Director of Convention Sales

This position manages and leads the convention sales team, developing sales strategies and market opportunities to attract convention and meeting business to Oklahoma City. The Director of Convention Sales promotes and sells Oklahoma City as a premier convention and meeting destination, leads the team in achieving room night sales goals, and provides direction, mentorship and support to convention sales managers. The position also assists in the selection and execution of trade shows and industry events, ensuring that Oklahoma City is represented on a national scale. This position also works collaboratively with clients, hotels, municipal facilities and community partners to support successful meetings and conventions in Oklahoma City.

• Maintains close working relationships with area hotels and municipal facilities and serves as a liaison between clients and these facilities; conducts quarterly meetings with hotel sales and service professionals in the area.
• Assists in developing marketing plans and sales strategies to promote Oklahoma City as a convention destination; develops new accounts and establishes booking goals for team.
• Develops cooperative programs, familiarization trips and sales missions with area hotels and hospitality industry partners to market the Oklahoma City area.
• Maintains departmental efficiency using software, technology and industry best practices.
• Partners with the Marketing and Communications Department on convention-related promotional and advertising initiatives and assists with the development of promotional materials and services offered to clients.
• Manages booking reports, bid presentations and site inspections conducted by the department.
• Generates convention center and hotel bookings within an assigned market segment, which may be revised annually.
• Builds and maintains a client base within the assigned region or market and achieves an annual room night goal through definite bookings within that market or region.
• Oversees trade show activities, including booth maintenance, shipping, collateral and administrative responsibilities.
• Works closely with the Director of Destination Services to monitor client survey reports after the conclusion of events to maintain a high level of service and satisfaction.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with clients and identifies potential convention opportunities through industry publications, business journals and other sources.
• Prospects for new business through telephone outreach, written communications and presentations to local members of national and regional associations and corporations.
• Presents to boards of directors, convention delegates and site selection committees as needed to secure future convention business in Oklahoma City.
• Solicits and coordinates hotel and convention center cost projections and organizes facility packages for meeting planners.
• Attends trade shows, sales missions, networking meetings and local meetings to solicit convention business; oversees pre-planning, target marketing and pre- and post-event communications. Evaluates trade show performance and recommends future participation based on return on investment.
• Coordinates and conducts site tours for meeting planners, showcasing Oklahoma City facilities and attractions. Participates in familiarization programs for groups of meeting planners and invites qualified clients to each program.
• Assists meeting planners with referrals to the Destination Services team, other service providers and national sales managers to identify opportunities that benefit the community.
• Maintains contact with executive meeting planners during conventions and meetings and follows up after completion to identify opportunities for future business.
• Monitors convention sales team performance and assists sales managers with specific clients and markets as needed.
• Partners with the Director of Sports Sales and Director of Destination Services to ensure successful outcomes for sales efforts and initiatives.
• Maintains research on competing destinations, including their marketing and sales strategies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 4-year degree in business, hospitality or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of hospitality industry sales experience.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate business opportunities and determine the best fit for the community.
• Ability to develop and implement marketing and budget plans.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and manage multiple projects within established timeframes.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers, email, Microsoft Office applications and general office equipment, including laptop computers when traveling.
• Must be able to lift and carry 30 pounds.