Conference and Events Manager

IHG•Chicago, IL

10h•$33 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

This role is accountable for coordinating assigned special events, meetings, or galas in conjunction with catering and conference service/banquet facilities. The position involves negotiating prices, managing client relationships, and ensuring seamless event execution. Key responsibilities include up-selling, managing function space, assisting with departmental budgets, coordinating with various hotel departments, and ensuring client satisfaction from initial contact through post-event follow-up.

Requirements

Some College plus 1-2 years sales or marketing related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.
Must speak fluent English.
Frequently standing up or moving within and outside of the facility.
Carrying or lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Handling objects.
Bending, stooping, kneeling.
Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.
Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with others; demonstrated ability to interact with guests, employees and third parties that reflects highly on the hotel, the brand and the Company.
Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when completing paperwork and management reports, interpreting results, and giving and receiving instructions.
Mathematical skills, including basic math, budgeting, profit/loss concepts, percentages, and variances are utilized frequently.
Problem solving, reasoning, motivating, organizational and training abilities are used often.
Ability to travel to attend workshops, tradeshows, conventions, etc.
May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
Alcohol awareness certification and/or food service permit or valid health/food handler card as required by local or state government agency.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of hotel sales and/or catering preferred.

Responsibilities

Negotiate food and beverage prices, function space, and hotel services within approved departmental booking guidelines.
Confirm in writing to the client and all affected hotel departments all group requirements via catering contract terms, addendums, confirmation of pricing, group resumes, and/or banquet event order.
Work with catering staff to service and solicit new business.
Up-sell client events and manage function space and room block inventory as assigned.
Assist in the preparation of the departmental budget and implementation of the hotel’s catering and conference strategy.
May assist in developing and implement sales action plans as assigned.
May also participate in the annual budgeting and planning process.
Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.
Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.
Interact with outside contacts: Guests, meeting planners, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies, etc., to ensure repeat business, follow up on events, and generate new business.
As needed, assist the client in menu planning, food and beverage coordination, table arrangements, decorations, traffic flow, room set-up, group room blocks and VIP services, etc.
Welcome group contact upon arrival at function and ensure guest satisfaction.
Follow up with clients regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfaction and secure future bookings.
Monitor and ensure all functions are set up, refreshed, and broken down in compliance with scheduled times and departmental procedures.
Work in a timely manner to execute and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO) and contracts as designated by sales.
Facilitate tastings, along with conduct hotel and banquet facility tours and entertain qualified clients in accordance with company and property policies.
Maintain client files and update information daily in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.
Review daily postings of charges to master accounts of clients and resolve any discrepancies, or process necessary adjustments.
Review final bill prior to presenting to client.
Complete post-conference reports of events for senior management, and complete other reports as needed or requested.
Report and communicate Meeting event needs between the client and hotel.
Prepare and distribute amenity request forms for specified clients.
Obtain designated approvals and follow-up on delivery.
Check function room set-ups prior to guest arrival, ensuring all details are in agreement with client’s requirements and hotel standards.
Ensure deficiencies are corrected by appropriate personnel.
May perform other duties as assigned.