Sales & Marketing Manager

Objective: Market Manitowoc as a destination for business and leisure travel and sell Manitowoc-Two Rivers as a destination for state, regional and national meetings and conventions that generate overnight hotel stays. Likely to include clients in corporate, association, and SMERF markets

Reports to: President

About the Manitowoc Area Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Bureau:

The Manitowoc Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization that strengthens Manitowoc County by attracting visitors in the convention, sports and leisure markets through sales, marketing and destination development.

Sales Duties & Responsibilities:

• Understand the "Coast" brand and use it effectively in efforts to sell the region.
• Interact with and enhance the convention sales staff efforts— set annual sales goals, oversee appropriate convention sales projects and complete annual review.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of Manitowoc-Two Rivers hotels, attractions, and services, as well as strong working relationships with hotel staff.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with new and repeat clients.
• Prospect for new meetings and conventions to bring to Manitowoc-Two Rivers.
• Make email, telephone and face-to-face sales calls, including cold calls, to individuals who book meetings, conferences, conventions, sporting events & potential marketing partners.
• Secure information on the site selection criteria and decision making process.
• Identify and call on local people affiliated with state, regional and national organizations and encourage them to host meetings and conventions in Manitowoc-Two Rivers.
• Develop, coordinate and submit proposals and/or bids, including but not limited to written proposals and personal presentations.
• Conduct site inspections with individuals or groups interested in bringing their meetings or conventions to the community.
• Stay current with local hotel changes, community changes, and industry trends.
• Become familiar with what competing communities have to offer; keep abreast of meeting and convention-related changes and expansions.

Duties & Responsibilities Continued:

• Use the Bureau's sales database to maintain records of sales calls, prospects and booked events, and to trigger appropriate sales activity.
• Distribute sales leads equitably to the appropriate hotels.
• Complete and submit monthly reports on a timely basis.
• Develop creative approaches to securing meeting and convention business.
• Develop and execute convention sales promotions, including, but not limited to; tradeshows, familiarization tours, sales blitzes, and promotional mailings.
• Represent the Bureau with appropriate industry groups for the purpose of generating interest in Manitowoc-Two Rivers as a meeting and convention destination.
• Work in a cohesive way with other Bureau personnel to ensure unified and effective sales and marketing efforts.
• Meet or exceed agreed-upon objectives

Marketing Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist the President in completing special projects which include but are not limited to the following:
• Design and development of annual Visitors Guide.
• Assist with production of marketing materials and advertisements including copy writing and design.
• Tracking ad placement, value and calculating ROI to increase media value.
• Develop, process, and analyze surveys conducted on meeting and event attendees.
• Other duties as assigned will depend on the current focus of the MAVCB but will include a variety of areas such as marketing, promotions, sales, and database management.

Skills:

• Selling skills and experience
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent communication, public speaking and telephone skills
• Problem-solving skills and creativity
• Keyboarding skills, familiarity with Microsoft office software
• Internet search skills
• Website maintenance/design skills a plus

Employment Requirements:

• Sales experience
• Sense of humor, team player mentality and passion for the industry is a must
• Availability to work as needed, including evenings and weekends
• Willingness to travel as needed
• Valid drivers license
• Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds
• Knowledge of the hospitality/hotel industry
• High school diploma required; baccalaureate degree preferred