National Account Manager

Job Title: National Account Manager

Reports to: Senior Vice-President of Convention Sales & Services

Job Classification: Salaried/Exempt

SUMMARY:

This position will actively solicit meetings, conventions and tradeshows on the national level for 200+ room nights on peak. It will generate tentative and definite business for Kansas City from the association and corporate market with an emphasis on securing citywide business and large in-house and multiple hotel business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Markets the Kansas City hotel community and KC Convention and Entertainment Facilities.
• Meets or exceeds predetermined individual, yearly goals in the areas of definite hotel bookings, definite convention center bookings, room nights, conversion of tentative to definite bookings, weekly prospecting calls and site visits.
• Develops and maintains client base in each territory/market segment as assigned.
• Solicits new business through phone calls, direct mail, personal sales calls and other sources to achieve assigned room night productions goals.
• Generates information for distribution to Visit KC members as sales leads.
• Coordinates and organizes city wide proposals for meeting planners' consideration.
• Develops relationships with key local national association/corporate members to promote additional/continuing business.
• Attends out of town tradeshows and sales missions to solicit convention business. Occasional overnight weekend travel is required. Responsible for the pre-planning and target marketing for these activities.
• Attends local industry networking meetings to solicit convention business.
• Attends and participates in internal and external Visit KC meetings, local events with Visit KC members, and business-related social functions.
• Coordinates and conducts site tours for meeting planners showcasing facilities and attractions in the city.
• Participates in Experience KC programs (FAMS) for groups of meeting planners from across the country.
• Inviting qualified clients to each Experience KC event as well as coordinating their personalized itinerary.
• Keeps Senior Vice-President of Convention Sales & Services informed about problems, potential issues and status of sales programs.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with clients and Visit KC hotel members.
• When requested, make personal presentations to boards of directors, convention delegates or site selection committees to secure business.
• Prepares reports of business transactions and keeps expense accounts on a timely basis.
• Shares work direction of an administrative assistant.
• Handles special projects as assigned and supervises budget for each period.
• Analyzes tradeshow values to determine the best return on the company's money.
• Uses computer and software to manage account base.
• Maintains neat and orderly work area.
• Other duties may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Kansas City or Remote based employee with bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university preferred. Minimum 5 years' hotel, bureau or attraction sales experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, database management programs and ability to learn new software programs as directed. Excellent communication skills, strong initiative and work ethic. Superior organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work well in a team environment. Work evenings, weekends, travel based on client and office demands and possess a valid driver's license.