What are the responsibilities and job description for the Account Executive position at Vista Convention Services?
This position is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of client accounts while driving new business opportunities for Vista Convention Services throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia. The Account Executive serves as a primary point of contact for clients, venues, and key stakeholders, ensuring successful event execution from contract negotiation through post-event follow-up.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of trade shows, live events, venue operations, and consultative sales practices. This role requires the ability to independently manage client relationships, identify growth opportunities, coordinate internal resources, and contribute to the company's overall sales and business development strategy.
General Duties and Responsibilities
- Promote Vista Convention Services and actively pursue new business opportunities, including large-scale special events, trade shows, conventions, and facility functions.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing clients to maximize retention and revenue growth.
- Identify, prospect, and secure new clients through networking, industry events, referrals, and targeted sales initiatives.
- Serve as a company ambassador to venues, clients, exhibitors, union personnel, and industry partners throughout South Jersey and Philadelphia.
- Lead client consultations, facility walkthroughs, site visits, and event planning meetings.
- Prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and close sales opportunities while ensuring alignment with company objectives and client expectations.
- Collaborate with the Company President to develop and execute strategic marketing campaigns targeting facilities, industry events, and prospective clients.
- Attend industry events, trade associations, and networking functions to strengthen industry presence and generate qualified leads.
- Oversee the transition of sold events from the sales process to operations, ensuring all event requirements are accurately communicated and executed.
- Coordinate venue setups, floor plans, 3D renderings, graphic design requests, and event specifications with appropriate internal departments.
- Partner with Operations, Customer Service, and Production teams to ensure exceptional client experiences and successful event outcomes.
- Support operations during event installation and dismantle as needed to ensure client expectations are met and issues are resolved promptly.
- Prepare event contracts, pricing documents, and pre and post-event invoices for timely processing by the Accounting Department.
- Monitor event profitability and identify opportunities to increase revenue through additional services and strategic upselling.
- Ensure all Fire Marshal requests, permits, and compliance-related documentation are completed accurately and submitted within required timelines.
- Maintain accurate records of sales activities, forecasts, client communications, contracts, and event pipelines within company systems.
- Analyze event performance, client feedback, and historical data to identify trends and recommend improvements for future events.
- Provide regular sales activity reports, pipeline updates, and revenue forecasts to the Company President.
Qualifications
- Three to five years of experience in outside sales, event services, convention services, hospitality sales, venue management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in business development, account management, and contract negotiation.
- Experience within the convention, trade show, live event, hospitality, or venue industries strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of event operations, venue logistics, and client service best practices.
- Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain long-term client relationships.
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrate leadership ability and experience working cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficient in with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and organizations.
- Flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, based on event requirements.
- Ability to work from both Atlantic City and Philadelphia offices.
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.