Details
06/23/2017
Sales Manager
Experience Columbus
Summary:
Promote and sell Columbus as a convention and meeting destination to associations, corporations and organizations within assigned market segments. Achieve specific annual individual and team room night and lead convention sales quotas.
Major Job Responsibilities:
- Generate convention center, facility and hotel leads and bookings for assigned market segments through sales calls and presentations to secure leads and book business. Assigned market segment is meetings and conventions that require 201-550 peak room nights.
- Manage all aspects of the sales process; including managing leads, prospecting, bidding, site inspections, sales calls, account management and related follow-up.
- Build and maintain member relationships to keep current with Experience Columbus members and the facilities and services they provide to the convention industry.
- Maintain familiarity with competing areas or issues that impact Experience Columbus’ ability to market Columbus effectively.
- Educate customers about the convention lead and bid process.
- Utilize technology to support the sales effort:
- Use Simpleview database for the account management process and assign and document progress in accounts in a timely manner.
- Send leads, verifications, lost business and decision updates to members via the member Extranet.
- Support promotional activities:
- Participate in and represent Experience Columbus at promotional, member, industry, and trade events including sales missions, customer events, trade shows, etc.
- Coordinate with the events and marketing departments and manage all aspects of preparation including travel, logistics, marketing, and communication.
- Arrange and coordinate site inspections to bring in groups of prospective customers.
- Coordinate with the Convention Services Department to effectively service groups scheduled to meet in the area, including:
- On-site visits and/or exhibitor welcomes to conventions in progress.
- Discussion of attendance builders for future booked business.
Other Responsibilities:
- Coordinate all activities related to business trips
- Engage customers, members and community through social media.
Education and Experience:
- A four year degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
- Three years’ experience in hotel or convention bureau sales preferred.
- The organization requires all employees to obtain and maintain their Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) designation.
Competencies and Skills:
- Exceptional customer service skills with a track record of exceeding expectations.
- Proven relationship building skills,
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.
- Ability to work independently but also is a team player.
- Goal oriented with the ability to take initiative, be accountable and exceed expectations.
- Demonstrated written and oral presentation skills.
- Working knowledge of computer systems and related software applications, specifically Microsoft Office.
- Familiarity with the use of a sales database and the ability to produce reports as requested.
- Ability to travel, attend local, state, national events on evenings and/or weekends.
