Conference Event Manager

Marriott•Spartanburg, SC

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Conference Services Manager is responsible for coordinating and supervising assigned group business after it is booked by the sales and catering department, and through completion of the event or function, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels. The Event Manager is also responsible for acting as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business. Manage sales and catering accounts to achieve maximum guest satisfaction. Report to Director of Sales and Marketing.

Requirements

Knowledge of various food service styles (i.e., ethnic weddings, and butler style service).
Knowledge of menu development / familiarity with food and beverage cost control.
Two or four year degree from a college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong computer skills including excellent knowledge of Word and Excel software programs.
Proficiency in one or more of the following systems: Marriott CI/TY.
Perform job functions with attention to detail, accuracy and speed to meet deadlines.
Multi-task prioritizes, organize, delegate work and follow through.
Analyze and resolve problems.
Ability to plan and develop procedures on all sales programs.
Must be able to work extended hours including weekends and holidays.
Keep current in event management trends.
Attend community events and industry meetings.
Knowledge of market trends, competition and key customers of the hotel.
Proficiency in the English language both written and verbal.
Make sound judgments quickly
Work on multiple tasks, making appropriate progress towards deadlines
Able to work independently, take direction and provide direction to others
Manage differing personalities within the office, the hotel and the community
Maintain the highest degree of confidentiality
Ability to work effectively in stressful, high pressure situations
Ability to effectively handle challenges in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary

Responsibilities

Provide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations of group, catering, or in-house events.
Ensure that events progress seamlessly by following established procedures and by collaborating with other employees/departments to ensure accuracy and smooth turnover from sales to service back to sales.
Serves as liaison between the sales manager and client throughout the event process.
Ensure each function set-up meets with client expectations through effective follow-up meetings and communications with appropriate staff members.
Conduct on-site inspections.
Responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property departments and clients to ensure consistent, high level service throughout pre-event, event and post-event phases of property events.
Generate resumes, addendums, menus, Event Orders (EOs), sleeping room blocks as necessary.
Create, review and revise rooming lists, VIP lists and Marriott Rewarding Events Program.
Follow-up on turnover within 24 hours via telephone and within 3 days with written correspondence.
Keep a pulse on attendee pick up, manage group room blocks where applicable and keep clients apprised of potential attrition and accurately maintain meeting space inventories.
Understanding of group and catering forecasting, hotel revenue strategy, meeting room set-up types and capabilities, and sleeping room configurations and types.
Knowledge in event technology (A/V) products, sales and services as well as F&B to assist client with menu planning and room set-up while working within the client budget.
Ensure method of payment, credit card and or billing policies and procedures are upheld.
Work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups.
Leads pre- and post-con meetings to review/communicate group needs and feedback.
Facilitates various meetings (Banquet Event Order meeting, block review, etc).
Recognize opportunities to maximize revenue by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events.
Knowledge of sales techniques in order to propose up-sell ideas to clients.
Solicit new and existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals through telephone prospecting, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication.
Respond to customer trends, needs, issues, comments and problems to ensure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.