Size Doesn’t Matter! Maximizing Your Event’s Sponsorship Capabilities

Carly is a key part of MCI USA’s Sales Solutions & Services management team, specializing in selling exhibit and sponsorships for tradeshows. She has sold for more than eight associations with tradeshows ranging in size from boutique to top 10 in the U.S. Her specialties include floorplan growth, sponsorship package creation, non-endemic company growth, and customized event activations. Carly has also sold digital media for association clients in a variety of sectors.

Jay Blankenship is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in leadership and entrepreneurship. He has a proven track record of designing and executing successful sales and marketing strategies that drive revenue growth, delivers measurable marketing results, and enhance customer experiences.  Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Revenue Strategy & Operations, Enterprise for MCI USA, Jay leads all project-based work involving sales and revenue consulting. He also leads the enterprise sales team specializing in non-traditional non-dues revenue. Jay has extensive knowledge of the legal, oceanography, proAV, and energy sectors.

Prior to his current role, Jay held leadership positions with prominent mass media and event sponsorship organizations such as BridgeTower Media, BH Media Group, Media General, HiBu, and iHeartMedia. He oversaw integration with digital agencies as well as built revenue models for professional and consumer-based events. He has developed membership marketing programs and budgets for various nonprofit organizations, including co-founding his own nonprofit focused on educating young entrepreneurs.

Jay earned his Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies with a concentration in Advertising and a minor in Graphic Design from Radford University. When he’s not working, he enjoys indulging his passion for cooking and spending time outdoors with his wife, two daughters, and three dogs.