Convention Sales Manager

DESTINATION DC, There is Only One DC--There is Only One You.

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POSITION SUMMARY

Reports to: Director of Convention Sales

Would you be described as someone who enjoys a day full of new and exciting opportunities? Are you passionate about selling Washington D.C. as domestic and international meeting & conventions destination? If you are charismatic, take the initiative, creative, and love to travel while developing authentic client relationships this may be the ideal position for you.

As our Convention Sales Manager, you will be based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and will be responsible for developing business for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the broader metropolitan area as a premier convention destination. Your focus will be on targeting and cultivating relationships with key markets, SMERF (200 -1449 rooms on peak) & Government/Union (200-1,449 rooms on peak), that are integral to Washington, DC's convention business. You will represent the city at various industry tradeshows and local events as required by Destination DC, actively promoting the destination to a wide range of convention and event planners.

Your role will involve identifying, soliciting, and securing convention business for the city while ensuring an exceptional customer experience. You will work closely with key stakeholders, including convention planners, service providers, and local partners, to enhance the appeal of Washington, DC as a convention destination.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include the following, but are not limited to)

1. Generate bookings for meetings and conventions according to the priorities outlined in the marketing plan or more specifically meet certain seasonal and market segment factors.
2. Coordinate and participate in promotional events and industry trade shows with a view towards developing Washington, DC business interests.
3. Produce sales leads for destination hotel partners.
4. Convert leads into confirmed business; prepares proposals including quoted costs at the Washington Convention Center as well as executing and overseeing client site inspections.
5. Assist the direct sales effort by attending sales missions, meetings, trade shows and other industry-related functions.
6. Maintain good product knowledge of the destination including the area (attractions, recreation, climate, etc.), convention center, hotels and services.
7. Maintains awareness of industry trends and competing cities (i.e. through trade journals, industry participation and travel)
8. Manage client relationships to ensure adequate account servicing.
9. Execute all other duties as assigned by the Director of Sales and Senior Vice-President of Convention Sales & Services.

1. Minimum 4 (four) years sales management experience in related field, preferably convention bureau, facility or hotel sales and convention services
2. Bachelor's Degree (B.S./B.A.) from four-year college or university in management, sales, marketing or related field. (Preferred but not required)
3. Ability to read, analyze, articulate and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals and technical procedures.
4. Excellent communication skills.
5. Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
6. Willingness to work evenings and weekends; willingness to travel
7. Extensive knowledge of and enthusiasm for city and facilities
8. Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office and destination management software systems required.

DESTINATION DC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We welcome all to apply and are committed to retaining, hiring, developing, and promoting diverse talent. We recognize and celebrate cultural differences within our organization by establishing opportunities for education and allyship.

Please reach out to us if you need accommodations with an application.

About Destination DC

Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of nearly 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism, and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. www.washington.org