Banquet Houseperson (AM)

Sonesta Hotels•Charlotte, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Banquet Houseperson is responsible for the setup, breakdown, cleanliness, and overall readiness of banquet and meeting spaces. This position works closely with the Banquet and Events teams to ensure function rooms are properly arranged according to event specifications and that guests receive a professional, seamless experience. Key responsibilities include setting up and breaking down tables, chairs, staging, dance floors, linens, and other banquet equipment; maintaining clean and organized meeting spaces and storage areas; refreshing rooms during events; assisting with event transitions and last-minute changes; safely moving and storing equipment; and responding promptly to requests from banquet leadership and guests. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, urgency, teamwork, flexibility, and a strong commitment to guest service and safety. Banquet Housepersons must be able to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business and event needs.

Requirements

Previous banquet, hotel, convention, event setup, warehouse, or hospitality experience preferred.
Ability to read and understand Banquet Event Orders, room diagrams, and setup instructions.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize multiple assignments.
Ability to communicate professionally with guests, clients, leaders, and fellow team members.
Dependable attendance and punctuality.
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs.
Ability to safely operate banquet carts and other approved equipment.
Must maintain a professional appearance in accordance with hotel grooming and uniform standards.

Responsibilities

Set banquet and meeting rooms according to the specifications outlined on the BEO and approved room diagrams.
Properly arrange tables, chairs, linens, staging, dance floors, podiums, risers, easels, registration tables, buffet tables, water stations, and other required equipment.
Set rooms in various configurations, including classroom, theater, conference, boardroom, U-shape, hollow square, rounds, reception, banquet, and other customized arrangements.
Ensure tables and chairs are properly aligned, evenly spaced, clean, and presentable.
Ensure room setups meet hotel standards as well as applicable safety and fire-code requirements.
Confirm all required equipment and supplies are present before the event begins.
Complete assigned setups within established deadlines and communicate immediately if a setup cannot be completed on time.
Assist with last-minute room changes or additional equipment requests with urgency and professionalism.
Conduct a final review of assigned event spaces before guest arrival.
Ensure meeting rooms, banquet spaces, pre-function areas, hallways, and entrances are clean and free of clutter.
Check tables, chairs, linens, floors, walls, doors, lighting, trash receptacles, and other visible areas for cleanliness and presentation.
Ensure water stations and other designated meeting supplies are properly positioned and maintained.
Immediately report damaged furniture, equipment, fixtures, carpet, walls, lighting, or other maintenance concerns to Banquet Leadership.
Correct setup deficiencies immediately when identified.
Maintain awareness of the daily event schedule and anticipate upcoming room turns and changes.
Efficiently break down completed events and reset rooms for the next scheduled function.
Prioritize room turns based on event start times and instructions from Banquet Leadership.
Work with the banquet team to execute quick room changes while maintaining accuracy and safety.
Remove used linens, trash, equipment, and supplies promptly after events.
Return tables, chairs, staging, equipment, and other materials to their proper storage locations.
Ensure event spaces are not left unattended in an incomplete or unsafe condition during room transitions.
Maintain banquet rooms, meeting rooms, pre-function areas, banquet storage rooms, service corridors, and equipment areas in a clean and organized condition.
Sweep, vacuum, spot clean, mop, or otherwise prepare event spaces as needed.
Remove trash and debris before, during, and after events.
Keep banquet storage areas organized so equipment can be safely and efficiently located.
Properly stack and store tables, chairs, risers, staging, dance floors, and other banquet equipment.
Maintain clear walkways, exits, fire doors, and emergency access points at all times.
Immediately address spills, trip hazards, broken equipment, or other safety concerns.
Assist in maintaining banquet equipment to extend its useful life and reduce unnecessary damage or replacement costs.
Maintain a professional and welcoming presence when working in guest areas.
Acknowledge guests and clients appropriately and provide assistance when requested.
Respond to reasonable guest or meeting-planner requests promptly and communicate requests to Banquet Leadership when additional assistance is required.
Avoid disruptive conversations, excessive noise, or unnecessary activity while meetings or events are in progress.
Protect the guest experience when performing room turns or moving equipment near active functions.
Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and respect when working around clients, meeting planners, executives, and event attendees.
Safely move, lift, carry, assemble, disassemble, and store banquet furniture and equipment.
Use banquet carts, dollies, and other equipment properly and safely.
Follow proper lifting techniques and request assistance when moving oversized or heavy equipment.
Never block emergency exits, fire extinguishers, electrical panels, hallways, or other required access points.
Follow all hotel safety, sanitation, security, and loss-prevention procedures.
Report accidents, injuries, damaged equipment, and unsafe conditions immediately.
Handle hotel equipment carefully to prevent unnecessary damage and financial loss.
Maintain consistent communication with Banquet Leadership regarding room status, completed setups, outstanding needs, and potential delays.
Work collaboratively with Banquet Servers, Culinary, Stewarding, Engineering, Housekeeping, Front Office, Sales/Catering, and other departments.
Assist other banquet team members when operational needs require additional support.
Participate in pre-shift meetings and review the day's events and priorities.
Communicate respectfully and professionally with fellow team members and leaders.
Support a culture of accountability, teamwork, urgency, and hospitality.
Accept coaching and direction and make immediate adjustments when expectations are clarified.
Review assigned BEO requirements and ensuring the physical room setup matches those requirements.
Escalate to Banquet Leadership when clarification is needed.