Exploring a career in Sales and Events Management in hospitality

Sales and events management in hospitality is a career path that involves balancing creativity, strategic thinking, and customer-centric service. 

To better understand this role, we spoke with Jacques Lombard, Sales and Events Manager at Mercure Lille Marcq-en-Baroeul in France. Jacques shared his experiences, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in this field.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into hospitality? 

"I began my professional career as a communication manager in the catering industry after completing my Master’s degree. 

After four years, I wanted to explore a new field that combined accommodation, catering, and events – and that’s when I discovered hospitality. 

I was immediately drawn to the sector’s dynamism and the evolution from catering to include different but complementary services, all driven by one common goal: customer satisfaction."

What does your role as a Sales and Events Manager involve on a day-to-day basis?

"As a Sales and Events Manager, I’m part of the hotel’s internal sales team. My primary mission is to market our hotel and its identity to new clients while organizing a wide range of events. 

These include business events like seminars, trade fairs, and meetings, as well as sports events and family celebrations such as weddings and birthdays. 

I’m at the heart of the action, coordinating our teams to ensure everything runs smoothly and that our clients leave satisfied. It’s a role that requires versatility, attention to detail, operational skills, and strong customer relations."

What excites you most about working in hospitality?

"I’m most excited by the environment. Working at Accor means being part of a cohesive and supportive team, constantly energized by the rhythm of events that characterize hotel life. 

No two days are the same, and I get to meet and build relationships with a huge variety of clients. This diversity enriches us both personally and professionally."

Can you share a particularly memorable moment in your career so far?

"One of my proudest moments was organizing a wedding in one of our reception rooms in July 2023. 

Weddings involve a lot of detailed planning, and our clients arrived a bit stressed, as it was one of the most important days of their lives. But thanks to the careful coordination and dedication of all our Heartists®, the event was a great success. 

The positive feedback and even a bottle of champagne from the happy couple were our rewards! Moments like that really highlight why I love this job."

What does being a Heartist® mean to you?

"Being a Heartist® is about teamwork and shared values like respect, solidarity, and inclusion. It’s about creating authentic experiences for our guests. 

But it’s more than just a concept – it’s embedded in our culture and how we operate daily. Every Heartist® brings their unique know-how and culture to the table, and they do it with genuine care and passion."

What advice would you give to someone new to the hospitality industry?

"My advice is to always work with your heart and passion. That’s the key to thriving in this industry. 

And here’s a bonus tip: versatility and interpersonal skills will be your best allies. Being adaptable and building strong relationships will take you far."

A rewarding path with heart in sales and events 

Jacques’ story highlights how a career in sales and events management within hospitality is much more than just managing logistics – it’s about creating meaningful experiences, building connections, and working in a team driven by shared values. 

For those with a passion for customer satisfaction and a desire to work in a dynamic environment, this career offers an enriching and rewarding journey.

Explore our Sales and Events jobs today.