Catering Conference Services Manager

Sonesta Hotels International Corporation; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account with Company MT

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company MT

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Paid Parental Leave

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term DI

Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness &

Disability Insurance

Educational Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels in Fort Lauderdale seeks a Convention Services Manager to connect clients with hotel operations and oversee events from turnover to execution. You will coordinate meetings, conferences, and group functions, guiding planning calls, site visits, and on-site walkthroughs to deliver seamless experiences.

You will collaborate with Banquets, Culinary, F&B, Sales, Front Office, and Housekeeping to ensure flawless event delivery, manage BEOs and timelines, and nurture client

Qualifications

• Experience in convention services, catering, or banquet operations.
• Strong communication and organization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events in a fast-paced hotel setting.
• Familiarity with Delphi, catering software, CRM/PMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage meetings, conferences, and group functions from turnover through post-event follow-up.
• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the event planning and execution.
• Lead planning calls, site visits, and operational walkthroughs to ensure details are communicated clearly and executed successfully.
• Prepare and manage banquet event orders (BEOs), event timelines, room setups, catering details, audiovisual needs, and group requirements.
• Partner with Banquets, Culinary, F&B, Sales, Front Office, Housekeeping, and leadership teams to support seamless execution.
• Monitor event operations on-site to ensure guest experiences and resolve operational concerns promptly.
• Maintain relationships with clients, vendors, meeting planners, and partners throughout the event lifecycle.
• Support upselling opportunities, event enhancements, and guest experience initiatives.
• Manage group room blocks, VIP arrangements, billing coordination, and operational communication for assigned events.
• Maintain accurate event documentation, operational reports, client communication, and system updates within hotel sales and catering platforms.
• Help create memorable event experiences aligned with Sonesta's People People culture and hospitality standards.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Skills

Convention services

Catering coordination

Banquet operations

Hospitality service standards

Communication

Organization

Multitasking

Relationship-building

Guest experience focus

Tools

Delphi

Job description

We're People People. Are you?

We're Sonesta International Hotels-the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here's the thing-we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect-delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

At Sonesta, exceptional meetings and events are built on thoughtful planning, seamless execution, and unforgettable hospitality. As the Convention Services Manager, you'll help bring conferences, meetings, and special events to life by serving as the key connection between clients and hotel operations.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys balancing event planning, client relationships, operational coordination, and guest experience. You'll oversee group event details from contract turnover through execution while partnering closely with Sales, Banquets, Culinary, Food & Beverage, and Operations teams to ensure flawless event delivery.

If you're organized, service-driven, and passionate about hospitality and events - we'd love to meet you.

What you'll be doing

• Coordinate and manage meetings, conferences, corporate events, and group functions from turnover through post-event follow-up.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the event planning and execution process.
• Lead planning calls, site visits, event meetings, and operational walkthroughs to ensure all event details are communicated clearly and executed successfully.
• Prepare and manage banquet event orders (BEOs), event timelines, room setups, catering details, audiovisual needs, and group requirements.
• Partner closely with Banquets, Culinary, Food & Beverage, Sales, Front Office, Housekeeping, and hotel leadership teams to support seamless event execution.
• Monitor event operations on-site to ensure exceptional guest experiences and resolve operational concerns quickly and professionally.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, meeting planners, and operational partners throughout the event lifecycle.
• Support upselling opportunities, event enhancements, and guest experience initiatives designed to maximize client satisfaction and revenue performance.
• Manage group room blocks, VIP arrangements, billing coordination, and operational communication for assigned events.
• Maintain accurate event documentation, operational reports, client communication, and system updates within hotel sales and catering platforms.
• Help create memorable event experiences aligned with Sonesta's People People culture and hospitality standards.
• Any other duties as assigned.

What great looks like

• Previous convention services, catering, banquet, event planning, hotel, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of group events, banquet operations, catering coordination, BEO management, and hospitality service standards.
• Excellent communication, organization, multitasking, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on operational execution and guest experience.
• Experience using Delphi, catering software, CRM systems, PMS systems, or hotel event platforms preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and service recovery skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and support operational teamwork.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, holidays, and event support as needed.
• A passion for hospitality, guest engagement, teamwork, and creating exceptional event experiences.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

Here's a snapshot of what we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Vacation & Sick Time

• Paid Parental Leave

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance

• Educational Assistance

• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you'll want to use these)

• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.