Executive Meeting Manager

Sonesta Nashville Airport, TN•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Executive Meetings Manager (EMM), position will handle all small meeting bookings using 10 to 30 rooms on peak night, in corporate and association markets. The EMM will handle sales and services function via telephone and email along with traditional methods such as fax and US Mail. Aggressive mentality and multitasking are key to daily routine. Ability to honor tight deadlines is a must while soliciting group business for the hotel. Maximize profits of the hotel through creative and selective selling. Work closely with the Sales, Catering, AV, Banquets, Front Office and Food/Beverage departments to handle all client or event needs from the beginning to the end including but not limited to guestroom accommodations, amenities, VIP arrangements, rooming list, arrival/departure patterns, payment methods, vendors, organization of shipment, transportation, on/off site activities, transportation, menus and all other F/B needs, AV requirements, etc., and any additional tasks as deemed necessary by the Director of Sales and Marketing. The principal role of this position is to generate revenues in the “meetings” market by handling all small meeting inquiries, prospecting and soliciting both new and repeat clients. To be the primary liaison with the hotel operations team and provide consistent feedback with key departments to ensure client success.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent vocational training certificate.
1-3 years' experience in Hospitality and or Hospitality Sales with proven track record of dealing with convention clients and/or booking and servicing business.
Strong background in selling and/or servicing groups needing Rooms or Rooms and Catering.
Knowledge of Front Office, Meeting Rooms, A/V and some knowledge of sales techniques is a plus.
Experience in dealing with ALL market segments.
Ability to maintain consistent verbal and written communication with clients.
Must be able to work effectively with Rooms Operations and Banquet Services.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Working knowledge of Delphi and BEO's ideal.
Must have reliable transportation and possess a valid driver's license.
This position is bonus-eligible.
Perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy.
Prioritize, organize and follow up.
Be a clear thinker, remaining calm in resolving problems using good judgment.
Follow directions thoroughly.
Understand guests’ needs.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Adhere to Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston grooming standards.
Uphold and exemplify G.U.E.S.T. People Standards
Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team.
Work with minimal supervision.
Maintain confidentiality of guest and associates information and pertinent hotel data.
Ascertain departmental training needs and provide such training.
Direct development and performance of staff; follow up with corrections when needed.
Work well under pressure of organizing and attaining production schedules and
Timelines.
Give credit and highlight others’ success.
Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental, divisional, and hotel policies, procedures, and standards. Be familiar with all Hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately.
Meet or exceed assigned monthly booking quota in the assigned market.
Assist in achieving or exceeding budgeted goals in sales, profit and occupancy for the total hotel operation.
Maintain positive working relationships with the Nashville Convention and Visitor’s Corporation and the Convention Center staffs, as well as all lead sources.
Qualification and solicitation of existing and new accounts through:

Nice To Haves

College degree.
Knowledge in a second language.
Certification in CPR and First Aid.
Previous guest relations training and experience

Responsibilities

Respond to leads and solicit past business
Develop proposals, contracts and BEO’s
Handle site inspections for prospective clients
Be available on site for client arrivals, meetings and events
Aggressively pursue new accounts on a weekly basis
Actively participate in industry-related organizations
Personal visits
Telephone calls
Written correspondence
Participation in promotional events
Participation in industry and community events, as well as trade shows
Promptly respond (within 12 hours) to all inquiries, prospects, and tentative or definite business
Interact with customers during meetings or conventions on the property through: Personal welcome Periodic contact Exit interview for referrals Participation in pre and post-convention meetings
Regular contact with future definite meetings.
Be able to enter and retrieve all appropriate information from the Delphi System.
Maximize occupancy and average rate of hotel through creative and selective selling.
Accurately report the month-end, year-to –date room night and revenue accounts to Corporate Executive members, for revenue increasing opportunities and possible action plans.
Maintain accurate Delphi computer information on all new and ongoing leads and accounts, including solicitation efforts.
Any other duties reasonably assigned by the supervisor.