Event Sales Manager

BallenIsles Country Club•Tucson, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for driving revenue growth for the facility through the development, marketing, sales, and execution of golf tournaments, pickleball events, weddings, dining experiences, social events, and corporate functions. The role leads the development and execution of strategic sales and marketing initiatives by implementing proven sales methods, leveraging corporate programs, industry best practices, and current market trends. This position serves as the primary liaison for clients throughout the planning process and is responsible for ensuring a seamless transition from sales to event execution while delivering exceptional customer service and maximizing revenue opportunities.

Requirements

Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate.
Attendance at events is required to support clients and ensure successful execution of club-hosted tournaments, pickleball events, dining events, weddings, and other special functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in event sales, catering sales, hospitality sales, tournament operations, sports programming, or club/event management preferred.
Knowledge of event marketing, social media marketing, community engagement strategies, and promotional event planning highly desired.
Experience selling and coordinating golf tournaments, pickleball events, dining experiences, weddings, social events, and corporate functions is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a strategic sales and marketing program designed to meet and exceed the club's sales and revenue goals in the areas of golf tournaments, pickleball events, weddings, dining events, corporate functions, and social events. This includes, but is not limited to, telephone solicitation, outside sales calls, sales presentations, property tours, customer meetings, networking opportunities, and written correspondence.
Develop and implement marketing plans designed to drive revenue growth and increase awareness of the club's event offerings, including golf tournaments, pickleball events, dining experiences, weddings, and social gatherings. Utilize digital marketing, social media, community partnerships, promotional campaigns, and local business outreach to generate leads and bookings.
Manage the entire event sales process from initial inquiry through event execution. Facilitate all event planning details including contracts, timelines, menus, room layouts, tournament logistics, pickleball programming, vendor coordination, and client communications leading up to the event date.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process, ensuring exceptional service, timely communication, and proactive problem-solving.
Attend events as required to personally greet clients, review event details, ensure expectations are met, and facilitate a successful handoff to Food & Beverage and Operations teams for event execution.
Proactively upsell event clients on food and beverage offerings, merchandise, rentals, sponsorship opportunities, enhancements, and additional club services to maximize revenue.
Create and maintain detailed event timelines, guarantees, and deadlines. Ensure accurate contracts, deposits, invoicing, and collection of payments for all services rendered.
Embrace the use of the designated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and Sales Reports. Maintain accurate records of leads, prospect pipelines, bookings, marketing initiatives, lost business feedback, and sales performance relative to budget goals.
Create partnerships with area hotels, resorts, chambers of commerce, local businesses, associations, charities, and community organizations to generate event, golf, pickleball, dining, and banquet business.
Strategically utilize and understand various revenue opportunities for the facility, including golf tournaments, pickleball programs, dining experiences, leagues, clinics, weddings, corporate events, local partnerships, and third-party referral sources.
Plan and attend onsite and offsite trade shows, wedding expos, community events, networking functions, and promotional events as assigned. Stay informed of industry trends and local opportunities that can generate additional business.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with local corporations, event planners, sports organizations, charities, and community leaders to increase participation in golf outings, pickleball events, dining programs, and private events.
Maintain a thorough understanding of golf operations, pickleball operations, tournament scheduling, food and beverage programming, banquet operations, and facility capabilities to effectively sell and execute events.
Act as a resource to clients by recommending best practices, creating customized event experiences, and identifying opportunities to enhance guest satisfaction and event success.
Create and promote a culture of sales and hospitality throughout the facility while maintaining exceptional service standards, guest satisfaction, and positive Net Promoter Scores.
Effectively communicate sales strategies, event details, and client expectations to all operational departments to ensure smooth event execution.
Continually strive to enhance sales, marketing, and event management skills through industry education, seminars, networking events, and professional development opportunities.