Catering Conference Services Manager

Sonesta Hotels; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company M​

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Parental Leave

Hotel Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels in Fort Lauderdale is seeking a Convention Services Manager to coordinate conferences, meetings, and events from turnover to execution, partnering with Sales, Banquets, Culinary, Food & Beverage, and Operations to deliver flawless event delivery.

This fast-paced role rewards organized, service-driven professionals who excel at multi-event coordination, client relationships, and on-site leadership to ensure guest satisfaction and revenue growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in convention services or events is preferred.
• Knowledge of BEO management and catering coordination is a plus.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Familiarity with hotel software and event platforms is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage meetings, conferences, and group events from turnover through post-event follow-up.
• Serve as the primary client contact during planning and execution.
• Lead calls, site visits, and walkthroughs to ensure all details are communicated and executed.
• Prepare and manage BEOs, timelines, room setups, catering, AV, and group requirements.
• Collaborate with Banquets, Culinary, F&B, Sales, Front Office, Housekeeping, and leadership for seamless execution.
• Monitor on-site operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences and quick issue resolution.
• Maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and meeting planners throughout the lifecycle.
• Support upselling opportunities and guest experience initiatives to maximize revenue.
• Manage group room blocks, VIPs, billing, and communications for events.
• Maintain event documentation and system updates in sales and catering platforms.

Skills

Event planning

Client relationships

Communication

Organization

Multitasking

Tools

Delphi

CRM systems

PMS systems

Catering software

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'll 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.