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.
Discover our latest news!
Latest thinking
Teaser
Housekeeping jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
Working in hospitality is about more than just managing operations; it’s about creating memorable experiences for guests and leading with passion. To explore what it’s like to manage housekee
Teaser
Sales and Marketing jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
At Accor, we are breaking new ground to shape the hospitality of tomorrow, connecting cultures with heartfelt care. Behind every great customer experience is a team of passionate Heartists® dr
Teaser
Front Office jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
When you first walk into a hotel, the Hotel Receptionist is often the person who greets you with a warm smile and assists with your needs. The role of a Hotel Receptionist is key to the smooth
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
08/13/2024
Summary
Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Merhawit Tsegay, the Food & Beverage Team Leader at ibis London Shoreditch. Merhawit shares her inspiring journey in the hospitality industry and prov
Teaser
Culinary jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
08/13/2024
Summary
Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ajay Bhikharie, a talented Chef at Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark in The Netherlands. Ajay's story is a testament to the growth and opportunities availabl
Teaser
Sales and Marketing jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
08/13/2024
Summary
Sales roles within the hospitality industry are challenging and incredibly rewarding. At Accor, our sales teams drive revenue and growth, ensure the business attracts and retains clients, and mai
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
08/13/2024
Summary
If you have a passion for hospitality and a knack for leadership, a Food and Beverage Manager job could be the perfect fit for you. At Accor, we go beyond service standards and we prioritize genu
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
07/05/2024
Summary
Today, we're excited to share the inspiring journey of Viktoria Aramiani, Chef de Cuisine at Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers in Georgia. Viktoria's passion for the culinary arts dedication to her cra
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/03/2024
Summary
Explore exciting early careers jobs at Accor Kick-start your career and shape the future of the hospitality industry with Accor. Our early career opportunities are designed to accelerate your l
Teaser
Culinary jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/03/2024
Summary
What is a Sous Chef job? At Accor, our commitment to exceptional dining experiences starts with our talented culinary teams. At the heart of these teams are Sous Chefs. These Chefs blend creativ
Latest jobs
Salary
Location
İstanbul, Turkey
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Istanbul
Job Category
Administration & Support
Description
Responsibilities:Develop proficiency at each hotel that consistently delivers high performance in Topline Fee Generating Revenues, Brand Compliance, and Accor Reputation.Identify the greatest opportun
Reference
52510a49-6107-4e3a-b5a5-14d2ca6f323d
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mama Shelter Paris La Défense, Puteaux, France
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MAMA SHELTER
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Puteaux
Job Category
Retail
Description
LA MISSION ? Parce qu’au Mama toutes les occasions sont bonnes pour faire la fête, nous proposons une expérience événementielle unique dont vous êtes le garant. Les clients sont entre de bonnes mains
Reference
9b387da0-c9cd-40ca-a780-b0ddbfc90e2a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mama Shelter Nice, Nice, France
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MAMA SHELTER
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Nice
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Vous souhaitez faire l’ouverture de notre Mama Shelter NICE ?LA MISSION :Central dans les Mama, le bar est un lieu de vie important pour nos clients. Nos guest doivent être entre de bonnes mains avec
Reference
9247e2f0-c8af-42d4-9dbd-5263cc9c4e3a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mama Shelter Nice, Nice, France
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MAMA SHELTER
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Nice
Job Category
Finance
Description
Vous souhaitez faire l’ouverture de notre Mama Shelter NICE ? LA MISSION ?On vous nomme Ministre de l’Economie de votre Mama ! 👏Vous contrôlez et maîtrisez les coûts et les ratios des différents ser
Reference
a63b1c1c-5c3d-4d93-93cc-d6ce75683db6
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mama Shelter Nice, Nice, France
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MAMA SHELTER
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Nice
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Vous souhaitez faire l’ouverture de notre Mama Shelter NICE ?LA MISSION : Il paraît que la 1ère impression est toujours la bonne, tant mieux, vous êtes la première personne que nos clients rencontrent
Reference
dab98098-cd6b-4a35-b22a-aedb57520a24
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mama Shelter Nice, Nice, France
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MAMA SHELTER
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Nice
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Vous souhaitez faire l’ouverture de notre Mama Shelter NICE ?LA MISSION Central dans les Mama, le bar est un lieu de vie important pour nos clients. Nos guest doivent être entre de bonnes mains avec v
Reference
b1c7014a-932f-4641-a7b1-7d16356920e7
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mama Shelter Nice, Nice, France
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MAMA SHELTER
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Nice
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Vous souhaitez faire l’ouverture de notre Mama Shelter NICE ?LA MISSION ? Nos clients doivent être entre de bonnes mains avec vous 🤗. Vous serez le responsable du bon déroulement d’un service p
Reference
422765b8-c90e-49a4-b8cc-5983d8154db1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Bengaluru, India
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Bengaluru
Job Category
Culinary
Description
Greet and assist guests upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out process. Address guest needs, requests, and complaints promptly and efficiently.Manage guest reservations,
Reference
af5d1c08-8140-44b2-993e-70ac83f99835
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MOVENPICK
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Dubai
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
F&B AttendantYou are an ambassador for the exceptional service and cuisine that are hallmarks of our food & beverage experience. Your warm, personal attention and knowledge of our outstanding offering
Reference
e91ed9f4-75ed-479d-bf00-1e19ff926575
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
, Bangkok, Thailand
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Bangkok
Job Category
Rooms
Description
•Effectively managed the department to ensure the cleanliness of all public areas, bedrooms, corridors, and the heart of the house including Laundry service.•Meeting and maintaining our exceptional ho
Reference
0db82846-8008-4949-a037-4ce197daded1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001