Convention Services Manager

Sonesta Hotels•New Orleans, LA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Convention Services Manager is responsible for ensuring the successful execution of banquet and catering events in the hotel's continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service and financial profitability. Manage, coordinate, and execute group assignments turned over by the Sales Department. Monitor all contractual agreements pertaining to guest room blocks, meeting space, food and beverage and special concessions. Effectively communicate to all hotel departments the information necessary to successfully execute the group's needs and manage expectations while maintaining a good client relationship. Able to negotiate banquet/catering (Food/Beverage/AV/Ancillary Revenues) sales to meet / exceed departmental revenue goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business, or related field preferred.
Minimum 5 years of sales/catering experience in a hotel with at least 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Experienced in client negotiation, (upselling, enforcing deadlines, reviewing room blocks)
Deep understanding of Corporate and Association group markets.
Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency in sales systems (e.g., Delphi.fdc) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Professional presence and ability to represent the hotel brand with authenticity and integrity.

Nice To Haves

Results-driven with a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset.
Relationship-focused with a strong customer-service orientation.
Strategic thinker who can balance short-term wins with long-term growth.
Collaborative team player with leadership qualities.
The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator both within the hotel and with an outside clientele.

Responsibilities

Maintain strong client relations and ensure that convention specifications are communicated and executed in a timely and accurate manner for a successful meeting experience for the meeting planner and attendees.
Monitor and manage room blocks according to contract utilizing group history reports and information given by clients to maximize hotel revenue, adjusting Room Blocks as necessary.
Review sales contracts as well as other important information, i.e., room block, cutoff date, special concessions, and attrition clauses and validate with client via turnover letter.
Monitor program deadline dates and work with clients to release meeting space not needed to maximize hotel revenues.
Produce and distribute convention resume according to departmental standards prior to the first day of main group arrival and communicate any changes and updated information to hotel departments.
Distribute BEOs for group and affiliates 10 - 14 days prior to events, and/or according to departmental standards.
Accurately forecast group rooms and group food and beverage revenues for assigned groups and affiliate business. Upsell all bookings per group assigned. Drive Banquet and Catering Revenues to achieve departmental goals.
Check sleeping room and suite block, special room concessions and rates as outlined in contract with group reservations agents, as well as updating group reservations agents with any changes. Verify credit information submitted in account management software system at point of turnover, to include estimated amount of billing, billing type, and appropriate contact and update information as necessary until departure.
Participate in site visits and plan meetings for upcoming groups and potential affiliate business. Participate in Pre/Post Convention meetings and review bill with client.
Serve on-site group and catering clients and respond to questions about the event including, but not limited to, group room blocks, food and beverage, the function space, ancillary and vendor services, affiliates/exhibitors and related billing processes
Monitor and assess service and satisfaction trends, evaluate and address issues and make improvements accordingly
Respond to guest inquiries and special requests and resolve issues and concerns in a timely, friendly and efficient manner
Prepare reports, correspondence and analysis related to group activity
Lead, facilitate and participate in meetings, as needed
Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The employee is expected to work in other areas of the hotel when needed to assist operations to perform job duties not necessarily contained in this job description.