Sales & Event Manager | Full-Time | Fort Smith Convention Center

Oak View Group:

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary:

The Sales & Event Manager will ensure the sales team at the facility meets all individual and departmental sales goals. This position is responsible for sales & event tasks related to the facility. Responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing events to ensure they run smoothly while delivering an excellent experience for clients and guests.

 

This role pays an annual salary of $45,000-$55,000.

 

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until October 30, 2026.

About the Venue:

The Fort Smith Convention Center offers 116,800 square feet of usable, infinitely flexible event space, including a 40,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall, 8 meeting rooms, and over 3,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space. The Convention Center also boasts a 1,331-seat, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center just steps from historic downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Responsibilities:

• Represent the facility as a sales representative both locally and out of town.
• Attends trade shows and industry functions as a representative of the destination.
• Researches, identifies, and establishes the appropriateness of groups for the facility.
• Contacts prospective user groups and individuals to initiate the sales effort. Discusses the facility with site selection committees or appropriate others.
• Assists in developing and implementing the sales/marketing activities of the facility, including developing budget submissions and follow-through systems and procedures.
• Meets specified assigned sales goals and objectives.
• Initiates written and oral communication internally and externally.
• Promptly responds to all customer calls and requests within a 24-hour period.
• Participate in local and community organization networking opportunities.
• Communicates problems and proposed solutions to the Director of Sales.
• Submits weekly sales activity reports and performs related duties as required.
• Will perform outside sales calls and solicitation calls as required.
• Work cohesively with other departments.
• Attends internal meetings and represents the facility as deemed necessary.
• Adheres to sales guidelines and procedures when booking business.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of all sales programs and activities.
• Support all services and activities of the Sales Department within the facility, including sales tools and materials, proposals, sales calls, and contracts.
• Prepare written proposals; reevaluate potential business value of various events and clients; initiate contractual arrangements.
• Conduct tours of the facility for potential licensees; answer questions and provide information regarding facility capabilities.
• Responsible for all revenue generation.
• Maintain accurate event records, contracts, and reports.
• Oversee all event activities on the day of the event.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and make quick decisions.
• Ensure events stay on schedule.
• Monitor guest experience and service quality.
• Meet with clients to understand event goals, budgets, and requirements.
• Plan and coordinate weddings, conferences, corporate events, concerts, banquets, and private functions.
• Develop event timelines, schedules, and floor plans.
• Ensure all event details are organized and communicated to staff and vendors.
• Conduct venue walkthroughs with clients and vendors.
• Ensure event spaces are clean, safe, and properly set up.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process.
• Provide venue tours for prospective clients.
• Address client concerns and resolve issues promptly.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Maintain accurate event records, contracts, and reports.
• Oversee all event activities on the day of the event. Troubleshoot operational issues and make quick decisions.
• Ensure events stay on schedule.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
• 3-5 years of increasingly responsible sales experience for an arena, convention center, sports franchise, hotel, or other similar public assembly or hospitality facility, including supervisory responsibility.
• Ability to work event nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Has a strong track record of building relationships and generating new business.
• Excellent organizational skills, leadership skills, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism, and a positive attitude with the ability to foster strong client and team relationships.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while contributing to shared departmental goals.
• Strong event planning and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Effective leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and support staff.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a commitment to delivering an outstanding guest and client experience.
• Knowledge of budget management principles, including the ability to monitor expenses and support financial objectives.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to resolve issues efficiently and professionally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• High level of attention to detail with the ability to ensure accuracy in contracts, event logistics, and client communications.
• Proven ability to multitask, adapt to changing priorities, and perform effectively under pressure in a dynamic event environment.
• Strong PC and data processing skills; working knowledge of MS Word and Excel, as well as database management software.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference:

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.