Vice President Of Experience And Events

The VP of Experience and Events is responsible for managing all Experience and event activity in Regional Tourism. This role is the face of the Tulsa Brand. The three pillars include Visitor Experience, Amplify Brand Awareness to Customers, and Relationship Building to leverage our assets. The VP will manage the visitor and event experience for clients ensuring a successful visitor experience event and positive experience for all. Responsible for budgetary management for all events in partnership with the Vice President of Tourism Operations and the SVP/President of Regional Tourism.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Majority of duties performed, but not meant to be all inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned as necessary.  Non-essential functions identified with an asterisk '*'

Ensure all Regional Tourism Experiences and ancillary venues are booked and calendared for Sports, CVB, FMAC and non-sports events and other activities consistent with the purpose of each event. (Sports, CVB and FMAC Venues will be secured through the sales contract process and their respective leadership).

Found and Curate Visitor's Center and physical location to enhance Visitor Experience.

Manage and grow Director Experience and Service who reports to VP of Experience and Events. Manager projects and calendar.

Optimize processes required to meet budgets and other key, KPI's and overall economic impact expectations annually. Report these at Tulsa Awareness Group (TAG)

Curate, Plan and Calendar all Tulsa Awareness Group Activities (TAG)

Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with regional venue partners, attractions, sport events rights' owners and entertainment promoters to support the sales team in their efforts to recruit those events to Tulsa. This includes Site Inspections and FAM Trips.

Participate and partner with the sales and marketing teams in the creation, planning, and implementation of events and tournaments at Tulsa and regionally based venues.

Build revenue generation streams for Events and Experiences to generate income for Tourism and utilize our Chamber departments to achieve success. Working closely with Resource and Development team.

Establish, provide and maintain venue specific pricing models to maximize event profitability throughout the various contracted events and partner venues utilized for event hosting.

Partner with the Sales team to develop and maintain current Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, which includes event rights' owner's information, and critical event content for future renewals and event history.

Utilize analytics from our data produced by Director of Research and Data Strategy to measure the ROI, efficiency, and effectiveness for all events and experiences and partner with the entire company to quantify business practices to retain and attack events that have the highest ROI for the investment and achieving our annual KPI's. This includes Sports, CVB, FMAC and Visitor Experience from Visitor Center.

Develop and maintain Events and Experiences Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), a critical element to this position's success. This is a key leadership role in training and compliance.

Develop, grow and manage relationships with business partners in order to leverage ancillary revenue streams through events and partnerships.

Prepare and present regular reporting to President of Tulsa Regional Tourism on events and business development strategies. Reports must include results of events held, participation levels, satisfaction surveys (client and Participant), economic impact performance, and other Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)

Monitoring competitor activity and developing strategic plans to compete in our comp-set of regional cities from STR.

Build Tulsa Awareness Group (TAG) to inform and grow our backyard strategy.

Partner with all departments within the Regional Tourism to maximize the opportunity of developing industry relationships, book events throughout the industry, and represent the company at industry trade shows and other external events.

Accountable by assuring that all direct reporting staff, if applicable, has achieved their annual development goals.

Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent Experience and minimum of 5 years of events industry relevant Experience and destination marketing experience
• Experience in contract negotiations, event creation, and planning for sports and non-sports events and entertainment
• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and negotiating skills
• Experience in related professional services or management firm preferred
• Action-oriented personality with a 'get it done' attitude with proficiency
• Highly personable, enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, and able to represent the company
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Experience in youth and amateur sports as a marketing professional or other relevant experience in sports, recreation, entertainment, and event.
• Significant experience with the management and development of events budgets, including decisions on prioritization of highest and best return-on-investment for each event and contractually obligated requirements
• Experience in attracting and managing corporate relationships including sponsorship and financial partnerships
• Experience maintaining and updating customer databases
• Capable to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Preferred but not required: Experience working with convention and visitor's bureau, regional sports commissions, and regional event management booking in a sports or convention center

WORK AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work environment: Normally a typical office environment with people, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, with occasional outdoor exposure to heat, cold, and environmental elements.
• Work environment at Visitor Center and TRT Offices.
• Physical demands: Manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment. Able to read, write, and interpret written documents. Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 30 pounds waist high. May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time in various climates. Travel required.