Catering Conference Services Manager

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation•Sonesta Fort Lauderdale, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

At Sonesta, exceptional meetings and events are built on thoughtful planning, seamless execution, and unforgettable hospitality. As the Convention Services Manager, you’ll help bring conferences, meetings, and special events to life by serving as the key connection between clients and hotel operations. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys balancing event planning, client relationships, operational coordination, and guest experience. You’ll oversee group event details from contract turnover through execution while partnering closely with Sales, Banquets, Culinary, Food & Beverage, and Operations teams to ensure flawless event delivery. If you’re organized, service-driven, and passionate about hospitality and events — we’d love to meet you.

Requirements

Previous convention services, catering, banquet, event planning, hotel, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of group events, banquet operations, catering coordination, BEO management, and hospitality service standards.
Excellent communication, organization, multitasking, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
Strong attention to detail with a focus on operational execution and guest experience.
Experience using Delphi, catering software, CRM systems, PMS systems, or hotel event platforms preferred.
Strong problem-solving and service recovery skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and support operational teamwork.
Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, holidays, and event support as needed.
A passion for hospitality, guest engagement, teamwork, and creating exceptional event experiences.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage meetings, conferences, corporate events, and group functions from turnover through post-event follow-up.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the event planning and execution process.
Lead planning calls, site visits, event meetings, and operational walkthroughs to ensure all event details are communicated clearly and executed successfully.
Prepare and manage banquet event orders (BEOs), event timelines, room setups, catering details, audiovisual needs, and group requirements.
Partner closely with Banquets, Culinary, Food & Beverage, Sales, Front Office, Housekeeping, and hotel leadership teams to support seamless event execution.
Monitor event operations on-site to ensure exceptional guest experiences and resolve operational concerns quickly and professionally.
Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, meeting planners, and operational partners throughout the event lifecycle.
Support upselling opportunities, event enhancements, and guest experience initiatives designed to maximize client satisfaction and revenue performance.
Manage group room blocks, VIP arrangements, billing coordination, and operational communication for assigned events.
Maintain accurate event documentation, operational reports, client communication, and system updates within hotel sales and catering platforms.
Help create memorable event experiences aligned with Sonesta’s People People culture and hospitality standards.
Any other duties as assigned.