"Sales is Love" Conference Coming to Eastern Illinois University

News Press Release
"Sales is Love" Conference Coming to Eastern Illinois University
CHARLESTON, IL - A new kind of sales conversation is taking center stage this spring at Eastern Illinois University. On May 1, 2026, the Tarble Museum of Art will host "Sales is Love" a full-day conference built on a simple but powerful idea: the best sales don't feel like pressure they feel like service.
This growing regional event is already drawing strong momentum, with over $8,000 in sponsorship support from partners including the Rural King Foundation, First Mid Bank & Trust, and individual sponsors. More than 20 speakers from across the Midwest including a number of EIU alumni are set to return to campus to share insights, experiences, and practical strategies.
Redefining the Role of Sales
"Sales is Love" challenges the outdated "always be closing" mindset. Instead, the conference centers on empathy, trust, and long-term value creation-positioning sales as a discipline rooted in understanding people and solving real problems.
A Conference Built by Students, for Real Impact
What makes this event especially unique is that it is entirely planned and executed by students in EIU's Professional Sales course, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The conference serves as a hands-on, real-world learning experience, blending classroom theory with live execution, community engagement, and professional collaboration.
Event Highlights
Attendees can expect a high-energy, practical, and interactive experience, including:
• Keynote and featured speaker sessions
• Interactive roundtables and discussions
• Networking opportunities with regional leaders and alumni
• A live Community Impact Sales Pitch Competition
During the lunch session, both students and community members will take the stage for a fast-paced, two-minute pitch. The audience will vote to award a $500 donation to the winning organization, nonprofit, or cause-reinforcing the event's commitment to meaningful, community-centered impact.

Event Details
• Date: May 1, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Location: Tarble Arts Center, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
http://go.eiu.edu/lovesales
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eiusalescon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BNCFSurLT/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7437625769729703936/
About the Conference
"Sales is Love" is designed to elevate the perception and practice of sales by focusing on emotional intelligence, meaningful engagement, and long-term relationship building. By bringing together students, professionals, and community members, the event creates a shared space where business growth and human connection are not at odds but deeply aligned.
For more information or to get involved as an attendee, speaker, or sponsor, please contact Eastern Illinois University's School of Business or the Small Business Development Center.
Evan Kubicek - emkubicek@eiu.edu

600 Lincoln Avenue
School of Business
Charleston IL 61920

emkubicek@eiu.edu
708-986-1802

The School of Business at Eastern Illinois University, housed within the Lumpkin College of Business & Technology, is committed to developing career-ready graduates equipped to lead in today's dynamic global economy. Through a combination of rigorous academics, hands-on learning, and personalized mentorship, the School empowers students to turn knowledge into meaningful impact.

With a focus on student success, the School of Business offers a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines including accounting, finance, management, marketing, business analytics, and hospitality. AACSB International accreditation ensures that these programs meet the highest standards of excellence in business education worldwide.

Faculty members are deeply engaged educators and industry practitioners who invest in students both inside and outside the classroom. Small class sizes foster strong relationships, while experiential opportunities such as internships, competitions, and applied projects connect students directly with real-world business challenges. This approach consistently delivers strong outcomes, with many programs reporting placement rates above 90% and graduates launching careers across a wide range of industries.

The School also emphasizes adaptability and innovation, offering flexible learning formats including online and hybrid options, as well as graduate programs like the MBA designed to prepare students for leadership roles in business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Located in Charleston, Illinois, the School of Business serves as a hub for regional economic development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Through partnerships with businesses, alumni, and organizations across the Midwest, the School plays an active role in strengthening the workforce and supporting the growth of local and regional economies.

At its core, the School of Business at Eastern Illinois University is driven by a simple mission: to develop ethical, innovative, and purpose-driven leaders who create value for organizations and communities alike.

This release was published on openPR.