In 2004 I returned to Auckland after five years’ abroad to join Heritage Hotel management in the role of conference sales executive and was later promoted to conference & incentive sales manager looking after the MICE market for our 10 New Zealand hotels.
I remember my humble beginnings (some 14 years earlier) working as company secretary for a corporate travel agency, where I churned out hundreds of itineraries... from scratch! At that stage I thought hotel sales managers had the most glamorous job in the world and I would have given my left typing arm to be one.
However, I put that dream on the back burner and took up residence in the television industry instead. After a few years working as executive assistant at TVNZ, I was offered an exciting role in Sydney working for the director of sport & Olympics at Channel Seven Australia.
This led to some very memorable experiences and opportunities, such as managing the hosted programs for VIP guests at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, event managing the Opera in the Domain, and fulfilling a contract position as sport marketing & sponsorship manager.
On my return to New Zealand I spotted an ad for a sales role at Heritage Hotels and knew it was the ideal position for me. I had no prior sales experience and had never worked for a hotel before, so I’m very glad my general manager works on gut instinct too!
Although we all know the MICE industry isn’t nearly as ‘glamorous’ as it first appears, it is hugely rewarding and totally addictive. Despite the long hours, the constant deadlines and the ever-increasing admin, I am now a true addict. Or it could be that I’ve found the winning formula; great product, fabulous people and a busy and challenging role.
I now manage a very talented team of ‘young guns’ and am responsible for driving international and domestic conference and incentive business into our hotels. I am constantly juggling client meetings, planning sales trips, negotiating rates, writing reports, arranging events/famils, managing budgets, and coming up with new and exciting ways to promote our products.
When I’m not thinking about Heritage, I’m sleeping (ok, I’m not really that addicted). I enjoy catching up with friends and family, watching a good movie or spending some time at the beach too.
Who knows where I’ll be in five years’ time, but I plan to make the most of every opportunity and enjoy the journey!
“Sally has all the necessary qualities to compete successfully in this fast-paced environment and her dedication to her challenging role will ensure her ongoing success. Sally’s initiative and creative flair really sets her apart and makes her a true leader in the hotel industry in New Zealand.”
- Noel Dillon, general manager sales and marketing,
Heritage Hotel management.
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