Sr. Event Services Manager

Sonesta Hotels•Washington, DC

12d•$43 - $44

About The Position

The Sr. Event Services primarily responsible for gathering the details for Corporate Catering events and Groups with Banquet from the client, assimilating the information into standard documents and disseminating the information to all departments efficiently and effectively. This position acts as the liaison between the group's meeting planner and the hotel staff. Responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service while working with clients, booking new and repeat business, administering the sales agreement, detailing all food, beverage and A/V needs, managing room blocks and pick up, billing instructions and final review. The Sr. Event Services Manager needs to have excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask effectively.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to three years related experience and/or training with two years in a senior role; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to author routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions offered in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Delphi, MICROS, Room Viewer Database software; Microsoft Outlook Internet software; Microsoft EXCEL Spreadsheet software and Microsoft Word Processing software.
Must be available for flexible shifts including nights, weekends, holidays.

Nice To Haves

CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) a plus

Responsibilities

Event Planning and Execution Act as the central point of communication between clients and all hotel teams (Culinary, Banquets, AV, Engineering, Front Office, Housekeeping, Accounting) to guarantee smooth event coordination and seamless execution.
Oversee a diverse lineup of events—including corporate and government meetings, galas, and corporate social gatherings—while delivering exceptional service and attention to detail.
Conduct detailed client consultations to confirm event objectives, guest room needs, meeting room setups, timelines, menus, and audiovisual needs.
Monitor Convention Groups Room Requirements to ensure all convention attendees receive commitments made in the hotels’ agreements.
Create, update, and distribute Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and Group Resumes with absolute accuracy, ensuring all details (room setups, F&B requirements, timing, billing, and guarantees) are current and verified with all departments.
Oversee all aspects of event setup and service execution, including on-site presence during major events to ensure flawless delivery.
Keep proactive open, consistent communication with clients throughout the planning process and event lifecycle to ensure satisfaction, manage updates, and strengthen ongoing partnerships.
Maintain detailed notes in the event management system for traceability and accountability.
Manage multiple versions of BEOs within deadlines, ensuring version control and consistency across departments.
Participate in weekly BEO review meetings with internal departments to share updates and confirm logistical alignment.
Event Sales Nurture strong client relationships to encourage repeat bookings and generate referrals.
Solicit new accounts, book, detail and service Identify upsell opportunities
Communication and Collaboration Collaborate closely with sales, operations, and culinary departments to enhance event quality and drive overall profitability.
Contribute to hotel-wide meetings and strategic planning discussions to ensure events support larger organizational goals.
Provide clear, professional, and timely communication to both internal teams and clients regarding approaching Cut-Off Dates, Attrition and other deliverables.
Convert detailed event requirements into straightforward, executable directives for banquet and culinary staff.
Facilitate pre-convention briefings and post-event reviews to analyze achievements, address challenges, and identify areas for improvement.
Foster strong, productive relationships with vendors, event planners, production partners, and internal stakeholders.
Handle last-minute adjustments and guest issues with tact, composure, and a high level of professionalism.
Systems & Administrative Excellence Proficiently work within a variety of hospitality software systems, such as: Delphi.fdc, Social Tables, TripleSeat, or similar CRM/event management tools Sertifi, DocuSign, or comparable brand-specific platforms
Produce precise event documentation, including event orders, contracts, billing summaries, invoices, and after-action reports.
Maintain detailed event files and digital documentation in compliance with hotel SOPs and brand standards.
Review and balance master accounts, verify accurate coding, and collaborate with Accounting to ensure prompt invoicing and payment collection.
Evaluate event financial performance and assist with forecasting, budgeting, and post-event financial analysis.
Guest Experience & Quality Assurance Consistently maintain the hotel’s hospitality standards and brand image throughout all phases of event delivery.
Proactively recognize guest needs and ensure every interaction—from check-in through departure—is smooth, elevated, and memorable.
Perform pre-event walk-throughs to verify that room setups, cleanliness, signage, and décor align with established specifications.
Gather post-event feedback to assess guest satisfaction and uncover opportunities for future business.