Account Executive - New Orleans, United States - New Orleans & Company
Description
POSITION: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - CONVENTION SALES
DEPARTMENT: CONVENTION SALES
ACCOUNTABLE TO: SR. VICE PRESIDENT OF CONVENTION SALES & STRATEGIES and
VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
STATUS: FULL-TIME, EXEMPT
New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans' tourism industry representing over 1,100 member companies in the city's hospitality community. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world to live, work and visit.
Primary Objective/Position Summary:
The Account Executive will actively promote New Orleans as a premier convention destination and exhibit industry leadership within the community. This role involves achieving targeted quotas of hotel room nights and generating leads for conventions and business meetings to support New Orleans & Company members.
Major Areas of Accountability/Essential Duties:
The Account Executive will be tasked with the following key duties:
Develop and implement strategies to attract state, national and international conventions, meetings, and events to New Orleans.
Engage with potential clients through direct outreach, relationship building, and strategic presentations to secure convention bookings.
Master and seamlessly incorporate the core principles of New Orleans & Company's Built-to-Host brand into all sales presentations. This responsibility is crucial for educating potential clients about New Orleans' advantages as a leading destination for business meetings, thereby enhancing the city's appeal and competitive edge in the marketplace.
Forge strategic partnerships with hotels, the convention center, and other key venues to enhance the quality and competitiveness of bid proposals and presentations. Focus on creating tailored, compelling offerings that showcase the unique attributes of New Orleans as a premier event destination. Ensure bids stand out, ultimately securing event contracts that boost the local economy and elevate the city's status as a top choice for national and international gatherings.
Consistently meet or exceed established personal sales goals and demonstrate leadership in contributing to overall departmental team goals.
Utilize a CRM system to manage assigned accounts, client interactions, track leads, and ensure follow-up.
Maintain positive public image and build strong relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction.
Participate in industry trade shows and promotional events to network and promote New Orleans as a destination. This role includes necessary business travel to represent the city and engage with potential clients.
Plan and coordinate destination immersion visits for qualified meeting and convention planners to showcase key attractions, including our convention facilities, hotels, and other city highlights.
Plan and document all sales trips, compile detailed reports, and track new business opportunities to drive growth. Strategically manage event and travel budgets to maximize return on investment.
Collaborate with group marketing team to create on-brand promotional materials and campaigns tailored to target markets.
Participate in weekly sales meetings, membership meetings, convention committee discussions, and business development sessions to stay updated on industry trends and maintain strong communication with local hospitality industry stakeholders.
Participate in events that support member organizations, like "Business After Hours", to build community connections, facilitate idea exchanges, and strengthen local business relationships.
Pursue personal and professional growth by participating in seminars and workshops to remain informed about industry developments.
Demonstrate leadership by providing training and development for other Account Executives and Coordinators.
Take on other responsibilities and special projects as directed by the Senior Vice President of Convention Sales & Strategies or the Vice President of Business Development.
Education and/or Experience:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of seven years of sales or relevant industry experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Computer Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is required. Experience managing relationships and sales activity with CRM software is highly preferred.
Language Skills:
Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. The ability to comprehend and interpret documents, as well as to generate routine reports and correspondence, is essential. Effective presentation skills for addressing groups of customers, meeting planners or organization employees are desirable.
Physical, Mental & Environmental Demands:
The physical demands of this job include the ability to sit for extended periods at a desk and work on a computer, as well as the use of hands for tasks such as typing and reaching. Employees may also be required to stand and walk, and occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, are necessary for performing job duties. Must be capable of air travel and operating a vehicle. Reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The work environment is typical of an office setting and does not entail exposure to challenging or hazardous conditions. Frequent weeknight and weekend assignments, often off-site, are expected. Flexibility for travel, including overnight stays, is required. The ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment is essential.
Other duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice and does not imply a contract of employment.
Responsibility for Work of Others: Sales Coordinator (1)
New Orleans & Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, status as a covered veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. New Orleans & Company complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.