Kayla VanCleve
Certified Meetings Professional | Licensed Real Estate Broker
Denver,CO
Summary
Results-driven sales and events industry leader with over 25 years of experience in event venue management, strategic sales growth, and revenue generation. Demonstrated success in contract negotiations, team leadership, and cultivating industry partnerships. Expertise in developing and executing multi-year sales plans, maximizing event space utilization, and aligning sales strategies with citywide initiatives.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Assistant Director of Sales
Colorado Convention Center
03.2022 - Current
- Lead strategic sales initiatives to maximize revenue, executing multi-year sales plans in alignment with citywide event demand.
- Negotiate and manage high-value contracts with industry partners, clients, and vendors, ensuring favorable terms and long-term partnerships.
- Develop and maintain key relationships with Visit Denver, CVBs, and venue partners, positioning CCC as a premier event destination.
- Oversee event booking, collaborating with operations and events teams to ensure seamless execution from sales to closeout.
- Mentor and manage a high-performing sales team, fostering professional development and exceeding sales goals.
- Spearheaded marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and attract new business.
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Red Pepper Real Estate Group
2020 - Current
Regional Events & Community Engagement Manager
WTS International Dba LifeStart
09.2021 - 02.2022
- Manage five near-site engagement locations, overseeing the development and execution of a quarterly calendar of events, activations, and programs to enhance tenant engagement.
- Plan and execute events from concept to completion, including pre-planning, marketing, vendor sourcing, contract negotiations, rentals, staffing, food and beverage coordination, entertainment booking, on-site support, and app management.
- Oversee event budgets, ensuring accurate financial tracking, communicating all financial details to the accounts team, and reconciling budgets post-event.
- Develop and maintain strong client and vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, establishing preferred vendor partnerships, and ensuring compliance with insurance and onsite work requirements.
- Participate in key client and stakeholder meetings, including monthly board meetings, developer discussions, and off-site presentations, providing insights and strategic recommendations.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable state and local licensing requirements, staying up to date with relevant regulations and codes.
Senior Sales Manager
Colorado Convention Center : ASM Global
2013 - 2020
- Collaborated with VISIT DENVER on association and corporate city-wide events, negotiating and finalizing contracts.
- Led site tours, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of convention center operations.
- Partnered with internal departments, suppliers, and meeting planners to ensure seamless event execution.
- Managed the overall sales process, supporting the Director in maintaining the annual budget and quarterly discount reports.
- Built and nurtured strong relationships with clients, third-party planners, and industry partners.
- Monitored in-house events, maintaining close contact with clients and facility staff to ensure successful outcomes.
- Participated in pre- and post-conference meetings to align on event logistics and client needs.
- Stayed current on industry trends, meeting planning strategies, and event logistics.
- Provided leadership, mentorship, and training to junior team members.
- Maintained an active role in professional associations, including PCMA and MPI, while engaging in community initiatives.
- Organized employee volunteer projects, including coordinating the annual park clean-up with Denver Parks & Recreation.
- Resolved customer relations issues promptly and professionally, ensuring client satisfaction.
National Accounts Manager
National Restaurant Association
2012 - 2013
- Exceeded exhibit space and sponsorship goals for the National Restaurant Association Show and the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event.
- Identified and developed cross-selling opportunities for additional NRA Show solutions, including new memberships and renewals.
- Maintained a high level of sales activity with current and prospective accounts through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.
- Served as the primary point of contact for over 100 strategic exhibitors and accounts.
- Collaborated with internal departments to address and resolve exhibitor issues promptly and effectively.
- Stayed well-informed on industry trends, trade show logistics, and floor plan management.
- Assisted in managing the onsite sales office and booth assignment processes.
- Attended industry trade shows and events to network and stay updated on educational trends.
Integrated Events & Media Account Manager
Informa Markets (formerly Penton Media)
2011 - 2012
- Responsible for integrated event and media sales efforts for the Club Industry Expo & Club Industry Magazine.
- Maintained high level of sales activity with current and prospective accounts via phone calls, email, and in-person visits.
- Attended industry trade shows/conventions for prospecting, networking and educational purposes. Managed client expectations and ensured successful campaign delivery.
- Provided exceptional customer service and follow-up.
Senior Account Executive
Informa Markets (formerly Hanley Wood Exhibitions)
2002 - 2011
- onsistently exceeded exhibit space and sponsorship goals for multiple national and international trade shows.
- Identified and implemented new revenue opportunities to drive growth.
- Developed and managed sponsorships, ensuring successful fulfillment.
- Oversaw booth space assignments and onsite exhibit floor management.
- Maintained a high level of sales activity with both current and prospective accounts through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits.
- Trained new sales team members and provided ongoing mentorship.
Education
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UTTravel And Tourism Studies
Brigham Young University
Provo, UTTravel & Tourism
American Airlines Travel Academy
Dallas, TexasSkills
- Oral and Written Communications
Organizational Skills
Attention to Detail
Strong Negotiation Skills
Conflict Resolution
Event & Project Management
Strong Work Ethic
Customer Service Oriented
Technology Proficient
Goal Oriented
Rapport and Relationship Building
Dependable
Certification
CMP (Certified Meetings Professional, Convention Industry Council)
Timeline
Assistant Director of Sales
Colorado Convention Center
03.2022 - Current
Regional Events & Community Engagement Manager
WTS International Dba LifeStart
09.2021 - 02.2022
CMP (Certified Meetings Professional, Convention Industry Council)
Licensed Real Estate Broker, REALTOR
IMPACT Denver, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
ACCESS DENVER, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Red Pepper Real Estate Group
2020 - Current
Senior Sales Manager
Colorado Convention Center : ASM Global
2013 - 2020
National Accounts Manager
National Restaurant Association
2012 - 2013
Integrated Events & Media Account Manager
Informa Markets (formerly Penton Media)
2011 - 2012
Senior Account Executive
Informa Markets (formerly Hanley Wood Exhibitions)
2002 - 2011
Salt Lake Community College
Travel And Tourism Studies
Brigham Young University
Travel & Tourism
American Airlines Travel Academy
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