Convention Service Manager

Sonesta Hotels•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Convention Services Manager sets the tone for Sonesta’s Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team. The Convention Services Manager is responsible for coordinating meetings, conventions and other special events that are booked through the sales department. The Convention Services Manager synchronizes the needs of the group contact planning the event and the staff of the hotel to effectively execute the event function. The ideal candidate has a passion for building and motivating teams that achieve results. Sonesta managers are guest-focused (both internal and external) and achievement-oriented leaders.

Requirements

2 years of hotel-related sales experience required.
High school degree or equivalent required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Must be able work in a fast-paced environment.
Most work tasks are performed indoors.
Ability to carry, lift or pull items weighing up to 50lbs and pushing and / or pulling approximately 200lbs.
The person in this role will be frequently standing up, bending, climbing, kneeling and moving about the hotel.

Nice To Haves

Hotel events, sales and/or conference services experience is preferred.
Bachelor's Degree preferred
1 year of catering sales experience in a 4-Diamond hotel with 8,000+sqft of function space is preferred
Delphi FDC and Opera PMS experience a plus

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 sales contract terms, addendums, confirmation of pricing, group resumes, and/or banquet event order.
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.
Work with sales staff to service and solicit new business.
Up-sell client events and manage function space and room block inventory as assigned.
Work closely with other hotel departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.
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.
Welcome group contact upon arrival at function and ensure guest satisfaction.
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 executive and distribute all Banquet Event Orders (BEO) and contracts as designated by sales.
Conduct hotel and banquet facility tours and entertain qualified clients in accordance with company and property policies.
Follow up with clients regularly during and after departure to ensure satisfaction and secure future bookings.
Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with all hotel departments.
Interact with outside contacts: Guests – to ensure their total satisfaction, Airlines, wholesalers, corporate accounts, travel agencies, ad agencies, etc. – to ensure repeat business, follow up on events, and generate new business, Other contacts as needed (Professional organizations, community groups).
May perform other duties as assigned.