Manager of Convention Strategy & Support

The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is looking for an experienced Convention Strategy & Support Manager to complement our team.

SUMMARY
Responsible for organizing, coordinating and directing all operations and programs required for servicing conventions booked by the convention sales team.  Works with meeting planners to determine servicing requirements and other support needed by organization and attendees. Manages housing relationships and needs of hotel and customer(s). Gathers and reports final post-convention analysis. Monitors trends in social media tools, trends and applications relevant to conventions and suggest programs to increase level of service provided by SCVB.    Work with Communication and Partner Marketing departments on customer retention.  Work with convention sales team on re-bookings.

SUPERVISES
Convention Services Coordinator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Establishes contact with convention and meeting planners who are scheduled to bring groups into the area; develops service promotion package and execution timeline for meeting planners of forthcoming conventions; maintains routine written, telephone and personal contact with the clients; oversees maintenance of all client files.
2. Works with convention groups to help promote their meetings. Offers suggestions and assistance with personalized web page, save the date cards, video presentations, and additional collateral. Works with communications department regarding publicity and media opportunities.  On occasion represents the region at conventions in other cities in order to promote Sacramento. 
3. Meets with convention sales team and provides regular status updates on services related to upcoming conventions.
4. Acts as liaison between meeting planner and partner members; offers suggestions and assistance planning transportation, entertainment, tours, shopping, social functions, spouse and children's programs and other attractions; solicits competitive pricing through RFP process and prepares customized bid proposals for these services.
5. Represents the SCVB at pre-and post-event meetings with meeting planner and appropriate partners; provides post-event evaluations to determine the success of the convention and shares results with sales manager.  Identifies next steps to rebook. 
6. Coordination of VIP airport transfers and other transportation needs.  Assemble and deliver VIP amenities and welcome letters to hotel partners.
7. Visits each convention/meeting to ensure all SCVB commitments have been fulfilled. If needed has the ability to determine appropriate responses to problems and emergencies.  Solicits the groups for rebooking opportunities.
8. Participates in the planning and execution of select site visits as determined by convention sales managers.  Works on special projects for select groups as determined by convention sales managers.
9. Collects, and maintains information for transportation, local attractions, entertainment, sightseeing tours, social functions, outdoor activities, speakers, etc. Works with marketing to prepare collateral pieces that meet marketing guidelines and keeps a current table of contents for these files for quick access.
10. Maintains a well-informed working knowledge of all hotels, attractions, restaurants, services, both public and private, available in the area; develops and maintains a close working relationship with personnel from all such facilities. Held accountable for sales call goals.
11. Prepares information about upcoming meetings, conventions, and events and communicates this to SCVB sales team, partners and visitors center.
12. Oversees stock and preparation of all services materials for conventions.  Prepares conference welcome bags, name tags, ordering signage and the like. Oversees stock and distribution of Visitors Guides and Brochures to hotel partners.
13. Supervise the housing coordinator, registration/information booth staff and/or visitor center staff including scheduling work assignments and ensuring proper inventory at these respective booths.
14. Maintains awareness of competitors’ services and industry issues regarding convention services by: establishing rapport with other CVB representatives, attending industry conferences and the like.
15. Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Four-year degree from an academic institution preferred or equivalent experience.
• Sales or conference services experience in the hospitality or tourism related fireld
• Sales or services experience with a CVB or convention center
• Great knowledge of Sacramento and Sacramento’s history preferred
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise judgment and diplomacy in a wide variety of public contact situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and projects.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office, and Adobe PDF.
• Flexible and able to adjust to changing conditions and circumstances.
• Ability and willingness to work hours that exceed a typical Monday through Friday 40-hour work week, as required
• Reliable transportation, valid California driver’s license with proof of insurance