Senior Event Sales Manager

Senior Event Sales Manager

Dezerland Park Orlando - Orlando, FL

Overview

Position Type Full Time Job Shift Any Category Sales

Description

We are looking for an enthusiastic and results-driven Senior Event Sales professional with a passion for bringing events to life. This role manages the events team, sales and booking process for events of all sizes from small birthday parties to large corporate functions and convention exhibitions. The position emphasizes event creation, including building comprehensive cost structures, identifying revenue opportunities, and maximizing profit while delivering memorable, high-quality events.

The Event Sales Manager will oversee the Events Department and is responsible for driving revenue through the sale of event packages. This role will focus on developing the events department, client relationships, overseeing the sales pipeline, and coordinating with internal and external teams to ensure successful event execution and high client satisfaction.

If you love creating lasting memorable guest experiences, engaging with clients, thrive on building relationships and want to showcase the energy and excitement of Florida's largest indoor amusement park, this role is for you!

Dezerland Park Orlando is more than Florida's largest indoor attraction we're a playground for families, friends, and teammates to come together and create unforgettable memories. With over 800,000 square feet of different attractions like a gel blaster arena, axe-throwing, pinball arcade, and even one of the world's largest auto museums, there's something here for everyone.

But what really makes Dezerland special is our people. We're fostering a culture that feels like family supportive, fun, and collaborative where every team member plays a part in bringing joy to our guests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Consistently lead the development of the events department, comprehensive event guides and operational processes that help improve efficiency, effectiveness, and streamline event planning and execution for the department
• Drive event and venue sales across corporate, private, and group markets to meet and exceed revenue goals individually and across the department
• Develop strategic partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community groups to expand Dezerland Park's visibility, drive revenue, increase attendance, offset costs, maximize partner satisfaction and attract new event opportunities
• Actively engage with and bring in local groups, clubs, and organizations to host events, meetups, and gatherings at Dezerland Park
• Use CRM data and analytics to evaluate KPIs such as partnership ROI, territory coverage, sales growth, and attendance impact to report to senior leadership.
• Use project management software to coordinate event sales, marketing campaigns, and partnership projects — organizing, tracking, and managing initiatives to ensure deadlines are met and progress remains transparent across departments.
• Track and analyze sales performance across the events sales team to identify opportunities for growth and ensuring KPIs are met
• Conduct weekly and 1:1 event sales team meetings to provide mentorship and facilitate a positive/high-performing culture
• Respond to customer inquiries and follow up within 24 hours. Conduct site tours, client meetings, and sales presentations
• Actively conduct cold outreach (field, cold calling, cold email, etc.) on slower seasons to maximize lead and revenue potential
• Prepare and manage customized proposals, pricing, contracts, and payment schedules in compliance with company policies but also tailored to client needs and budgets
• Develop event cost structures, ensuring accurate pricing and strong profit margins
• Conduct site tours, client meetings, and sales presentations
• Monitor market trends, competitors' offerings, and pricing strategies
• Identify opportunities to maximize event revenue through strategic upselling and value-added services
• Lead, mentor, and support event staff to achieve individual and team goals
• Plan and collaborate with F&B team to develop event menus, bar packages, and services that align with client expectations
• Plan and communicate event layouts and requirements related to room setups, equipment, repairs, and cleanliness to ensure spaces meet client expectations and safety standards to the Event Operations Manager
• Communicate with the Property team to confirm venue availability, room layouts, lighting, staging, HVAC needs, and accessibility compliance for each event
• Collaborate with the Marketing team for all marketing materials needed for the events such as table tents, promotional materials, kiosks, etc.
• Collaborate with Marketing team to develop and enhance lead-gen campaigns for events marketing initiatives
• Represent Dezerland Park at networking events, trade shows, and community functions to promote the venue and generate new leads.
• Accurately record customer data and booking details in event management software
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals
• Work alongside the Event Operations Manager to ensure setup and breakdown of events, ensuring inventory is properly stored and accounted for
• Conduct post-event evaluations with events team
• Manage event timelines and oversee seamless execution on event day
• Ensure coordination with city officials to secure permits when required for events
• Walk-thru events multiple times prior to the start of the event to ensure its readiness that aligns with client expectations
• Ensure smooth execution of F&B services during events
• Ensure all attraction/operational changes are clearly identified, approved, and communicated in advance
• Manage access control systems with F&B and Attraction teams including planning, distribution, and enforcement of event-specific wristbands, credentials, or badges
• Collaborate with Attractions team to ensure all waivers are signed in advance
• Provide senior leadership with regular (weekly/monthly) reports summarizing sales activity, KPIs, event metrics, and overall updates

Other Duties:

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all duties or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice based on company needs.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of experience in event sales and coordination, catering, banquets, within an entertainment/venue setting.
• 2-3+ years of event management experience
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Event Management, Business or related field (preferred)
• Experience with sales and event management software like Reserve, Tripleseat, and Cvent is a plus
• Skilled in CRM platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot, or equivalent) with strong analytical and workflow building capability.
• Experience with project management software like Click-up, Monday, Asana is plus
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus
• Must be able to move about the facility for site tours and presentations
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, based on client needs
• Comfortable with frequent travel and balancing both executive and field-facing responsibilities.

Skill Requirements

• Strong proven ability to lead teams and drive performance
• Strong financial acumen with building event budgets and cost structures
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to consistently achieve sales goals and manage client accounts effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills both in person and over the phone, with a high degree of professionalism
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Event sales revenue and profitability
• Team performance and sales goal attainment
• Conversion rate of inquiries to booked events
• Average event value and upselling revenue

We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive, value-driven benefits package that promotes health, enhances work/life balance, and provides stability for our employees and their family members, now and into the future.

Benefits include :

• Competitive Salary and Commission Structure
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Long and Short Term Disability
• Paid Time-Off and Holidays