Reports to: Director of Convention Sales
Candidates must be located in the Chicagoland area.
Are you passionate about selling Washington D.C. as a 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 National Account Director-Midwest , you will be based in the Chicagoland area and be responsible for developing business for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and metropolitan area as a convention destination, focusing on key groups for Washington D.C. You will travel to D.C. as required for site visits and by Destination DC. This position also includes managing a support team member.
Your Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include the following, but are not limited to):
- Generate bookings for meetings and conventions according to marketing priorities and specific market segment factors.
- Coordinate and participate in local promotional events and industry trade shows to develop Washington, D.C. business interests.
- Produce sales leads for destination's hotel partners.
- Follow up on lead sources via inquiries, trade shows, and trade publications.
- Convert leads into confirmed business; prepare proposals including costs from the Washington Convention Center, and oversee client site inspections.
- Compile complete convention packages including all necessary entities to present the destination effectively.
- Support direct sales efforts by attending sales missions, meetings, trade shows, and industry functions.
- Lead sales presentations to clients, boards, and site selection committees.
- Maintain good product knowledge of the destination, including the general area, convention center, hotels, and services.
- Stay informed about industry trends and competing cities through trade journals, industry participation, and travel.
- Manage client relationships to ensure proper account servicing and hotel relationships for a seamless customer experience.
- Manage budget for travel, networking, entertainment, and co-ops.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the Director of Convention Sales and the Senior Vice President of Convention Sales & Services.
Your Measure of Success: Accountabilities & Measures
- Achieve annual room night goals as determined by the Director of Convention Sales and Vice President of Convention Sales & Services.
- Generate a targeted number of leads annually, as determined by the same leadership.
- Meet annual sales call and trip goals, as set by leadership.
- Undergo periodic performance evaluations based on quantitative and qualitative metrics aligned with these goals.
What You Bring: Experience, Competencies & Education
- Must be located in Chicagoland.
- At least four (4) years of sales management experience in related fields such as convention bureau, facility, hotel sales, or convention services.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and destination management software systems.
- Bachelor's degree (B.S./B.A.) in management, sales, marketing, or a related field preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of and enthusiasm for the city and its facilities.
- Ability to analyze, articulate, and interpret business periodicals, journals, and technical procedures.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Proven success in business conversion.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends and to travel seasonally.