Director of Event Sales & Experiences

Position:Director of Event Sales & Experiences

Reports To:Director of Operations

Position Summary:The Director of Event Sales & Experiences is responsible for driving all aspects of event revenue generation sales performance and event execution at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA). This leadership role oversees a multi-million-dollar events portfolio including the Grand Ballroom pre-function areas and event venues across the LLPA campus. The Director manages corporate private and signature LLPA events including weddings conferences concerts the Winter Lantern Festival Shark Week celebrations and community programs. They lead a high-performing team across sales and operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences operational excellence and strong financial outcomes while upholding LLPAs mission and brand standards. This role also serves as LLPAs primary liaison with the Aquariums Food & Beverage partner ensuring seamless coordination quality assurance and optimized revenue performance.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels interests and ages with the mission to inspire people to explore discover and learn about Earths diverse ecosystems since 1997. Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014 the Aquarium has welcomed over ten million visitors and provided more than 650000 educational experiences to students. Home to more than 4000 animals representing 650 species the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests coral reefs the deep ocean Antarctic waters Asian cloud forests South American rain forests and the waterways of our home state of Utah. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2025 LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree in business Hospitality Event Management or related field (Masters preferred).

810 years of progressive leadership experience in event sales hospitality or venue management.

Proven track record of generating $3M in annual event revenue.

Strong financial acumen and experience with pricing forecasting and contract negotiation.

Deep understanding of event logistics venue operations and guest experience design.

Exceptional communication organizational and client relationship skills.

Critical Skills/Competencies:

Develop and execute an annual event sales and revenue plan aligned with LLPAs business objectives

Establish annual revenue targets for venue rentals commissions and F&B growth

Lead pricing yield management and forecasting for all event revenue streams

Analyze and report event profitability utilization and client satisfaction metrics to the Senior VP of Operations and Director of Operations

Ensure all sales activities meet budgeted performance goals and revenue benchmarks

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversee pricing strategy yield management margin protection and forecasting for all event revenue streams.

Lead coach and support Event Sales Manager(s) and sales staff to achieve or exceed revenue targets.

Drive new business development through corporate outreach tourism networks partnerships and community engagement.

Build and maintain relationships with key corporate wedding nonprofit and repeat clients.

Act as the primary liaison with the Food & Beverage partner to align menu offerings service execution and financial objectives.

Collaborate with Marketing to promote LLPAs venues offerings and signature events.

Represent LLPA at trade shows tourism organizations and industry events.

Oversee event operations and ensure flawless execution of all LLPA events from planning through post-event review.

Uphold LLPA brand safety service and budget standards across all event types.

Lead post-event evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Coordinate with Facilities Security Custodial AV and other internal teams to ensure operational readiness.

Maintain superior guest service standards and consistently high client satisfaction outcomes.

Build develop and retain a high-performing sales and operations team.

Implement training programs mentorship and incentive systems to improve performance and productivity.

Foster cross-departmental collaboration and ensure accountability through KPI tracking and performance reviews.

Create a culture of excellence innovation and proactive problem-solving.

Physical Demands of the Job:

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds stand for long periods of time and drive aquarium vehicles

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear

The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle reach or feel and manipulate objects or controls

While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict managements right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while doing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in adherence to the policies.

The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate based on age race color ethnicity national origin ancestry creed religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation citizenship physical or mental disability medical condition genetic information marital status veteran status or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations please contact .

Required Experience:

Director