Event Planning Manager

FORTH Hotel and Club•Atlanta, GA

22h

About The Position

Conference Services Manager acts a liaison between the customer and hotel sales person to provide direction and supervision during execution of meeting and banquet functions or event. Will be available to customers during event to solve problems and suggest alternatives to previous arrangements. They will directly serve group and catering customers in a proactive manner working with the logistics of group room blocks, food and beverage, public meeting space, and billing processes. Will play an important role in the achievement of re-booking group business for future dates while demonstrating effective upsell skills to obtain maximum profit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and/or 2+ years of hotel sales experience.
1 year food and beverage experience.
Strong understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts.
Developed business communication skills, both written and verbal.
Understanding/knowledge of Microsoft office.
Confident and professional appearance.
Proactive approach, assertive and fast paced, driven to succeed.
Execute and support Hotel Customer Service Standards and Hotel’s Brand Standards.
Work well under pressure.
Time management skills. Being able to work on multiple projects with desired outcome for each.
Ability to communicate effectively with public and other employees.
Creativity in designing events.
Working knowledge of banquet department (sets, AV equipment, scheduling, menu planning).
Ability to design menus in conjunction with the culinary department to maximize operating profit.

Nice To Haves

Experience with major Hospitality Sales CRM system, i.e. Delphi, Daylight and/or brand CRM such as Marriott CI/TY or Starwood ISAC is preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze requirement of function, outline available hotel facilities and services offered and quote pricing.
Confer with guest and hotel department heads to plan function details, such as space requirements, publicity, time schedule, food service and decorations.
Communicate accurately to operations the details needed to satisfy the contract and client needs.
Prepare for and attend all applicable pre-cons and post-cons.
Arrange for VIP amenities to be delivered.
Check on functions regularly as they are being executed for groups.
Prepare and send advance brochures/menus to prospective customers.
Prepare and receive cash deposits, billing and payments.
Sell liquor in accordance with state liquor laws.
Work with Executive Chef in menu planning to maximize revenue based on customer budget.
Work with group sales on menu planning in order to maximize food and beverage revenues from groups.
Execute guarantee and cut-off policies.
Create, review and revise rooming lists and VIP lists.
Prepare letters, proposals, BEO’s, thank-you notes, etc.
Pre-check room setups, prior to arrival of the group.
Know meeting room set-ups and capabilities.
Know sleeping room configurations and types.
Manage the function book and adjust space in order to ensure maximum potential revenue.
Follow up on all turn-overs within 24 hours via telephone and within 3 days with written correspondence.
Respond to requests by Meeting Planners immediately.
Maintain price integrity both in rooms and food and beverage.
Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.
Participate in training, trade shows, field trips and community, industry and professional organizations to maintain high visibility in support of the achievement of sales and revenue goals.
Davidson Lead Referral Program. Actively seek business opportunities for other company-managed hotels.
Meet or exceed goals set by the DOS, DOC and/or DOCS.
Responsible for increasing overall revenue per attendee via aggressive upselling techniques, rooms management strategies, value added offerings and other creative methods.
Relay accurate forecasting information for rolling forecast.
Promote employee empowerment.
Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics, which inspire employees.
Report all unsafe conditions immediately.
Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor to include cross training.