The Convention Sales Manager is responsible for positioning and selling the greater Madison area and its meeting facilities as a national destination to large national accounts. This position carries a high production goal for creating awareness, driving interest, and closing sales in a demanding and competitive marketplace. 

We are seeking an experienced sales leader with consultative and strategic sales skills to represent Madison-area venues, features, and services within various association and trade show segments. The successful candidate will bring well-developed sales professionalism, a goal-oriented mindset, and an interest in driving economic impact to our diverse local community to the energetic and collaborative work environment at Destination Madison. 

About Us

At Destination Madison, we are people with a passion. A passion for the amazing community. A city of inquisitive minds, inclusive spirits with an independent vibe. We share Madison's story far and wide. And we welcome others to experience our energy. In short, we inspire a love for Madison. Destination Madison is dedicated to creating economic impact through tourism. The effects of Madison’s tourism industry benefit residents in Dane County in key areas including jobs, community services and quality of life. Destination Madison promotes Madison to new and repeat visitors, attract events to the community, and strengthen the local hospitality industry through advocacy and partner support.  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Identify, prospect, and solicit accounts within multiple market sectors to qualify them for convention and event business in Madison, particularly at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center and the Alliant Energy Center
• Cultivate relationships with local community members affiliated with targeted accounts and encourage consideration of Madison for future tradeshows, meetings, conventions, and/or events
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of primary meeting, event and lodging facilities within the area
• Maintain familiarity with competitive markets, facilities and any other issues that impact the organization’s ability to effectively sell the greater Madison area and its facilities
• Create and deliver sales proposals, bid presentations and client tours that showcase relevant facilities, services and area benefits
• Maintain Customer Relations Management (CRM) database with current and potential convention, sports and tradeshow client information
• Develop and maintain a visible profile at assigned industry events and trade shows
• Develop feasible short and long-term plans and strategies for achieving department goals and objectives

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or higher with a minimum of 2 years of related experience in B2B sales; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training
• Professional experience in hospitality sales, event planning, or similar experience within the industry is preferred

Required skills, knowledge, and abilities   

• Proven skills in account management, direct sales, sales presentations in a variety of mediums and trade show exhibiting required
• Strong commitment to quality and accuracy with effective organizational and time management skills
• Ability to network, establish and maintain effective client and other business relationships
• A strong team orientation is critical due to the collaborative culture of Destination Madison and the meeting and convention industry
• Motivated to engage in the sales process with an ability to actively sell and strategically manage large high-profile accounts
• Understanding of associations and the non-profit world is preferred
• Strong computer skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite and experience with contact management/sales account management systems

Work Environment & Job Specifications

The work environment and job specifications listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primarily perform work in our downtown Madison office, with flexibility to work remotely based on job duties and current organizational policies.
• Occasionally move around the office and access or use computers, office equipment, telephone, and any other pertinent supplies, space or equipment used to perform the duties of the position.
• Work with frequent interruption and sit for long periods of time. Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 35 pounds
• Frequent travel within the Madison area to visit venues and clients is required. Occasional travel to tradeshows and conventions (approximately 4-6 times per year). Mileage reimbursement and parking is provided.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for travel, events, and organization functions.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting annual salary for this position ranges from $52,000 to $72,000, with additional sales incentives, depending on experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered to all full-time team members. More information on benefits is available on our Careers page: www.visitmadison.com/jobs.

Destination Madison is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer