Event Sales & Execution Specialist
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Draper, UT, United States
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission‑driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.
Position Summary The Event Sales & Execution Specialist is responsible for driving revenue through proactive event sales while ensuring seamless execution of events at LLPA. This role manages the full event lifecycle from prospecting and closing business to planning and executing events, ensuring an exceptional guest experience and alignment with LLPA’s mission, brand, and operational standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, event management, or related field preferred
3–5 years of experience in event sales, event planning, hospitality, or venue operations
Proven experience in both sales and event execution preferred
Experience in attractions, hospitality, tourism, or event venues strongly preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CRM experience (Salesforce preferred)
Strong sales, negotiation, and closing skills
Excellent organizational and project management abilities
Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
High attention to detail and ability to execute under pressure
Problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in fast‑paced environments
Guest‑focused mindset with commitment to exceptional experiences
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Proactively generate event revenue through outbound prospecting, networking, partnerships, and referrals
Respond to inbound inquiries, qualify leads, and convert opportunities into booked events
Conduct site tours and present LLPA as a premier event destination
Develop customized proposals, pricing, and event packages aligned with client needs
Achieve individual sales targets, revenue goals, and activity KPIs
Maintain and manage accurate pipeline activity within CRM (Salesforce preferred)
Identify new business opportunities in corporate, tourism, nonprofit, and social event markets
Manage assigned events from contract through execution and post‑event follow‑up
Develop event timelines, run‑of‑show documents, floor plans, and logistics plans
Lead day‑of‑event operations including setup, vendor coordination, staffing, and guest experience
Ensure events are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with LLPA standards
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout planning and execution
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, planners, vendors, and partners
Collaborate with LLPA’s Food & Beverage partner, AV teams, and external vendors to ensure seamless delivery
Ensure all event details align with contracted expectations and operational capabilities
Provide guidance to clients on event design, logistics, and experience enhancements
Partner with internal departments including Facilities, Guest Services, Security, Marketing, Education, AV, Custodial, and Husbandry to ensure operational readiness
Align sales commitments with operational execution to ensure feasibility and quality delivery
Support LLPA Signature Events, seasonal activations, and large‑scale programming
Track event revenue, expenses, and profitability
Support forecasting, reporting, and KPI tracking
Assist with pricing strategies, promotions, and sales program development
Maintain accurate contracts, event documentation, and reporting tools
Conduct post‑event evaluations and identify opportunities for improvement
Monitor guest satisfaction, client feedback, and operational performance metrics
Stay current on industry trends in events, hospitality, and sales strategies
Physical Demands of the Job
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs regularly (up to 75 lbs occasionally)
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions
Frequent movement across campus and event spaces
Requires flexibility including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Combination of office‑based work and on‑site event execution
Fast‑paced environment with high client interaction and event timelines
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus optional FSA/HSA accounts
Paid time off & 12 paid holidays per year
Paid bereavement leave and paid new child leave (birth, adoption, or placement)
Employer‑paid short‑term disability; optional long‑term disability coverage
Convenient onsite childcare (employees pay approximately 20% of the cost)
401(k) with match up to 4% – fully vested from day 1 of contribution
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Free aquarium membership
Free and discounted animal encounters
Pet insurance and discounts
Entertainment, travel, and retail savings through Tickets at Work
The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of 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 reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
12033 S Lone Peak Pkwy
Draper, UT 84020
Phone: 8013553474
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.
Position Summary The Event Sales & Execution Specialist is responsible for driving revenue through proactive event sales while ensuring seamless execution of events at LLPA. This role manages the full event lifecycle from prospecting and closing business to planning and executing events, ensuring an exceptional guest experience and alignment with LLPA’s mission, brand, and operational standards.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, event management, or related field preferred
3–5 years of experience in event sales, event planning, hospitality, or venue operations
Proven experience in both sales and event execution preferred
Experience in attractions, hospitality, tourism, or event venues strongly preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CRM experience (Salesforce preferred)
Strong sales, negotiation, and closing skills
Excellent organizational and project management abilities
Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
High attention to detail and ability to execute under pressure
Problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in fast‑paced environments
Guest‑focused mindset with commitment to exceptional experiences
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Proactively generate event revenue through outbound prospecting, networking, partnerships, and referrals
Respond to inbound inquiries, qualify leads, and convert opportunities into booked events
Conduct site tours and present LLPA as a premier event destination
Develop customized proposals, pricing, and event packages aligned with client needs
Achieve individual sales targets, revenue goals, and activity KPIs
Maintain and manage accurate pipeline activity within CRM (Salesforce preferred)
Identify new business opportunities in corporate, tourism, nonprofit, and social event markets
Manage assigned events from contract through execution and post‑event follow‑up
Develop event timelines, run‑of‑show documents, floor plans, and logistics plans
Lead day‑of‑event operations including setup, vendor coordination, staffing, and guest experience
Ensure events are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with LLPA standards
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout planning and execution
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, planners, vendors, and partners
Collaborate with LLPA’s Food & Beverage partner, AV teams, and external vendors to ensure seamless delivery
Ensure all event details align with contracted expectations and operational capabilities
Provide guidance to clients on event design, logistics, and experience enhancements
Partner with internal departments including Facilities, Guest Services, Security, Marketing, Education, AV, Custodial, and Husbandry to ensure operational readiness
Align sales commitments with operational execution to ensure feasibility and quality delivery
Support LLPA Signature Events, seasonal activations, and large‑scale programming
Track event revenue, expenses, and profitability
Support forecasting, reporting, and KPI tracking
Assist with pricing strategies, promotions, and sales program development
Maintain accurate contracts, event documentation, and reporting tools
Conduct post‑event evaluations and identify opportunities for improvement
Monitor guest satisfaction, client feedback, and operational performance metrics
Stay current on industry trends in events, hospitality, and sales strategies
Physical Demands of the Job
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 lbs regularly (up to 75 lbs occasionally)
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions
Frequent movement across campus and event spaces
Requires flexibility including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Combination of office‑based work and on‑site event execution
Fast‑paced environment with high client interaction and event timelines
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus optional FSA/HSA accounts
Paid time off & 12 paid holidays per year
Paid bereavement leave and paid new child leave (birth, adoption, or placement)
Employer‑paid short‑term disability; optional long‑term disability coverage
Convenient onsite childcare (employees pay approximately 20% of the cost)
401(k) with match up to 4% – fully vested from day 1 of contribution
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Free aquarium membership
Free and discounted animal encounters
Pet insurance and discounts
Entertainment, travel, and retail savings through Tickets at Work
The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of 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 reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
12033 S Lone Peak Pkwy
Draper, UT 84020
Phone: 8013553474
#J-18808-Ljbffr