For additional information, visit Experience Columbus Job Opportunity Site.
Duties
1. Generate convention center and hotel bookings from assigned market segments; make personal presentations and sales calls to boards of directors, meeting planners, key decision makers, local contacts, convention delegates and or site selection committees as needed in order to secure leads and or book business.
2. Implement ongoing strategic prospecting plan including the following:
* Identify, recruit and encourage local community contacts and representatives of regional, national and international organizations to hold future meetings, conventions and trade shows in Columbus;
* Secure, prioritize and work targeted prospecting lists, establishing and exceeding weekly prospecting goals.
* Attend tradeshows, sales missions, networking meetings and local meetings to solicit convention business.
* Coordinate and conduct site inspections, showcasing facilities and attractions.
* Create and maintain professional relationships with clients.
* Possess expertise and act as a champion liaison of the member facilities, attractions and services available in the area to customers.
* Secure qualified customers and assist with the development of and participate in FAMS.
3. Issue comprehensive sales leads to Experience Columbus members and conduct corresponding detailed follow up and communication with participating, bidding members.
* Manage and maintain all assigned accounts in database application in a timely, thorough manner.
* Coordinate all aspects of bid process, including:
* Bid books, maximizing resources, incorporating market specific facts and incorporating creativity to give Columbus the competitive edge.
* Primary liaison with the customer and bidding properties throughout the process.
4. Support marketing efforts to promote destination:
* Interact with marketing department to create initiatives geared towards specific markets to generate interest in Columbus as a destination.
* Create marketing initiatives geared toward customers typically disinclined to respond to other prospecting efforts.
* Create and coordinate unique customer events in market with member support that are designed to attract clients in an effort to promote Columbus.
* Host quarterly customer events to connect with multiple clients over a period of time in an engaging setting.
* Maintain familiarity with competing areas or issues that impact Experience Columbus’ ability to market Columbus effectively.
* Promote attendance at events already scheduled. Retain memberships with select organizations.
Other Responsibilities:
1. Operate an independent, home-based office with its own technology and budget.
2. Represent Experience Columbus:
* Serve in a leadership capacity on committees within key industry organizations to provide Columbus with additional exposure and networking opportunities.
* Represent Experience Columbus with assigned industry groups to generate interest in Columbus as a destination or promote attendance at events already scheduled. Retain memberships with select organizations.
3. Coordinate with the Convention Services Department to effectively service groups scheduled to meet in the area, including, but not limited to these activities:
* Pre-convention meetings with customers and appropriate representatives of local organizations involved in servicing the group.
* On-site visits to conventions in progress as required.
* Distribution of brochures and equipment as required.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
* A four year degree from an accredited college or university in hospitality management or marketing is preferred.
* 5 to 10 years sales experience in hotel national sales, convention bureau sales and/or convention center sales is preferred.
* Sales account management experience.
* Experience with the regional market a plus.
Competencies and Skills:
* Exceptional customer service skills with a track record of exceeding expectations.
* Proven track record, analytical skills, assertiveness, integrity, energy, creativity, passion, independence, good judgment, ability to convert strategy to tactics.