Event and Group Sales Director

Reports:  Executive Director of Hotel Sales & Marketing

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Winchester

Position Summary:  The Event and Group Sales Director is responsible for leading the aggressive development and implementation of short-term sales strategies and tactics with the objective of contracting SMERF and Corporate Events and Groups that generate Food and Beverage revenue as well as sleeping rooms. The Event and Group Sales Director will prospect and solicit groups that book banquets including those for youth sports, motor coach tours, family and military events and reunions, and other general Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal interests as well as local corporate meetings and events with Food and Beverage. This position requires building and managing strong relationships with local venues while supporting the mission, goals and objectives of Aikens Group. This work is independent and requires an innovative, outgoing, self-starter.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identifies and develops new accounts in the Winchester Market with a particular focus on selling events and group business for Hilton Garden Inn Winchester and Hampton Inn North Convention Center.
• Direct the scheduling of events and group activities at the Hilton Garden Inn Winchester, coordinating with other hotel-level departments to facilitate services agreed.
• Provide top-line industry leadership and management of all event sales activities, including: researching and fully developing market segment targets; development and execution of sales campaigns, and industry interaction.
• Maintain relationship with wedding venue partners on behalf of Hilton Garden Inn Winchester and Hampton Inn North Convention Center
• Collaborate on strategic planning with other Aikens Group staff to establish goals, develop sales materials, tradeshow presence and promotions to increase sales.
• Represents Aikens Group locally and out-of-town with a primary sales focus of potential Event and Group Sales. (Bridal Shows, Business Expos, Tourism Events, etc.)
• Research, identify, work with and solicit group tour planners, motorcoach operators, sports tournament planners, military and alumni associations and others to generate overnight visitation.
• Responds to all Group and Event RFPs received for Hilton Garden Inn Winchester and Hampton Inn North Convention Center.
• Contacts prospective groups and individuals to initiate sales efforts.
• Ensures that sales efforts are progressing and meeting goals, targets, etc.
• Prepare sales reports and attend regular sales meetings.
• Meet or exceed budgeted Weekend (Fri/Sat) RevPAR for the Hampton Inn Winchester North Convention Center and Hilton Garden Inn Winchester
• Meet or exceed Hampton Inn Winchester North Convention Space Revenue Goals and Hilton Garden Inn Winchester Event Revenue Goals
• Provides on-site Red Carpet Services to appropriate event planners and groups as appropriate.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Requirements:

• Able to appropriately handle difficult or emotional customer situations
• Responds well to questions
• Demonstrates group presentation skills
• Proficient with computer operations including Microsoft Suite
• Able to contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Writes clearly and informatively
• Has the ability to read and interpret written information
• Must be attentive to details.
• Be timely in all communications and requests by management
• Must have the ability to handle pressure in meeting deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Must have the ability to work independently and use independent judgment with minimal supervision.
• Must produce high-quality work that has been proofed and is error free.