Industry Spotlight, Bri Seifert, Visit Fort Collins

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Bri Seifert, Visit Fort Collins

What’s your current position?

I am the Sales Manager at Visit Fort Collins, and I’ve held this position for nearly two years. In my role, I proactively generate group meetings, sports tournaments, and event leads by engaging in prospecting, direct sales, and building relationships with sports organizers and meeting and event planners.

What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?

My motivation stems from various sources. I’m driven by the desire never to let anyone down or miss an opportunity, which energizes me to put in the extra effort to ensure successful outcomes. Competition is another strong motivator; I constantly strive to outdo my previous goals and achievements each year. My primary goal is to make a meaningful difference at Visit Fort Collins. The scale matters less than the impact. If my partners recognize me as their advocate and see that I’m dedicated to making their jobs easier and better, that’s a win in my book.

What led you to this job?

Before joining Visit Fort Collins, I worked as a contractor for the Colorado Tourism Office. As a contractor in the international department, my dream job ended abruptly in April 2020. After a brief stint as a recruiter, I knew my passion was in the tourism industry, and I looked for any opportunity to get back into it. When the Sales Manager position at Visit Fort Collins presented itself, I hesitated because it was a new side of tourism that I had little experience in. I didn’t feel that familiar spark and passion until I started attending sports shows, and I haven’t looked back since.

Where did you grow up? What was it like to grow up there?

I grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, known as “the bubble .”It was a comfortable life; I had great friends and played as many sports as possible. I went to college at Colorado State University. I enjoyed my college experience and found my people at a local church, The Crossing, and on the intramural fields. In my sophomore year, I studied abroad in Adelaide, Australia, and it was there I decided to change my major from Computer Information Systems (I know, what?!) to a double major in Marketing and Natural Resources Recreation Tourism.

Did you have any key mentors or people who profoundly influenced who you are, what you believe in, and what you’re committed to in your work and life?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a handful of mentors who’ve guided and encouraged me throughout my life and career. My “small group” at The Crossing Church in Fort Collins left a profound mark on me. They introduced me to the gospel in a way I’d never experienced and provided unwavering support during some of my most challenging moments.

More specifically, the name that came to my mind immediately was Janet Christopher. When the Colorado Tourism Office underwent significant changes, Janet Christopher became the Interim International Director for CTO. Janet’s impact on my life is something I’ll forever cherish. The moment I met Janet, I knew she was a ‘Get Shit Done’ kind of person. She was forthright and highly efficient – just what the CTO needed at the time. Janet believed in me, bolstered my self-confidence, and coaxed me out of my comfort zone. My time under Janet’s wing was brief but invaluable.

What projects are you working on now?

While I’ll maintain my focus on booking tournaments and conferences throughout the year as part of my ongoing projects, a daily commitment will be dedicated to the continuous training and education of our entire community in Sports Tourism. Success in this market hinges on close collaboration and partnerships with key players in our community. We have many partners, and some of them include Parks and Recreation, Colorado State University, Poudre School District, the City of Fort Collins, and facilities.

These stakeholders must be well-informed about our vision for advancing Sports Tourism. My primary goal is to boost spending in Fort Collins and create a meaningful impact for our community and residents. I want to ensure there’s never any doubt about my approach. Consistent collaboration and an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, where we learn from one another and identify opportunities for shared victories, is vital.

Are there key turning points in this project?

Maintaining open and candid discussions with my partners and stakeholders is my top priority. I’m here to gather insights from their experiences and to understand how Visit Fort Collins can align with their objectives and assist them in achieving their goals. In the process, I also aim to share Visit Fort Collins’ vision and goals.

Have there been any surprises?

There will invariably be resistance, questions, and divergent perspectives, but these are essential elements. They facilitate a deeper understanding for both parties and, in the end, pave the way for shared victories.

Bri, you are quickly becoming recognizable and someone to conduct business with across the sports tourism industry. This has become evident over the past several conferences in 2023. How have you been able to maneuver through the process at a rapid pace?

I have a sincere affection for people. My primary concern is the well-being and interests of those I collaborate with. In a market as abundant as this one, it’s easy to feel inundated. To navigate it successfully, I prioritize individuals I genuinely wish to partner with. I take time and make an effort to understand their requirements and explore avenues (occasionally unconventional) where our interests align. I won’t force anything, but when I trust someone and have a desire to collaborate, I leave no stone unturned in pursuing a feasible partnership.

What gets you out of bed every day to continue your drive?

While it is continually thrilling to secure a new tournament or meeting, what truly fuels my passion is the people. I thrive on the opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships.

What would you say are your best skills?

My strong work ethic has consistently been one of my most valuable skills. I had to develop it early because school didn’t come naturally. I had to put in twice the effort to achieve what others might consider an average grade. I’m genuinely grateful for that experience because it instilled resilience and gave me invaluable life skills.

I’m also “skilled” at cultivating and maintaining a broad network of industry-wide relationships. However, I don’t view it as a skill but rather something I genuinely love. I’ll never try to force an opportunity, but when there’s trust between us, you can rest assured that I’ll invest my total effort to bring about the desired outcome.

What’s next for you in your work? What are you looking forward to down the road in your career?

I feel like I’ve barely begun to explore the potential in my role as Sales Manager in the sports tourism market. What lies ahead involves unwavering commitment and persistence in order to make a positive impact on the Fort Collins community. I thrive on setting and achieving goals, so as I look into the future of my career, I anticipate surpassing my previous year’s performance. My goal isn’t to take on everything but to excel in a select few areas.