Sales Manager (Short Term Events)

Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International; Missouri; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Explore St. Louis is actively seeking a results-driven Sales Manager to secure events at the America's Center convention complex. This vital role involves generating new business, managing client relationships, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure successful event execution. Ideal candidates will have a strong sales background in hospitality, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a direct sales role within the meeting, event, or hospitality industry.
• Ability to analyze market data to inform strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Proactively prospect and identify qualified leads for short-term booking opportunities.
• Build and maintain business relationships with meeting planners and event organizers.
• Conduct site visits and negotiate contracts throughout the sales cycle.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Prospecting

Networking

Market Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Are you a highly successful destination sales professional looking to contribute to a dynamic and growing team in the Top 25 market with a top-tier convention center, domed stadium, and multiple hotels all within a short distance of the city center? Our St. Louis destination is rich in history, sports, art, culinary vibrancy, leading edge technology and iconic sights. If you’re ready to elevate your career in a truly impactful role, this could be the opportunity you’re looking for.

Explore St. Louis is seeking a highly proactive and results-driven Sales Manager to secure meetings, consumer shows, concerts, and various short-term events at the America's Center convention complex (within a 12-month booking window). This role is responsible for generating new business, prospecting strategically, and closing sales quickly to maximize occupancy and revenue from high-impact, high-value events. Key responsibilities of this position include the following:

• Proactively prospect and identify qualified leads for short-term booking opportunities.
• Convert leads to confirmed bookings with urgency and efficiency.
• Build and maintain key business relationships with meeting planners, show organizers, promoters, and producers.
• Conduct site visits, prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage client communication efforts throughout the sales cycle.
• Collaborate with internal teams including event services, marketing, and operations to ensure a seamless client experience.
• Stay informed and updated on industry trends, local market conditions, and competitive activity.
• Prioritize and pursue the most profitable business opportunities based on market potential and optimal fit for the facility.
• Maintain accurate records in CRM software. Consistently report on sales activity, status of sales pipeline, and results.

Join our team as a Sales Manager of Events where you can leverage your expertise in hospitality to create memorable experiences for our guests while driving business success. Apply on our Explore St. Louis Careers URL, or email a resume and cover letter to [e-mail] . Please include your cover letter and resume when applying online. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

Explore St. Louis is the sales and marketing organization responsible for selling and promoting St. Louis as a convention, meeting site, and leisure travel destination. Explore St. Louis manages and operates the America’s Center Complex which includes the Cervantes Convention Center, the Dome at America’s Center, the Ferrara Theatre, and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement: Explore St. Louis values diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, past or present military service, marital status, gender identification or expression, medical condition or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

This role requires exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills to effectively engage with clients, maximize customer satisfaction, and drive business profitability. The ideal candidate will have a strong sales background with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a direct sales role within the meeting, event, or hospitality industry. Bachelor’s degree is desirable. Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite is required.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in closing new business and exceeding sales targets

• Strong prospecting and networking skills with an ability to uncover and act independently on new business opportunities.
• Ability to analyze market data to inform strategic decisions and drive sales growth.

Skills and Attributes

• Energetic, self-motivated and goal oriented
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with short sales cycles
• Passionate about events and delivering outstanding client experiences.
• Familiarity with the St. Louis area and its event / hospitality landscape is beneficial.