Event Manager

The Event Manager acts as liaison between the customer and the hotel by directing each department within the hotel as to their specific role in the on-site convention. Prepares all event documentation and coordinates with the sales team and all other effected hotel departments.  Strives to consistently ensure the high level of customer service throughout the pre-event, event and post event phases of hotel events; handles events of all complexity.  Ensures all events have a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales.  The Event Manager functions as the property expert in: Event Management including Event Planning, Event Service and Event Technology.  The Event Manager recognizes opportunities to maximize revenue opportunities by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events.  This position displays leadership in guest hospitality and ensures products and services sold to guests exceed their expectations, create loyalty and leads to increased market share.  The Event Manager assists the Sales Team in ensuring they meet the brand’s customer needs, ensures team member satisfaction, focuses on growing event revenues and maximizes the financial performance of the department. 

Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance (full-time employees

• Paid Time Off (full-time and part-time employees)

• 401K plan with company match (full-time and part-time employees)

• Hotel discounts (full-time and part-time employees)

• Paid holidays (full-time employees)

• Early access to earned wages

• Company paid life insurance

• Company paid accident insurance

• Company paid hospital indemnity insurance

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of menu planning, food presentation and banquet and event service operations
• Knowledge of event technology products and services
• Knowledge of food trends, food and beverage composition and menu planning
• Knowledge of food and beverage forecasting and attrition (Catering focused)
• Knowledge of group room forecasting and attrition (Group Room focused)
• Knowledge of need time strategy as developed by Revenue Management
• Knowledge of current trends in event management and event technology and ability to determine applicability to customer and integrate into the operation as appropriate
• Ensures that regular, ongoing communication is happening in all areas of event operations (e.g., BEO meetings, pre-event briefings, staff meetings, front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage team, culinary team).  Continually communicates a clear and consistent message regarding departmental goals to produce desired results.
• Manages and executes the terms of the contract for the group/convention/program as outlined by the Sales Manager and per Hotel standards
• Maximizes food, beverage and auxiliary revenues by selling menus, themes and experiences/activities
• Communicates all details of assigned groups/conventions/weddings/programs to all departments in a professional, thorough and timely manner by using Convention and Social Group Resumes, Banquet Event Orders and internal correspondence effectively
• Establishes close working relationships with clients and Hotel team members
• Efficiently reserves and utilizes function space to maximize revenues while minimizing space consumption
• Facilitates pre-conference meetings with clients and key hotel staff
• Natural ability to be creative when executing the client’s vision while maximizing revenue
• Works closely with the client and hotel departments throughout the duration of assigned groups/conventions/programs by being available to assist the client and provide information to hotel departments at the appropriate times
• Maintains a high level of service by continually providing accurate and timely information and feedback to all supporting departments
• Adheres to all standards and procedures as outlined by hotel.
• Maintains the integrity of Sales & Catering at all times
• Ability to manage guest room and meeting space inventories
• Manages group room blocks and is in continuous contact with group contact regarding group room pick-up for assigned groups.
• Solves problems and/or suggest alternatives to previous arrangements if necessary.
• Performs additional duties and projects as assigned

Required Skills and Experience 

• Minimum of two (2) years event management experience
• Strong culinary and beverage knowledge
• Knowledge and understanding of the Hotel guest room inventory
• Proven ability to plan and organize events effectively, with an acute sense of detail
• Assertive, professional and positive approach with a proven ability to develop and lead in a team environment
• Understanding of computers and applications with a strong working knowledge of Sales & Catering, MS Word, MS Outlook, MS Excel, Consolidated Inventory Total Yield (CI/TY)  
• Ability to work independently and maintain a positive attitude within a busy environment
• Proven leadership and staff development skills with good decision making ability
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

SMI Hotel Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.