and event performance
• Ensure online platforms (floor plans, exhibitor lists, and websites) are consistently updated and accurate
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop exhibitor communications, newsletters, and promotional materials

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree 
• 3+ years of experience in exhibit sales, event services, or association/trade show operations
• Proficiency with Map Your Show or similar tools (a2z, ExpoCAD) — MYS preferred
• Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and interpersonal
• Strong organizational skills with a calm, thoughtful approach in high-pressure situations 
• Understanding of exhibit hall operations and third-party vendor coordination
• Experience with general service contractors (e.g., Freeman, GES)
• Association or nonprofit background is a plus
• Willingness to travel for events (2–4x per year, including weekends).  Usually about 9-10 days at the NACS Show

NACS Culture

We hugely value, invest in and are devoted to the constructive culture that we’ve built and work on every day at NACS. Almost everything we do requires broad, multi-department collaboration to ideate and execute creative initiatives that deliver compelling value to our members and our industry. What that requires is a relatively flat organizational structure that empowers teammates at different levels from all departments to constructively engage and support each other.  Titles really don’t matter in such an organization. What matters is a culture of constructive behaviors that relishes divergent perspectives to craft well thought-out initiatives and then come together to execute them. NACS Values:

• Do the right thing
• Focus long term
• In their terms
• Be fiscally responsible
• Strive for excellence

The NACS Culture is highly collaborative, and we are better when we are together. NACS is a culture that believes in working together from the office. 

Other Pertinent Information

• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Salary commensurate with experience
• Approximately 10% travel
• In-Office Position w/ Work From Anywhere (WFA) Days
• Metro Accessible – 2 blocks from King Street metro

NACS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis. All applicants will be considered for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected status.

As the leading global trade association for convenience and fuel retailers, NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted adviser to its retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores, conducts more than 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $860 billion in 2023. For more information, visit convenience.org. Follow NACS on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.