Page 1 of 12 THE BRIDGE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALS | SearchWide Position Overview www.searchwide.com PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT POSITION (Philadelphia, PA) THE CITY AND DESTINATION Philadelphia is at the center of it all. It is easy and affordable to get here. Conveniently located in the Northeast United States, the second-most populous city in the East is just 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Washington, DC by train. You will be captivated by our 21st-century city where an inspired, young, creative culture is blooming and partnering with innovators and educators. With a spirit of independence, the city and region are giving birth to a new generation of energized people designing this Modern Renaissance City. Feel like a Philadelphian as you walk day and night through the vibrant streetscape and immerse yourself in America’s Old and New World. Picturesque and friendly streets are lined with parks, rivers, shops, public art, restaurants and museums. Everything is within walking distance from downtown. Philadelphia International Airport serves more than 130 cities worldwide with 1,100 daily flights, including 110 international flights to 40 destinations. The regional public transportation system – ranked second in the nation among cities with more than 1 million residents – provides quick and easy access to the city from the surrounding metropolitan area. PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER The Pennsylvania Convention Center, now under management by SMG, is truly delivering the customer experience. It is one of the East Coast's premier convention venues, combining a central location with enormous capacity. The Pennsylvania Convention Center offers more than 1 million-square feet of sellable space and 528,000-square feet of contiguous exhibit hall space. With one million feet of saleable space, the largest ballroom on the East Coast and the ability to host large trade shows or two major conventions simultaneously, the expanded Convention Center, is now more dynamic and flexible than ever. No matter how small or large your next Philadelphia event is, hosting it in our convention center, with its hotel-like amenities and award-winning services, will ensure a complete success.
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PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT POSITION
(Philadelphia, PA)
THE CITY AND DESTINATION Philadelphia is at the center of it all. It is easy and affordable to get here. Conveniently located in the Northeast United States, the second-most populous city in the East is just 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Washington, DC by train.
You will be captivated by our 21st-century city where an inspired, young, creative culture is blooming and partnering with innovators and educators. With a spirit of independence, the city and region are giving birth to a new generation of energized people designing this Modern Renaissance City.
Feel like a Philadelphian as you walk day and night through the vibrant streetscape and immerse yourself in America’s Old and New World. Picturesque and friendly streets are lined with parks, rivers, shops, public art, restaurants and museums. Everything is within walking distance from downtown.
Philadelphia International Airport serves more than 130 cities worldwide with 1,100 daily flights, including 110 international flights to 40 destinations. The regional public transportation system – ranked second in the nation among cities with more than 1 million residents – provides quick and easy access to the city from the surrounding metropolitan area.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER The Pennsylvania Convention Center, now under management by SMG, is truly delivering the customer experience. It is one of the East Coast's premier convention venues, combining a central location with enormous capacity. The Pennsylvania Convention Center offers more than 1 million-square feet of sellable space and 528,000-square feet of contiguous exhibit hall space.
With one million feet of saleable space, the largest ballroom on the East Coast and the ability to host large trade shows or two major conventions simultaneously, the expanded Convention Center, is now more dynamic and flexible than ever. No matter how small or large your next Philadelphia event is, hosting it in our convention center, with its hotel-like amenities and award-winning services, will ensure a complete success.
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There are plenty of comfortable lounges, sprawling balconies and terraces with unmatched views of City Hall and the Museum Mile along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Attendees can rely on technical support, WiFi connectivity, digital signage and smart rooms inside the PCC to make any event interactive and user-friendly.
The PCC’s entrance on North Broad Street connects visitors with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and its new outdoor pedestrian court, Lenfest Plaza, the centerpiece of which is a 51-foot Claes Oldenburg sculpture, “Paint Torch.” This urban oasis offers outdoor seating and rotating installations by local artists. It also serves as a gateway to celebrated museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum and the Barnes Foundation. Along South Broad Street, attendees can take in live theater, music and dance on the Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia’s premier performing-arts district. Located in the heart of the City of Philadelphia -- both geographically and culturally -- the Convention Center boasts famed landmarks within short walks of our facility, including Independence Hall in America’s most historic square mile, Chinatown and its stunning Friendship Gate, and Rittenhouse Square. Outside of our western entrance is Museum Mile, which stretches along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Attached to the facility is the culinary melting pot known as Reading Terminal Market, which offers a vast choice of mouthwatering regional and international food. The center is an award-winning, architectural gem that has consistently hosted successful, attendance-record-breaking meetings and trade shows following the completion of a major expansion in 2011. The project increased the center's capacity by nearly 60 percent, making it one of the largest facilities in the country. It also boasts the largest ballroom in the Northeast.
When you hold a meeting, convention or tradeshow at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, you are guaranteed access to the highest level of technology, state-of-the-art equipment and expert service needed to ensure you and your attendees stay connected. Your group will also be assigned an Event Technology Specialist (ETS) who will provide the tools and resources needed to meet your technological needs. Combined, these resources will help you affordably produce a professional event with ease. From telecommunications and digital signage, to WiFi access and setup of complex networks, the Center provides access to the most current technology and service delivery to give attendees, vendors and sponsors a seamless event. Convergence is now a reality, as well. Several technology services have consolidated into a single provider with broadband internet powering exhibits, meetings, events and shows. With well-appointed amenities that ensure a comfortable experience, high-tech capabilities and flexible meeting rooms, the center offers a strong focus on innovation and education for all attendees.
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PHILADELPHIA BY THE NUMBERS FACTS-AND-FIGURES
2nd largest city on the east coast 2nd most populous downtown in the country 4th largest media market in the nation 5th largest city in the country (city population: 1,536,471 and regional population: 6,103,428) 45 million people live within 200 miles GDP within 200 miles is equivalent to 5th largest nation in the world More than 100 Fortune 500 companies within 200 miles 4,931 hotel rooms within a four-minute walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center 7,144 hotel rooms within a 10-minute walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center 9,240 hotel rooms within a 15-minute walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Over 11,200 hotel rooms in Center City Over 16,000 hotel rooms in Philadelphia County Over 35,000 hotel rooms in the region 1,080 retailers in Center City 984 food establishments and 369 outdoor cafes 1,100 daily flights at Philadelphia International Airport 13th most internationally-visited city in the nation 40% of the US population lives within a day’s drive (getting here is easy and affordable for attendees) 1 hour 20 minutes from New York and 1 hour 45 minutes from Washington, DC on Amtrak’s Acela Express
MORE FACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Find Information and research on Philadelphia, the tourism industry in Philadelphia, recent news about the city and the impact of the PHLCVB:
Research + Resources: Information and research about tourism, the region and the impact of conventions and visitors on the Philadelphia.
PHLCVB Annual Report: Read all about the major milestones and successes of the PHLCVB team in 2014. Smart City. Smart Choice: Philadelphia is a Smart City and the Smart Choice for businesses due to
location, top-notch education and so much more. Philadelphia Brag List: Check out this list of accolades - bests, firsts, facts about the food scene, hotels,
shopping, attractions and more – all reasons to brag about the City of Brotherly Love.
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ATTRACTIONS AND LANDMARKS As America’s birthplace, where else can you walk from the sites where political luminaries debated standing up to a king to the home of the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris before making your way through a giant-sized human heart or brain? Want to make some memories? Philadelphia is here for the making.
DiscoverPHL Picks: Five places you must visit to experience Philadelphia:
Independence Hall Liberty Bell Philadelphia Museum of Art The Barnes Foundation The Franklin Institute HOTEL INVENTORY
With more than 11,000 hotels rooms in Philadelphia (including more than 9,000 within a 15-minute walk of the Pennsylvania Convention Center), we have the perfect spot. From the quirky and boutique to budget-friendly or big-name brands. MAKE IT PHL Philadelphia has something for everyone. It's fun, wild, quirky, historic, contemplative and inspirational all at once. It's the metropolis that brought the world everything from the Declaration of Independence to The Roots.
So take some time to explore the off-the-beaten-path side of the city. See the parks and trails in what was ranked one of the nation's most walkable and bikeable cities. Tour through the nation's only helicopter museum. Marvel at the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris. Stay at the prison that held Al Capone. Taste the best cheesesteaks you'll ever eat.
Check out the Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide with listings of attractions, tours, restaurants, hotels and much more, as well as a calendar of events and a guide to the City’s diverse neighborhoods. ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (PHLCVB) BUDGET: $18M STAFF: 65
Mission: The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), a private, nonprofit membership corporation, is the official tourism promotion agency for the City of Philadelphia globally and the primary sales and marketing agency for the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Our mission is to generate economic impact and job growth by increasing the region’s hotel occupancy and revenues, while concurrently affecting other diverse segments of the hospitality industry. We do whatever it takes to attract ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention and tourism customers through creative sales, marketing and communication efforts.
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To learn more about Philadelphia, please visit the following links:
SUMMARY OF POSITION The Senior Vice President (SVP), Convention Division, is the strategic business leader of the Sales and Convention Services Department and a major contributor to the overall success of the Philadelphia Hospitality Industry. The SVP is responsible for achieving booking goals and the financial performance of the department. This position leads the Convention Sales and Services team to build long-term, valued-based, customer relationships that enable achievement of sales objectives. The title holder proactively positions and markets the city of Philadelphia, manages the marketing budgets to enable development of city specific campaigns, promotions and collateral to drive revenue and meet business objectives. Strategies focus on delivering products and services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of our clients. The SVP also provides leadership and direction in creation of strategies and development of comprehensive programs that will integrate sales and marketing resources in order to fulfill the Philadelphia Convention & Visitor Bureau’s mission and long term strategic objectives. This position will report to the President & CEO and is also accountable to the Board of Directors SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
VP of Convention Sales Sales Team of 11 VP of Convention Services Three Convention Services Managers Executive Convention Sales Coordinator Five Sales and Convention Services Coordinators
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Four year bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communication, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major.
Seven or more years’ experience in the sales and marketing or related professional area. Master’s degree is a plus. Experience must include demonstrated success in a senior level leadership position in the travel/tourism and
hospitality industry, specifically in the areas of sales and marketing. IDEAL BACKGROUND, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES DESIRED
Previous large convention hotel, DMO, and/or NSO leadership experience very important. Direct convention, tradeshow and leisure sales leadership experience. Knowledge of the meetings and tourism industry, its distribution channels, and its customer base is critical.
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Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Ability to clearly express complex thoughts, ideas, statistical results and management concepts in oral and
written form. Experience in complex contractual negotiations. Good analytical and interpersonal skills, high attention to detail, accurate documentation and follow through. Must be an exceptional listener. Strong quantitative analysis skills. Experience in key customer markets outside North America. Knowledge of Philadelphia and commitment to organization’s values. Ability to absorb and manage a workload requiring irregular evening and weekend hours and regular out of
town travel. Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Ability to write strategic plans and sales plans for the Philadelphia CVB and the PA Convention Center
managed by SMG. Must have knowledge of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and
A diplomatic consensus builder. Politically savvy. A natural relationship builder with a high likeability factor. Excellent team building skills; proven success with employee training, development and managing a diverse
team. Strong leader with entrepreneurial skills. A leader with exceptional problem solving skills who is a quick study and possesses a desire and willingness
to learn. A passionate and an inspirational leader that can support and act within a team environment. A motivated self-starter. A successful track record building alliances with a wide range of constituents. A team leader who works well in a collegial management environment but is equally comfortable in a more
competitive corporate environment. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Must be very creative and strategic. Demonstrates high integrity at all times.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops and implements sales plan in concert with the Bureau’s Strategic Plan and objectives. 2. Directs implementation and execution of sales policies and practices. 3. Ensures communications are coordinated, supports sales plan objectives and meets organizational
expenditure requirements in conjunction with Marketing & Communications Department. 4. Recommends sales strategies for improvement based on market research and competitor analysis. 5. Implements approved distribution strategies. 6. Manages multiple-channel selling strategies.
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7. Builds, develops and manages sales team capable of carrying out needed sales and services initiatives. 8. Work very closely with SMG Sales Team to develop and implement direct sales projects and programs,
targeting all long-term market segments assigned including, but not limited to the following: Sales Missions, Direct Mail, Familiarization Trips, Trade Shows, Special Events, Hospitality Events, Telemarketing, Direct Sales Travel, and Web-site programs, promotions and publications.
9. Oversees coordination of the hospitality community sales efforts in attracting meetings, tradeshows and convention segments.
10. Works with the VP of Convention Services to ensure delivery of expected level of client services and relationship with the PCCA is maintained and/or enhanced.
11. Ensures all DEFINITE bookings have proper signatures on letters of agreement, variances, and hotel commitments for all long-term bookings.
12. Follow up with audit results performed by finance department. 13. Ensures that the sales team is focused on selling to future groups at all times and that definite booked groups
are appropriately turned over to convention services, allowing future sales to be made. 14. Works very closely with the three Congresses to achieve all sales objectives; Greater Philadelphia Life
Sciences Congress (GPLSC), Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC) and PHLDiversity (MAC) 15. Holds all direct reports accountable for proper use of iDSS, the PHLCVB’S customer relationship management
database and performance tool. 16. Works in concert with Marketing & Communications department on marketing initiatives to reach our
customers. 17. Works closely with the President & CEO in developing the vision and long term business strategy for the
integrated organizational sales and marketing efforts. 18. Works closely with direct reports to manage and lead the departmental team’s efforts in each functional area.
Conducts regular meetings with them and attends departmental meetings when appropriate. 19. Establishes and maintains on-going effective communications with clients, members, marketing partners, other
industry leaders and important stakeholders. Serves on committees and boards as strategically defined by the President & CEO. Attends and participates in various CVB and industry events, trade shows, marketing and sales missions, etc. Ensures direct reports do the same in their respective areas of responsibility.
20. Assumes lead role in preparing and presenting annual marketing plan and budget. Analyzes and measures progress against plan as it was approved by the President & CEO and Board of Directors, providing relevant information and communications to them on a regular basis as required.
21. For each functional area of responsibility, monitors results of the team’s efforts, acknowledges successes, and sees that any corrective action is taken when required. Communicates to President & CEO and Board on a regular basis, keeping them well informed of efforts, results and planned actions.
22. Serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Attends regular meetings, quarterly retreats and other meetings as required. Demonstrates positive support of the CVB mission, vision and Brand Promise. In all personal actions, supports and complies with the organization’s policies and procedures, performance standards and code of ethics.
23. Works closely with the PCC and the SMG team and attends and participates in PCCA monthly board meetings. 24. Performs other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL / COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES This description of physical and mental activities is not intended to describe essential job functions. Rather, its purpose is to give the job applicant a feel for the physical and mental activities normally attendant to the job to the end that an
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applicant with a disability can determine whether he or she will be able to do this job either with or without accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE FIRST 6-12 MONTHS
1. Begin to develop strong and meaningful relationships with all stakeholders/constituents and maintain effective on-going communication. Constituents include but are not limited to customers, staff, board, SMG, Hotel community, industry leaders, business leaders, elected officials, union leadership, other partners and vendors.
2. Develop a plan to capitalize on the significance of hosting the Papal visit and the DNC. 3. Assess production goal and end of the year results. 4. Assess the team and how best to maximize their talent. 5. Work closely with President and Senior Leadership Team to facilitate a strategic plan.
If you are interested in this position, please respond via e-mail with cover letter, resume,
and compensation information to the following SearchWide™ Executive:
Mike Gamble, President & CEO, SearchWide™ Email: [email protected] or Phone: 651-275-1370
