Convention Services Manager - Spokane, United States - Visit Spokane

Description

Job Description Job Description Salary: 60,000Position: Convention Services ManagerDepartment: Convention Services & SalesFLSA Status: Full-time Hourly Non-ExemptReports to: Director of Convention ServicesAbout Visit SpokaneVisit Spokane is a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).

As a public/private non-profit, our organization represents a large membership, including museums, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, theaters, transportation companies, and attractions.

The mission of our DMO is to enhance the local economy we serve by marketing our region nationally as a destination for group travel impacting the members we serve economically.

About the PositionThe Convention Services Manager, under the direction of the Director of Convention Services, will work with organizations planning conferences in the region on all their conference needs.

They will serve as a liaison between the meeting planner and Visit Spokane members/partners and regional municipalities, providing individualized services and referrals.

In addition, they will assist sales with special projects. Visit Spokane is currently a hybrid office. All local staff are required to work in-office a minimum of 2 days a week. There will be times when the nature of the work load or special projects require more days in-office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Convention ServicesWork closely with external meeting planners for assigned groups to ensure their events are successful.

Maintain communication with planner clients throughout the planning process to provide the necessary resources, including pre-promotion and other promotional needs, unique venue options, partner leads, special event ideas, e-marketing, on-site staffing, materials, etc.

Provide meeting planners with access to our attendance-building marketing materials. Be proactive with clients, anticipate their needs, and provide solutions for their concerns. The creation of custom attendance-building resources may be appropriate depending on the group.
Send service leads to member businesses for specific needs/services on behalf of meeting planner clients.
Send meeting planner clients referrals upon request.
Prepare and distribute citywide convention resumes.
Schedule registration clerks for conventions as needed.
Distribute post-event surveys to convention groups and headquarter venues and ensure they are returned for all assigned conventions. Strive for excellent scores and feedback from meeting planner clients.
Gather actualized room pickup from contracted hotels and records within our CRM database.

For groups with promised rebates and strategic funds, the CSM is responsible for reporting pickup information to the PFD to ensure that the way the funds are processed aligns with the contracts.

Ensure that meeting planner clients feel that the business they represent is valuable. When possible, work to obtain referrals for other future conventions, testimonials for Spokane, and repeat bookings.
Track client communications, record data and expenses, and submit giveaways and literature orders within our CRM database.
Work closely with convention sales managers to ensure a smooth sales-to-services turnover.
Assist with coordination and attend sales site visits to present services offered when appropriate.
Assist with the coordination of planning visits.

This includes arranging accommodations and securing appointments with off-site venues, hotels, area attractions, local member vendors, conducting city tours, etc.

Assist with coordinating sales and services travel and tradeshow participation when requested.
Assist with the coordination of sales client events when requested.
Ensure Visit Spokane information kiosks at the Spokane Convention Center are stocked when assigned groups are in-house.
Work with Visitor Services to fulfill requests for visitor literature.
Attend local events and community activities to increase awareness of Visit Spokane and its services.
Give public presentations to educate individuals and groups about Visit Spokane and our services.

Build relationships with hotel counterparts, the convention center, city representatives, airport staff, Spokane Sports, and key community members connected to meetings and conventions.

Work closely with the Partnership & Engagement department to prospect, develop, and enhance relationships with local businesses.

Maintain knowledge of the regions assets through research, following relevant social media channels, touring new venues, visiting attractions, and dining at new restaurants.

Stay abreast of industry trends and suggest new and innovative services and ways to market those serviceParticipate in local industry events on occasion.

Occasionally assist at the Visitor Information Center.
Assist the Vice President of Sales and Director of Convention Services with special projects as needed.
Position RequirementsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNot applicable for this role.
Education and ExperienceBA/BS with an emphasis in Hospitality, Marketing, or Sales and at least four years relative experience. A combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the above requirements.
Certificates, Licenses, or RegistrationsMust have a valid drivers license and maintain a clean driving record.
Personal CharacteristicsExcellent written and oral presentation skills. Must be passionate about our region and excited about marketing it to our clients and visitors. Must have proven ability to work with diverse individuals and groups.

Must be people-oriented, a team player while also being able to work independently, have high stamina/high energy levels, and be goal-oriented.

Other important characteristics include problem analysis and resolution skills with exceptional analytical skills.

Candidates must have a high level of self-motivation, great attention to detail, solid communication skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/responsibilities and people simultaneously while meeting stringent deadlines.

Computer SkillsTo perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and experience working with programs such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications and be familiar with CRM databases.

Physical DemandsAn employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods (i.e., representing Visit Spokane at tradeshows and receptions), sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision requirements due to computer work. The employee will occasionally be required to lift and move up to 40 pounds. The ability to speak clearly and hear well when communicating over the phone and in person. The individual must be able to travel independently to domestic and international destinations via commercial airlines.
Work EnvironmentThe noise level in-office is moderate. The noise level at tradeshows, partner events, or conventions will be above moderate.#J-18808-Ljbffr