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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Venue Sales Internship

💰 $18 - $22 per hour

SalesHospitalityEventsInternship

🎯 Role Definition

This internship is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the venue sales lifecycle, from initial client inquiry to post-event follow-up. You'll be an integral part of our dynamic sales team, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a fast-paced, client-facing environment. Your primary goal will be to support the sales managers in achieving revenue targets by assisting with lead generation, client communications, and event coordination, ultimately learning the art and science of selling a unique venue experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Hospitality or Tourism Student
  • Part-time Event Staff
  • Customer Service Representative

Advancement To:

  • Venue Sales Coordinator
  • Event Sales Manager
  • Junior Account Executive

Lateral Moves:

  • Event Coordinator
  • Marketing Assistant (Hospitality)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Actively respond to and qualify incoming sales leads from various channels, including website forms, phone calls, and third-party platforms, ensuring a timely and professional first impression.
  • Meticulously maintain the client relationship management (CRM) database by accurately entering new leads, updating client contact information, and tracking the status of all sales opportunities.
  • Assist senior sales managers in preparing detailed, customized proposals and sales contracts that accurately reflect client needs and venue capabilities.
  • Shadow and eventually co-lead site visits and venue tours for prospective clients, enthusiastically showcasing the venue's features, benefits, and unique selling propositions.
  • Conduct proactive outreach and research to identify new potential clients and market segments, contributing to the lead generation pipeline.
  • Support the creation and distribution of compelling sales and marketing collateral, including brochures, presentations, and email campaigns.
  • Serve as a secondary point of contact for clients, professionally handling inquiries and providing information regarding bookings, availability, and event details.
  • Collaborate with the event operations and culinary teams to ensure seamless communication and execution of client requirements as outlined in contracts.
  • Assist in the creation and distribution of Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and detailed event timelines, ensuring all departments are aligned on event logistics.
  • Participate in weekly sales team meetings, preparing updates on your assigned tasks and contributing ideas for sales strategies and process improvements.
  • Handle the administrative aspects of the booking process, including processing deposits, sending payment reminders, and ensuring all required paperwork is completed.
  • Gather and compile client feedback and post-event surveys to contribute to service improvement and identify opportunities for repeat business.
  • Perform competitive market analysis by researching competitor pricing, event packages, and marketing strategies to help position our venue effectively.
  • Maintain and organize the sales department's digital and physical files, including contracts, proposals, and client correspondence.
  • Provide on-site support during select events, assisting the operations team and acting as a point of contact for the client to ensure a flawless experience.
  • Manage the venue's availability calendar, blocking out tentative and confirmed dates and communicating changes to the wider team.
  • Assist in upselling ancillary services such as A/V equipment, specialized decor, and custom menu options to enhance client events and increase revenue.
  • Prepare regular reports on sales activities, pipeline status, and lead conversion rates for review by the Director of Sales.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with third-party vendors, planners, and destination management companies (DMCs) to foster referral business.
  • Aid in planning and executing internal and external sales-focused events, such as open houses, familiarization tours, and industry networking functions.
  • Follow up with past clients to nurture relationships, encourage repeat bookings, and request testimonials or referrals.
  • Learn and articulate the venue's specific policies, procedures, and capacity limitations to clients in a clear and concise manner.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc requests for sales data, such as reporting on lead sources or booking trends.
  • Contribute to the sales team's strategy by providing fresh perspectives and researching industry trends.
  • Collaborate with marketing and operations departments to ensure a cohesive client experience from initial inquiry to event execution.
  • Participate in departmental meetings and brainstorming sessions, actively contributing to the team's goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Experience with or ability to quickly learn CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Tripleseat, Caterease).
  • Strong data entry skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for client-facing interactions.
  • Basic understanding of sales principles and the lead qualification process.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram) for business prospecting.
  • Ability to create professional-looking documents, proposals, and presentations.
  • Comfort with calendar management and scheduling software.
  • Fundamental mathematics skills for calculating pricing, taxes, and service fees.
  • Knowledge of event management or booking software is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a genuine warmth.
  • A customer-centric mindset with a passion for delivering outstanding service.
  • Highly organized with a keen eye for detail in both communication and logistics.
  • Strong time management and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proactive problem-solving skills and a can-do, solution-oriented attitude.
  • A high level of professionalism in appearance, demeanor, and communication.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and also independently with minimal supervision.
  • Adaptability and composure when faced with changing priorities or unexpected challenges.
  • Inherent curiosity and a strong desire to learn the hospitality and events industry from the ground up.
  • Confidence and an outgoing personality, comfortable interacting with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently pursuing or recently completed an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Education:

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program with a focus on Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Hospitality Management
  • Business Administration
  • Marketing
  • Communications
  • Tourism and Event Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-1 years of experience in a customer-facing role.

Preferred:

Prior experience (part-time, volunteer, or other internships) in customer service, retail, restaurants, or event support is highly advantageous and will help you hit the ground running.

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