Convention Services Lead: Meetings & Banquets

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company 
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Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation in New Orleans seeks a Convention Services Manager to drive flawless banquet and catering events, coordinating with Sales and hotel departments to meet guest expectations and financial goals.

The role emphasizes block management, contract review, BEO distribution, and upselling to maximize hotel revenue while delivering exceptional hospitality across events and meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of sales/catering experience in a hotel with at least 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
• Experienced in client negotiation, (upselling, enforcing deadlines, reviewing room blocks) Deep understanding of Corporate and Association group markets.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in sales systems (e.g., Delphi.fdc) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional presence and ability to represent the hotel brand with authenticity and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strong client relations and ensure that convention specifications are communicated and executed in a timely and accurate manner for a successful meeting experience for the meeting planner and attendees.
• Monitor and manage room blocks according to contract utilizing group history reports and information given by clients to maximize hotel revenue, adjusting Room Blocks as necessary.
• Review sales contracts as well as other important information, i.e., room block, cutoff date, special concessions, and attrition clauses and validate with client via turnover letter.
• Monitor program deadline dates and work with clients to release meeting space not needed to maximize hotel revenues.
• Produce and distribute convention resume according to departmental standards prior to the first day of main group arrival and communicate any changes and updated information to hotel departments.
• Distribute BEOs for group and affiliates 10 - 14 days prior to events, and/or according to departmental standards.
• Accurately forecast group rooms and group food and beverage revenues for assigned groups and affiliate business.
• Upsell all bookings per group assigned.
• Drive Banquet and Catering Revenues to achieve departmental goals.
• Check sleeping room and suite block, special room concessions and rates as outlined in contract with group reservations agents, as well as updating group reservations agents with any changes.
• Verify credit information submitted in account management software system at point of turnover, to include estimated amount of billing, billing type, and appropriate contact and update information as necessary until departure.
• Participate in site visits and plan meetings for upcoming groups and potential affiliate business.
• Participate in Pre/Post Convention meetings and review bill with client.
• Serve on-site group and catering clients and respond to questions about the event including, but not limited to, group room blocks, food and beverage, the function space, ancillary and vendor services, affiliates/exhibitors and related billing processes.
• Monitor and assess service and satisfaction trends, evaluate and address issues and make improvements accordingly.
• Respond to guest inquiries and special requests and resolve issues and concerns in a timely, friendly and efficient manner.
• Prepare reports, correspondence and analysis related to group activity.
• Lead, facilitate and participate in meetings, as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
• The employee is expected to work in other areas of the hotel when needed to assist operations to perform job duties not necessarily contained in this job description.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Organizational skills

Upselling

Relationship management

Sales experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business, or related field

Tools

Delphi.fdc

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation in New Orleans seeks a Convention Services Manager to drive flawless banquet and catering events, coordinating with Sales and hotel departments to meet guest expectations and financial goals.

The role emphasizes block management, contract review, BEO distribution, and upselling to maximize hotel revenue while delivering exceptional hospitality across events and meetings.