Topic: Government Contract Negotiations/ Management
Speaker: Ruth Fitzgerald; VP of Sales Visit Spokane
Government contracting and contract negotiations can be intimidating, but with the correct knowledge of how to effectively manage it, it can be a breeze. This program will teach you the principles of effective negotiations and go in-depth into the art of government contracting. You will be provided with information and helpful tips to ensure the best outcome every time you negotiate. It's a win-win hour of useful information you won't want to miss.
Attendees will receive 1 contact hour in: Financial & Contract Management
Schedule:
11:30am - 11:45am: Registration and Networking
11:45am -1:15pm: Program and Lunch
$ 15.00 Planners to include lunch
$ 30.00 Suppliers to include lunch
Ruth Fitzgerald is the Vice President of Sales for Visit Spokane. Fitzgerald, a member of the hospitality sales community since 1988, spent the first 20 years of her career in Central Florida. During this time, she held Director positions at three luxury beachfront resorts overseeing convention sales totaling $26 million annually.
After the birth of her twin daughters in 1998, Fitzgerald assumed a position as Regional Director of Sales for DMI Hotels. There she sold convention business to over 125 hotels, resorts, and Destination Management Companies worldwide until 2010 after relocating to Spokane, WA.
Most recently, Fitzgerald was the Director of Sales with Red Lion Hotels until 2018 when she began her career in the DMO industry at Visit Spokane.
Ruth holds two certifications: Certified Hospitality Sales Professional through the American Lodging Association and Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive through the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. She has several awards and achievements; most recently being recognized as a Smart Woman in Meetings in SMART Meetings Magazine and was awarded Director of Sales of the Year in 2017 and Sales Team of the Year Award in 2015 and 2013 with Red Lion Hotels Corporation.
Fitzgerald has held industry leadership positions and was the President of the Tampa Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and held board positions with Meeting Professionals International, Washington State Chapter in addition to the Florida Society of Association Executive Foundation Board. She has served on the Inland Northwest Board for the March of Dimes, the Spokane Arts Board and is currently a member of Spokane Central Lions and HTEM (Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management) advisory committee for Spokane Community Colleges.