The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), a D.C. Metro area trade association representing the sportfishing industry and stakeholders, seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Vice President to lead our Trade Show, Membership, and Business Development Team. This person will play a key role as both a member of the ASA Executive Team as well as a strategic leader overseeing the Association’s member benefits and revenue-generating programs.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the purpose of this job is to lead, plan, produce and execute all of the trade show, membership and business development priorities for the association in line with ASA’s strategic plan, on time and within budget. This includes ensuring ICAST, ASA’s premier sportfishing trade show, provides members with the best return on their investment while allowing them to showcase their products in front of the largest audience of qualified retail/wholesale buyers, manufacturer’s representatives, media and other industry-related organizations.  In addition, the Vice President will lead ASA’s membership and business development programs to provide valuable benefits, build the sportfishing community, and expand opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

 Trade Show

• Plan and execute a successful Annual ICAST Show in line with the goals of the strategic plan and provide all exhibitors and attendees with an excellent ICAST experience.
• Manage both internal and external teams to ensure that every detail of the show is executed completely, accurately, on time and within budget. The show should be organized according to a plan that lays out the vision, goals, objectives, budget and rules. The plan should include:
• floor plan and sales plan
• sponsorship and promotion plan
• registration management
• Exhibitor service manual and promotional pack, show guide and onsite signage

• Marketing and promotion plan developed in conjunction with the Communications team
• Website and mobile app
• Business seminars
• ICAST schedule of events (ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament, Lunkers and Bunkers Golf Tournament, On the Water Demonstration Day, New Product Showcase Reception, Industry Breakfast, Chairman’s Reception, lure tank, apparel lounge and more)
• Insurance, security, emergency services, furniture, electric, wi-fi, F&B and ground transportation
• Direct multiple external stakeholders at all levels, including negotiating contracts, managing expectations, providing solutions and balancing a collaborative approach. The external stakeholders include, but are not limited to sponsors, convention center, convention and visitor bureaus, general show contractor, registration and housing companies, food and beverage companies, audio and visual companies, insurance company, security company, floral company, telecom and internet providers, utility companies, host and overflow hotels, transportation and shipping companies, software and marketing agencies, including all other web/mobile, graphics and publishing companies.
• Generate financial and registration reports providing information on all members, exhibitors and attendees.
• Manage payment of all fees associated with operating the department.
• Oversee trade show staff/volunteers and provide direction to ASA staff.

Membership

• Lead membership department to identify and fulfill annual membership goals in quantitative and qualitative terms to advance the mission of the Association.
• Work in conjunction with the Membership Director and the ASA Communications team to develop an annual membership campaign.
• Ensure ASA is providing optimal customer service, across all communication channels, to all current and potential members, sponsors, and vendors.
• Develop programs and campaigns that support the strategic plan, including designing membership campaigns to achieve defined goals. Continually develop member benefits and communicate the value of ASA.
• Oversee and manage AMS IMIS software in conjunction with the Communications team and manage relationships with outside providers.
• Work collaboratively with the Finance team to oversee and ensure all payments are properly processed and manage budget goals.
• Oversee membership recruitment/retention efforts.

New Business Development

• Lead in-house team to drive non-dues revenue program that allows the Association to expand its value through its strategic priorities. This includes generating revenue through sponsorships at ASA programs (ICAST and Sportfishing Summit) advertising on ASA website and other channels, raising revenue to support ASA advocacy arm, Keep America Fishing, and working closely with ASA’s FishAmerica Foundation leadership to improve and expand opportunities for this valuable 501c3 program.
• In line with ASA’s Strategic directives, look for opportunities to build programs and diversify revenue streams to insulate the association from shifting business climate.

Other Duties Include:

• Oversee operations and logistics for ASA Summit with host property including but not limited to contracting, food and beverage, signage, shipping, room assignments, housing and staff transportation.
• Manage, maintain, and integrate continuous improvement for all membership and show assets.
• Adhere to state, federal, Code of Conduct and association policies.
• Attend trade shows and other industry events to remain current and search for ideas to improve the association, the trade show, membership and business development.
• Work with communications team to ensure that ASA receives optimal coverage with trade and consumer media entities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Keys to Success

• Four-year college degree.
• Ten years or more directing a trade show, lead membership and/or business development for a non-profit or association organization.
• Excellent communication and management skills and the ability to collaborate and coordinate with ASA staff, membership, ASA committees and industry to expand the Association, champion ICAST and ASA membership, and raise revenue.
• Develop and maintain strong member, exhibitor, attendee and vendor relationships as a representative of the Association.
• Exhibit fiscal responsibility in delivering positive results for the association’s revenue and expenses related to the trade show, membership and new business development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and possess strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Knowledge of the sportfishing industry a plus.
• Willingness to travel for annual meetings and events.
• Respond to all customer inquiries and requests urgently and empathetically.
• Familiarity with Map Your Show (MYS) IMIS or other membership management software, CDS and Eventsphere a plus.