Director, Business Event Sales

ABOUT USWe are Edmonton’s Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO). We also manage two of Edmonton’s award-winning venues, the Edmonton Convention Centre and the Edmonton EXPO Centre. We help tell Edmonton’s story, elevate the Edmonton experience, and drive inbound visitation and economic impact on the visitor economy. Working together in a one-team approach aligned with our core values, Explore Edmonton’s business units’ market and sell Edmonton as a year-round destination to visit, work, and play in while developing products and experiences with a uniquely Edmonton flavour. By incorporating the management of the city’s two award-winning venues into Explore Edmonton, we are uniquely positioned to attract major events, meetings, and conventions to our city, generating greater economic impact. While Explore Edmonton’s mandate is focused on generating inbound visitation, what we do and how we do it also enhances and amplifies the quality of life for Edmontonians. The people who live here are our greatest ambassadors, so making it easier for them to love our city makes it easier for us to sell it. Explore Edmonton encourages, supports, and celebrates a diverse and inclusive work environment. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the city we promote and where our employees feel safe and supported daily. About the PositionJoin Explore Edmonton as Director, Business Event Sales, a senior leadership role responsible for driving high-impact business events that deliver significant economic benefit to Edmonton and its visitor economy. Reporting to the Executive Director, Event Attraction & Sponsorship, and operating within the Destination Development & Marketing portfolio, this role leads the Business Events unit and works closely with internal teams and external partners to attract national and international conventions, conferences, and group business. As a key member of Explore Edmonton’s leadership team, you will set strategy, lead a high-performing sales organization, and cultivate strong stakeholder relationships to ensure Edmonton remains a competitive and compelling destination for business events. This role oversees both in-house and in-market sales resources and plays a critical role the long-term growth of the city’s visitor economy. This position will require regular domestic and international travel.What You’ll DoLead, coach, and develop the Business Events sales team, including in-house and in-market representatives.Drive sales strategies that secure business events aligned with Edmonton’s priority economic sectors.Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners including EDMH, Edmonton Global, Business Events Canada, Travel Alberta, hotel partners, and venues.Lead high-level client negotiations and oversee complex contracts.Develop and execute annual business plans, budgets, forecasts, and economic impact projections.Monitor industry trends and adjust strategies to maintain destination competitiveness.Collaborate across Explore Edmonton teams to achieve corporate performance targets.Provide strategic advice, reporting, and forecasts to the Senior Leadership Team and Board.What You Will BringPost-secondary education in Tourism, Business, Economic Development, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).10+ years of experience in destination sales, tourism, hospitality, venue sales, or economic development.5+ years of senior leadership experience managing teams, budgets, and strategic initiatives.Proven track record of delivering multi-million-dollar economic impact through sales strategies.Experience navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments across public and private sectors.Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and ROI analysis.Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.Ability to present effectively to executive leadership, boards, and external stakeholders.Strong coaching and people leadership capabilities.Proficiency with MS Office 365 and CRM/database systems.Knowledge of Edmonton’s economic sectors and tourism landscape is an asset.Willingness to travel regularly and represent Explore Edmonton nationally and internationally.