April Russell

Director of Sales @Georgia World Congress Center Authority

Atlanta, GA, US

Directs, leads and executes sales operations for GWCCA- Maintains / updates departmental SOP’s- Develops and controls sales program through effective onboarding, staffing, training, and performance management - Directs daily activities and assign work to sales managers- Provides general administrative supervision of sales function for the GWCCA- Coordinates activities with other facility departments and industry associates- Oversees daily business evaluations including but not limited to pricing and availability offering- Produces monthly sales reports; evaluate booking productivity versus goal and financial trending for current fiscal year; develop recommendations for optimal success - Sets, establishes and maintains sales goals for the DC Market (DC, Maryland and Virginia)- Promotes and maintains liaison with the national and international meeting and industry associations (PCMA, ASAE, MPI, IAEE) as well as the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau- Maintains relationship with local hotels and other hospitality professionals by taking an active part in all facets of the industry - Provides sales/budget reports as required by the GWCCA and Board of Directors - Prepares and maintains annual budget by accurately forecasting and managing all revenue and expense items for the department

Georgia State University

Journalism, Public Relations