ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Serve as the primary Metropolitan Detroit Brand Ambassador at industry events, tradeshows, and networking functions in Washington, D.C., and surrounding markets, embodying professionalism and thought leadership.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy that strengthens Detroit’s presence at key industry organizations such as PCMA, MPI, ASAE, and other relevant chapter meetings, fostering influential relationships and elevating the city's visibility.
- Take a leadership role in researching and identifying emerging trends, business opportunities, and competitive insights in the Washington, D.C., and East Coast markets to continuously refine and enhance sales strategies.
- Develop efforts to attract citywide conventions, meetings, and events to metropolitan Detroit, driving long-term economic impact for the region.
- Consistently meet and exceed personal sales goals while mentoring junior sales team members to achieve departmental objectives.
- Lead high-level client negotiations and strategic presentations to secure major bookings. Focus on creating tailored, compelling offerings that highlight Detroit’s unique strengths as an event destination.
- Participate in industry trade shows and promotional events to network and promote metropolitan Detroit as a destination. This role includes necessary business travel to represent the city and engage with potential clients.
- Oversee and execute high-impact site visits for qualified planners, ensuring they experience Detroit’s top attractions, convention facilities, hotels, and other key venues. Develop immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression.
- Engage with potential clients through direct outreach, relationship building, and strategic presentations to secure bookings.
- Seamlessly incorporate the core principles of Visit Detroit’s brand into all sales presentations. This responsibility is crucial for educating potential clients about Visit Detroit’s advantages as a leading destination for business meetings, thereby enhancing the city’s appeal and competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Utilize the IDSS system to manage assigned accounts and client interactions, track leads, and ensure follow-up.
- Maintain a positive public image and build strong relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction.
- Plan and document all sales trips, compile detailed reports and track new business opportunities to drive growth.
- Participate in weekly sales meetings and business development sessions to stay updated on industry trends and maintain effective communication with local hospitality industry stakeholders.
- Effectively meet goals while working from a home office and adhering to the Visit Detroit Telecommuting Policy and Hybrid Work Policy.
- Complete efficiently and accurately payroll and expense reports in accordance with Visit Detroit’s policies and procedures.
- Committed to partnering with Visit Detroit in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into company culture and operations, and actively contributing to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and stakeholders.
- Maintain active membership and participation in industry associations.
- Maintain working knowledge of all the members' facilities, attractions, and services available to customers planning meetings in the Metro Detroit area.
- Coordinate with Customer/Partner Services to effectively serve groups booked by Visit Detroit.
- Complete and submit, on a timely basis, appropriate reports assigned by the Senior Director, Sales Strategy
- Work cooperatively with other Visit Detroit personnel and departments.
COMPETENCIES - High level of knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in the sales process, specifically in the hospitality and tourism industry.
- Proficient in strategic sales, negotiation, and collaboration.
- Excellent presentation skills and ability to speak in front of groups of all sizes.
- Expanded knowledge of industry trends.
- Prior experience with a CRM or data management system is a plus.
- Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and follow-through.
- Ability to manage multiple objectives simultaneously and prioritize appropriately.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to clearly express thoughts, ideas, and concepts, verbally and in writing, in the English language.
- Exhibits leadership attributes, serving as a mentor and leader within a team environment.
- The ability to adapt approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
- Strong people skills with the ability to facilitate and bring parties together.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers, colleagues, and external
stakeholders. - Maintains a positive and professional work attitude, appearance, and behavior even in the most demanding situations.
- Proficient in using personal computer software and application,s including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and
PowerPoint. - Ability to work effectively in remote work environment, proficient use of video conferencing software and other remote work tools.
- Available weekends and outside of normal work hours for assignments and travel, as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS - Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in hotel, hospitality, or marketing management.
- 6-8 years of convention bureau, hotel (200 rooms or more), and/or industry sales experience.
- Ability to travel by airplane and operate a motor vehicle, access to reliable transportation.
- Must maintain a qualifying credit history to be eligible for a company-issued American Express card, which is required for business-related travel and client entertainment expenses.
- Valid, unrestricted Michigan driver’s license.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in hotel, hospitality, or marketing management.
- 8 -10 years of convention bureau or hotel sales experience (500 rooms or more).
- Sales experience specific to citywide destination marketing.
- Sales experience working with a convention center.
- Certified Meeting Planner designation.
If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please send your resume to our SearchWide Global Executive, Brian-Douglas Stanwood.
SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism and convention, and hotel and lodging industries. We specialize in C-Level, Director and Management level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to midsized public and private companies.
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