New appointments boost sales success for Conference Aston

10th Jan 2011

One of Birmingham’s leading conference centres has reinforced its sales team with a pair of key appointments.

The recruitment of two sales development managers underlines Conference Aston’s commitment to future growth through dedicated account management in all areas of the business.

Cahla Fields and Suzanna Reid Barreiro Da Silva will be working as part of a nine strong sales team, led by head of sales and marketing Christine Page.

Christine said the pair, both from Birmingham, were recruited because of their strong experience in the industry as well as a great awareness of what clients were looking for when organising events and conferences.

“Both Cahla and Suzanna have many years of experience working with top hotels and venues across the UK and I am delighted to welcome them both to Conference Aston,” she said.

“Their appointments reflect a continued focus and commitment to all of our clients, ensuring that from their very first contact with us that they receive the best possible service and support in managing their events.

“It’s a significant period of growth for us as we’re seeing increasing demand from customers who are looking beyond hotels for a venue which is not only cost effective, but also delivers a return back into the community.

“I’m proud that we can offer an excellent venue with staff who understand the client needs and don’t compromise on quality and I am confident Cahla and Suzanna will help us to deliver on that.”

Cahla is responsible for sales of banqueting and corporate entertainment at the Lakeside Centre, accommodation, local Birmingham business and the promotion of the newly launched school prom masterclass package.

She joins the sales team from Bosworth Hall Hotel in Leicestershire, where she held a similar role.

Cahla has also worked with hotels in Birmingham and Coventry, as well as a period working in recruitment.

“Conference Aston is a fantastic venue in the very heart of Birmingham, with some of the best facilities in the region,” she said.

“I was delighted to be offered the role, as it gives me an ideal opportunity to use my knowledge of Birmingham and of the industry.”

Suzanna is the key contact for national accounts, management training and conference agencies and will be drawing on more than a decade’s experience in the hotel and conferencing industry.

Her recent experience includes a business development manager role at Kents Hill Park and sales experience with Novus Leisure.

“It’s a great time to be joining Conference Aston, which is one of the best conference and management training centres in the midlands,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to focusing on the benefits academic venues can offer and ensuring we deliver the best possible service to our clients.”

Conference Aston welcomes more than 54,000 people a year to Birmingham for training, residential conferences, for weddings and to stay in its high quality hotel facilities and on site campus accommodation.

It sits at the heart of Aston University, which is a long established research-led university known for its world-class teaching quality and strong links to industry, government and commerce.