Meetings and Conferences Sales Representative

Location: 8200 Bryan Dairy Rd., Suite 200, Largo, FL 33777

Pinellas County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), dba “Visit St. Pete Clearwater,” is seeking an experienced sales manager with duties to sell the destination for the purpose of increasing meetings and conference sales within the County. This individual will represent the County at industry events, trade shows, and conferences throughout the U.S. The person in this position provides support to assigned regional and state accounts and assists the sales team with developing ideas that improve the sales goals of the Meetings and Conferences Department. Work is performed under the general supervision of the department director with considerable latitude for independent judgment and initiative.

What Would You Do?

• Participates in numerous industry shows throughout the states during the year;
• Conducts sales calls in and around cities where shows are being held;
• Works with local tourism partners when required;
• Conducts telephone sales with prospect and client lists;
• Conducts follow-up with clients after tradeshows and client events;
• Conducts site inspections for visiting meeting planners and responds to Requests for Proposals;
• Conducts follow-up with prospects and appropriate local industry representatives;
• Conducts familiarization tours within Pinellas County;
• Works with local tourism industry on sales missions and site visits;
• Plans and coordinates the successful execution of client events;
• Makes presentations to prospective clients and industry groups;
• Coordinates shipping of marketing materials for trade shows, if participating;
• Develops and maintains data base of industry leads resulting from trade shows and sales missions;
• Provides timely and accurate sales and expense reports to department head and CVB;
• Represents Meetings & Convention Sales Director when appropriate with industry committees and others;
• Leads and attends selected meetings market sales missions to key cities;
• Issues sales leads to appropriate local industry representatives;
• Compiles data and submits the department’s monthly Tourist Development Meeting Reports;
• Assists with the development of print and video advertisements;
• Performs related work as assigned or required.
  
  

What Do You Need To Have?

Education And Experience

• Four (4) years of technical and specialized tourism and hospitality industry experience implementing sales and marketing plans and programs within the tourism and travel industry; or
• An Associate’s degree in marketing, hospitality, journalism, public relations, advertising, business administration, or related field and two (2) years of experience as described above; or
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field as indicated above; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Florida Driver's License
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
  
  

Highly Desirable

• 5 years of experience in destination sales or hotel sales.
• Familiarity with the greater St. Petersburg/Clearwater area
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of the convention and meetings industry, the major components of the industry, and sales techniques;
• Knowledge of the Pinellas County convention and meetings product and competition;
• Knowledge of word processing and database management systems;
• Knowledge of good interpersonal skills thus having the ability to deal effectively with people of various backgrounds;
• Ability to apply computer applications and software;
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to travel;
• Ability to have the highest level of sales skills and integrity;
• Ability to be self-motivated;
• Ability to understand the organization, department goals and objectives and meet deadlines;
• Ability to develop and submit sales and expense reports;
• Ability to speak in front of groups such as CVB staff, meeting planners and industry partners;
• Ability to zero in on critical activities while working on multiple projects at once;
• Ability to use time effectively and efficiently to meet deadlines and submit timely reports;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by travel and sales schedules.
  
  

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!
  
  

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

CVB Sales Representative