Private Event, Account Executive

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier entertainment organization is seeking a skilled Private Event Executive in Detroit, Michigan, responsible for booking corporate and social private events at notable venues. The ideal candidate will have a background in corporate sales or hospitality, with a proven track record in sales performance and maintaining client relationships. Candidates should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work flexible hours as needed. This role includes handling event logistics, generating new business opportunities, and contributing to overall event success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in corporate sales or hospitality.
• Proven ability to close sales with high-level customers.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Book corporate and social private events at specified venues.
• Research and identify new event leads and cold call prospects.
• Manage event execution from planning to load-out.

Skills

Sales performance

Negotiation skills

Customer relationship management

Market research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

CRM tools

Job description

The Private Event Executive is responsible for booking both corporate and social private event revenue including soliciting new event business as well as be responsible for the execution and oversight of the private events at the Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park. The Private Event Sales Account Executive will have to research and identify new event leads and cold call for new potential business. This position will also assist in responding to incoming inquiries for event space. The Senior Private Event Executive will oversee managing the sales process from sale to service and continuing to foster client relationships for future business. This position will work in cooperation with respective internal service and activation departments for each given venue to ensure successful implementation and event execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by example in all duties and responsibilities
• Meet or exceed revenue goals from new clients while maximizing profit margins
• Prospect and cold call new business via networking, previous contacts, trade publications, resource guides, data base companies and cold calls. Target local hospitality industry, i.e. event planners, corporate planners, and direct corporate level decision makers to sell non-game day events
• Handle all incoming calls from sales prospects
• Meet or exceed minimum call requirements on outgoing calls per day to generate new business
• Conduct market research on potential new leads and develop tie-in opportunities within Ilitch Holdings business units to enhance value of sales packages
• Show available spaces to prospective clients and actively sell all venues
• Process event estimates and orders in a timely and efficient manner
• Ensure timely collection of payment for contracted events
• Manage execution of all contracted event elements inclusive of but not limited to: audiovisual requirements, food and beverage requirements, staffing needs, experiential add-ons, broadcast needs, equipment rentals, etc
• Supervise all aspects of event execution from load-in to load-out
• Create all relevant event-related communication collateral (event agenda, floorplan, run of show, etc) and communicate information to all applicable internal and external stakeholders
• Develop client relationships and enhance existing relationships to maintain renewal business
• Work with in-house creative services department to create/develop and generate professional proposals and sales presentations by compiling necessary information such as research, data, photos, etc
• Provide written weekly reports on sales activity/expenses and results to track own performance as well as event performance
• Manage and cultivate business relationships by attending OEI events and other functions
• Monitor all event related expenses as they related to the client’s contract and report all client approved adjustments, add-ons and day of expenses in a timely manner to the Director of Private Events and event activation staff
• Establish partnership opportunities with the premium sales staff to maximize event and revenue opportunities
• Work cooperatively with sponsorship service representatives to provide event opportunities to existing clientele
• Assist in the development of internal special event series initiatives
• All other duties as assigned by the Director of Private Event Sales
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilitie

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in corporate sales or hospitality environment with evidence of solid business acumen and an understanding of how to manage sale opportunities
• Proven track record of sales performance and exemplifying organizational core values
• Consistently achieve departmental hustle metrics, with a minimum of 80% to goal each year
• High level of integrity with a professional, business-oriented demeanor
• Creativity and ingenuity in developing successful sales strategies and have a working knowledge of the industry or community events along with a pulse of industry opportunities
• Proven ability to initiate high-level contacts of prospective customer with strong persuasion and negotiation skills to close a sale
• Evidence of ability to establish and maintain effective business relationship
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with various levels of business units and venues or prospective customers
• Detail oriented with exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects in a high paced environment, and ability to keep accurate and detailed records
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, formulate solutions and alternatives; and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Ability to work well in a team environment and effectively across business units and venues
• Ability to work long or unpredictable hours on weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Proven level of exceptional guest service
• Self-motivated with excellent time management skills and business/sales acumen
• Demonstrated computer proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and CRM skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working in the sports and entertainment industry
• Prior experience with customer relationship management database

Working Conditions:

• Irregular and extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays