Sales Manager Account Executive

Pamela Ellis Benson

Chesterfield, VA *****

Email: *********@*******.***

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/pamela-ellis-benson-1678a730 Cell: 281- 435-3196

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS:

Over 35 years of successful Meeting and Convention Sales experience, to include Airline, Hotel, and Convention Bureau Sales

Proven ability to increase sales and maximize profits by:

Meeting/Exceeding Sales Goals

Developed/Implemented innovative marketing strategies

Led and organized sales calls, sales missions, site inspections and client events

Strong knowledge of all major convention markets to include Corporate, Association, Faith, Fraternal and Diversity

Strong closing skills

PROFESSIONAL/SOCIAL AFFILIATIONS PAST AND CURRENT: Board of Directors - National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals - (current) Professional Conference Management Association - (current) Destinations International - (current)

Religious Conference Management Association - (current) Connect Meetings - (current)

Past President - Top Ladies of Distinction - (past) EXPERIENCE:

National Sales Manager, April 2018 – January 2023

Richmond Region Tourism, Richmond, VA

Developed and led the effort to implement the team’s first two virtual sales experiences including local partners, sales staff and meeting planners. All in collaboration with local DMO’s at the onset of the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic

Organized and led a DMV sales mission to include local partners in pursuit of new business for the region

Benson’s Resume - Page 2

Maintained a stable account base while aggressively developing new business resulting in positive economic impact for the region

Organized and conducted city site tours, sales calls and board presentations to secure city-wide convention business

Represent the region at various industry shows, summits, and conferences to gain education, and to network with potential and existing clients

Skilled in developing effective partnerships with hotel membership and necessary entities to successfully present and sell the convention product National Account Executive, Jan 2000 to March 2018 Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau/Houston First Corporation

Met individual/team sales goals as highest producer 2014, 2015, and 2016

Led city effort to secure a 15,000 peak room citywide Conference with team support

Proven track record, strategizing, prospecting, and securing city-wide and single property convention business

Organized and conduct city site tours, sales calls and board presentations to secure all levels of convention business

Developed effective partnerships with hotel membership and necessary entities to successfully present and sell the convention product

Extensive success in developing and implementing effective sales presentations as a sales tool, resulting in new and confirmed business

Experienced networker at industry shows; PCMA, ASAE, Connect, RCMA and NCBMP to cultivate existing relationships, uncover new opportunities and develop new relationships

EDUCATION:

B.B.A. – Bachelor of Business Administration/Management, 1984 Tennessee State University, Nashville TN

Continued Education: Certificates received 2000-2020, Professional Sales Skills, Persuasive Selling Advance Sales Negotiations, Effective Presentations/Successful Images, Business Writing, Power Selling atTrade Shows; Inclusive Event Strategist Certification (2020)

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