Convention Center Sales Manager (SMERF)

Imagine building a career where your ambitions fuel not just your growth, but the vibrancy and economic impact of an entire city. At the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, we champion collaboration and creativity with a passion for representing everything Philadelphia has to offer. If you're ready to make a real difference by connecting visitors to unforgettable events and experiences while shaping the future of our city, we invite you to explore this opportunity with us.

We are currently searching for a Convention Center Sales Manager (SMERF Market) to join our team. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Convention Center Sales Manager (SMERF Market) is responsible for driving short term group business to the Pennsylvania Convention Center within 18 month booking window by proactively selling to the Social & Special Events, Multi-Cultural, Religious, and Fraternal markets. This individual will be tasked with identifying qualified leads, nurturing prospects, and converting them into definite business. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a high degree of initiative, and a deep passion for customer service. 

This role demands a strategic yet personable professional who can navigate a variety of client types-from reunion organizers to faith-based conference planners-with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a solutions-first mindset. A background in hospitality sales, especially with SMERF or niche group markets, is highly preferred. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively pursue new SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious, Fraternal) business by identifying and soliciting leads from industry databases, referral platforms, partner outreach, and self-generated research. 

• Maintain and develop a robust pipeline by researching potential clients and markets aligned with Philadelphia's strengths as a group destination. 

• Promptly and professionally follow up on all leads, providing custom responses and converting inquiries into booked group business. 

• Cultivate relationships with planners, decision-makers, and influencers in the SMERF market, offering thoughtful and tailored recommendations.

• Consistently update the CRM system and Event Booking Management System with accurate and comprehensive client records, activity logs, and communications. 

• Participate in the annual budgeting process by providing data and insight on the SMERF market, and manage assigned budget line items throughout the year. 

• Represent Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Convention Center at regional and national trade shows, sales missions, and SMERF-specific conferences to prospect new clients and strengthen industry visibility. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university preferred; minimum 2 years’ Sales experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience within a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), tourism organization, major events organization, or closely related industry strongly preferred
• CMP designation strongly preferred but not required. 

Required Skills 

• Strong knowledge of Philadelphia as a destination and all that it has to offer clients.
• Ability to support or promote global events, international travel, conventions, or large-scale tourism initiatives
• Ability to interface with internal departments to achieve goals.
• Excellent organizational skills, critical thinking, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Must have knowledge of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software (MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Simpleview).