Provide overall direction, coordination, and ongoing evaluation of operations of group, catering, or in-house events. Ensure that events progress seamlessly by following established procedures and by collaborating with other employees/departments to ensure accuracy and smooth turnover from sales to service back to sales. Serves as liaison between the sales manager and client throughout the event process. Ensure each function set-up meets with client expectations through effective follow-up meetings and communications with appropriate staff members. Conduct on-site inspections. Responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property departments and clients to ensure consistent, high level service throughout pre-event, event and post-event phases of property events. Generate resumes, addendums, menus, Event Orders (EOs), sleeping room blocks as necessary. Create, review and revise rooming lists, VIP lists and Marriott Rewarding Events Program. Follow-up on turnover within 24 hours via telephone and within 3 days with written correspondence. Keep a pulse on attendee pick up, manage group room blocks where applicable and keep clients apprised of potential attrition and accurately maintain meeting space inventories. Understanding of group and catering forecasting, hotel revenue strategy, meeting room set-up types and capabilities, and sleeping room configurations and types. Knowledge in event technology (A/V) products, sales and services as well as F&B to assist client with menu planning and room set-up while working within the client budget. Ensure method of payment, credit card and or billing policies and procedures are upheld. Work with outside vendors to ensure client satisfaction for all events/groups. Leads pre- and post-con meetings to review/communicate group needs and feedback. Facilitates various meetings (Banquet Event Order meeting, block review, etc). Recognize opportunities to maximize revenue by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events. Knowledge of sales techniques in order to propose up-sell ideas to clients. Solicit new and existing accounts to meet and exceed revenue goals through telephone prospecting, outside sales calls, site inspections and written communication. Respond to customer trends, needs, issues, comments and problems to ensure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.
