Koby Ruff
Columbia
Summary
Sales professional with expertise in convention sales and business development. Successfully oversees more than 50 conventions and meetings each year, contributing around $2.5 million in revenue within a two and a half year timeframe. Acknowledged for fostering lasting client relationships and securing beneficial contracts.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Sales Manager
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Columbia
10.2023 - Current
- Book and manage 50+ conventions, meetings, and events annually.
- Generate approximately $800,000 in annual booked revenue.
- Develop new business through prospecting, networking, trade shows, and strategic outreach.
- Negotiate contracts and pricing strategies while maximizing revenue and client satisfaction.
- Conduct site inspections and destination presentations for prospective clients.
- Manage CRM pipeline, forecasting, reporting, and customer communications.
- Partner with Experience Columbia, hotels, and community stakeholders to attract meetings and conventions.
Admissions Counselor
University of South Carolina
Columbia
07.2022 - 10.2023
- Recruited prospective students throughout South Carolina.
- Reviewed admissions applications and guided students through enrollment.
- Delivered presentations to schools, families, and community organizations.
Marketing Intern
Olde English District Tourism Commission
- Developed and implemented tourism marketing plans to promote destination awareness.
- Conducted research on current trends in digital marketing channels like social media, email campaigns and search engine optimization.
Sales Associate (Masters Tournament)
Augusta National Golf Club
- Write copy for social media posts, promotional emails, and other marketing collateral.
- Researched and evaluated potential new markets and products.
- Researched interesting and relevant content to capture interest and improve site traffic. • Assisted with website management
Sports Destination Intern
Visit York County
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for growth and competitive advantages.
- Generates reports for events, economic impact totals and hotel room nights.
- Collected data from events
- Greet and assist visitors at the front desk of the Visitor Center, ensuring a positive and welcoming experience for all guests
- Designs images, schedules, and other content for promotion of the events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Tourism Management
University of South Carolina
05-2022
Skills
- Convention Sales
- Business Development
- Contract Negotiation
- CRM Management
- Client Relationship Management
- Prospecting
- Strategic Pricing
- Event Planning
- Destination Marketing
- Public Speaking
Timeline
Senior Sales Manager
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
10.2023 - Current
Admissions Counselor
University of South Carolina
07.2022 - 10.2023
Sports Destination Intern
Visit York County
Sales Associate (Masters Tournament)
Augusta National Golf Club
Marketing Intern
Olde English District Tourism Commission
Bachelor of Science - Tourism Management
University of South Carolina