Salesforce, MS Office, Adobe, TripleSeat, Caterease, Archtics/Ticketmaster, Airtable, Delphi/Amadeus, Concur, DocuSign
Cicely Cotton
Senior Event And Sales Strategist
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Dynamic Senior Sales & Event Leader adept at spearheading venue openings, driving revenue growth, and delivering stakeholder-aligned experiences for elite market-defining hospitality, and entertainment brands. Excels in full-cycle event management, white-glove client service, cross-functional collaboration while building high-value pipelines, negotiating complex contracts, and driving measurable ROI. Poised to excel in a senior corporate sales or global event leadership role, elevating brand impact and advancing strategic business goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, Events
Sphere Entertainment Co.
09.2023 - Current
- Played a key role in launching a $2.3 billion entertainment venue.
- Full life cycle event management including RFP response/proposal strategy, curated high-end site tours (venue/virtual), contract negotiation and execution (high emphasis on risk, insurance and compliance clauses), menu selection/customization, working with DMCs for decor, floorplan design, transportation/arrival experience, delivery, ticketing/credentialing, transportation, ensuring a seamless white glove client experience from first conversation to final guest departure
- Work closely with DOS and department leaders (Operations, Production, Ticketing, Finance, F&B, IT, Marketing/Creative and VIP Services, Legal) to establish Event Sales SOPs and workflow.
- Lead design and execution of tradeshow and VIP customer events; Partner with executives to translate brand vision and awareness goals into high-touch client experiences and immersive booth designs aligned with stakeholder priorities, measurable results, and accelerated pipeline growth.
- Strengthen pipeline growth through strategic relationships with DMC's CVB's, and hotel sales and convention services leaders to generate referrals, influence, key booking decisions, and expand market reach.
Citywide Sales Manager
Caesars Entertainment (Corporate)
11.2021 - 04.2023
- Conducted full scope account management focusing on large-scale conventions booked at Las Vegas CVB and Sands Convention & Expo Center.
- Contracted citywide room blocks entire Caesars Entertainment portfolio, liaised on client’s behalf while fortifying existing partnerships, and identifying new clients through industry tradeshows and events.
- Created and implemented strategic roadmap to enhance marketplace visibility and surpassed annual revenue goal attainment of $22,000,000+
- Developed and nurtured relationships with Las Vegas CVB, local DMS partneres and enterprise level accounts, resulting in increased lead flow, aplified brand visibility and stronger YOY convention and events pipeline
- Partnered with revenue management to create competitive rate offers and proposals across event properties.
National Sales Manager
MGM Resorts International (MGM Grand)
04.2018 - 10.2020
- Tapped for new role to manage west coast market; Successfully identified and captured large convention business with +17K attendees.
- Exceeded $10M annual sales, earned '100% Club,' leveraging key accounts and strategic initiatives.
- Developed tradeshow strategy including booth design to maximize brand recognition, build robust pipeline, gather insights and measure ROI post-show.
- Curated bespoke customer engagements both in-market and throughout Las Vegas to deepen relationships with qualified clients and build customer loyalty.
- Developed revenue forecasts, tracked metrics, analyzed trends, and informed strategic decisions.
- Created innovative national programs with sponsorships, activations, and ancillary revenue streams.
- Coached vertical sales team to set targets, tracked progress, and fostered growth.
Account Executive
Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
10.2010 - 04.2018
- Instrumental in opening a $4.5 billion flagship hotel opening meriting fast-track career advancement from administrative officer to account executive.
- Defined and implemented SOPs, onboarding processes and service standards for sales team while supporting growth and collaboration with revenue, catering, marketing and operations teams to build department from ground up; Resulting in an efficient sales infrastructure and accelerated path to full market activation.
- Conducted complete account management deliverables, and negotiated group sales agreements.
- Surpassed annual revenue goal by 160%, by expertly identifying and qualifying leads, conducting heavy customer relationship management, and repeatedly building and negotiating winning proposals.
- Developed and executed a targeted NBA Summer League campaign, increasing YOY revenue by 125% YOY (from 1 to 6 contracts annually) by customizing tram focused packages and driving early commitments through preferred pricing and early-booking incentives.
- Captured $700K twitter account by visiting their HQ to present hotel features that projects it as true conference hotel with business professional atmosphere, hereby correcting their initial perception and brand awareness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies & Journalism, Minor: PR & Mktg
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada, NV05-2022
Skills
Full event lifecycle management
Revenue growth
Cross-functional collaboration
Market analysis
Data analytics
Budget oversight/P&L Alignment
ROI, metrics, and business impact
Stakeholder alignment
Contract negotiation
Project management
Grassroots marketing
Presentation & Proposal Development
Venue selection
Client relationship management
Software
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire!
Timeline
Senior Manager, Events
Sphere Entertainment Co.
09.2023 - Current
Citywide Sales Manager
Caesars Entertainment (Corporate)
11.2021 - 04.2023
National Sales Manager
MGM Resorts International (MGM Grand)
04.2018 - 10.2020
Account Executive
Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
10.2010 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies & Journalism, Minor: PR & Mktg
University of Nevada, Las Vegas