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Jeff McQuilkin
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Professional Background
Jeff McQuilkin is a distinguished trade show executive, boasting a robust career spanning over twenty years in exposition sales, marketing, and project management. Jeff has built a reputation for his ability to not only meet but consistently exceed revenue goals, a testament to his strategic approach to business development and sales management. Throughout his career, he has cultivated extensive expertise within both for-profit entities and association/non-profit organizations, showcasing his adaptability and wide-ranging skill set.
Currently, Jeff is thriving as the Exposition Sales Manager at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), where he leverages his extensive knowledge in trade shows to drive sales and enhance the overall success of the organization's exposition events. His knack for forging meaningful relationships with clients has allowed him to position NACS as a leader within the convenience store sector.
Before his tenure at NACS, Jeff played a significant role as the Sales Manager at InfoComm International, where his responsibilities included overseeing all aspects of sales strategy and execution for one of the largest audiovisual shows in the world. His ability to manage diverse projects while building high-performing teams has been a hallmark of his career, reflecting his leadership qualities and commitment to creating a positive work atmosphere.
Further enriching his professional journey, Jeff served as the Director of Sales at Solar Energy Trade Shows, LLC, where his focus on renewable energy and innovation allowed him to contribute greatly to the industry's growth through impactful trade exhibitions. He has also held multiple leadership positions at Nielsen Expositions / Emerald Expositions, including Group Show Director and Sales Director, roles in which he effectively managed multi-million dollar projects and led teams to achieve exceptional results.
Education and Achievements
Jeff McQuilkin's academic journey laid a solid foundation for his impressive career in trade show management. He attended The College of William and Mary, where he studied for a Bachelor's degree in Economics. His educational background equips him with significant insights into market trends, economic behaviors, and the financial acumen required to excel in exposition sales and management.
Throughout his professional trajectory, Jeff has demonstrated outstanding budgeting and forecasting abilities. His strategic financial management skills enable him to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring the success of the trade shows he manages. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to produce accurate projections that help guide operational decision-making.
What distinguishes Jeff further is his commitment to team dynamics. He has successfully built and guided highly functioning teams across various organizations, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and productivity. His leadership style emphasizes openness and support, enabling team members to thrive and contribute positively to organizational goals.
Jeff's extensive experience spans strategic sales initiatives, client engagement, project management, and event coordination, which have significantly impacted the tradeshow industry. His ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously speaks to his exceptional organizational skills, and his proven results make him a sought-after leader in the field.
Achievements
Jeff McQuilkin's career reflects numerous notable achievements that highlight his dedication to the trade show industry. One key aspect of his success is his consistent ability to exceed revenue goals, a crucial performance metric in exposition sales and management. His innovative strategies have often resulted in increased attendance and exhibitor participation, thereby elevating the overall impact and profitability of the trade shows he oversees.
As Exposition Sales Manager at NACS, Jeff has played a vital role in enhancing the organization's visibility within the convenience store segment, leveraging his sales expertise to drive interest and participation at various expos. His reputation for establishing long-lasting client relationships has resulted in a loyal customer base willing to invest in future shows.
Jeff’s tenure at InfoComm International further solidified his reputation as a trade show expert, where his strategic approaches to sales and marketing transformed the annual event into a hallmark gathering for industry professionals. His leadership in these roles not only improved operational efficiencies but also enriched the experiences of both exhibitors and attendees, fostering a vibrant marketplace for innovation.
Furthermore, Jeff’s work at Solar Energy Trade Shows, LLC, allowed him to contribute to the advancement of renewable energy through impactful expos focused on sustainability. His initiatives in this area reflect a forward-thinking mindset that embraces emerging trends and drives industry change.
In positions at Nielsen Expositions / Emerald Expositions, Jeff consistently demonstrated his ability to manage diverse teams and large-scale projects effectively. His dual roles as Group Show Director and Sales Director involved coordinating multiple events, highlighting his remarkable project management capabilities and impressive agility in navigating the complexities of the trade show landscape.
In summary, Jeff McQuilkin's career trajectory is marked by profound expertise in trade show management, with a stellar record of achievements across various organizations. His education in economics, combined with his extensive professional experiences, has shaped him into an industry leader who continuously seeks to innovate and excel in the dynamic world of expos.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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