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Conference Services Manager
Benchmark
Itasca, IL, United States
Job Details - this job has expired, please see similar jobs below
Benchmark’s company culture is central to our management philosophy. The company’s stated purpose is “to provide an entrepreneurial environment where determined people dare to create, share, and build futures.
To be the “benchmark” by which all others are judged takes passion, courage, and dedication. We invite you to explore our extraordinary offering of unique opportunities, all with a common goal of providing an unforgettable journey.
Job Description Summary:
POSITION PURPOSE: The Conference Planner is responsible for coordinating and supervising assigned group business after it is booked by the sales department and through the completion of the event or function, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels.
Job Description:
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
• Effectively plan and support meetings/events held at the Conference Center.
• Maintain close contact with clients during the planning process to determine set-ups, numbers attending, types of audio visual/technology required, meal arrangements, times, and any special needs.
• Act as a liaison between the client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business.
• Develop alternative approaches to meet client needs while maintaining profit guidelines.
• Continually market ideas and services during the planning process to promote business.
• Collects accurate client information through-out the planning process.
• Maintains extensive knowledge of the meeting and client requirements including conversations occurring between the clients and other service areas.
• Have comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the Conference Center; guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audio visual / technology, accounting, restaurants, catering, etc.
• Interface with internal departments to ensure client needs/issues are meet and /or resolved in a timely manner.
• Consistently communicate client/meeting information to operational areas in an accurate and timely manner.
• Continually look for new and better ways to service groups and internal departments.
• Maintains extensive knowledge of the Conference Center and the meeting rooms. To include, meeting room capacities, technology/equipment, etc.
• Consider the capacities of all meeting rooms and work with the sales team to ensure the rooms are used appropriately.
• Assumes responsibility of a file within a required time frame.
• Is available to the client during the meeting/event, including weekends, early mornings and evenings as needed.
• Uses specified department or Conference Center technology to successfully perform job functions.
• Ensures all billing is accurately completed.
Other:
• Adheres to department/overall center standards.
• Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by MeriStar from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of the position. Employees with irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
• Upon employment, all employees are required to fully comply with MeriStar rules and regulations for the safe and efficient operation of hotel facilities. Employees who violate Conference Center rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that she/he can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
• Sophisticated verbal skills; conscientious interest in problem-solving and initiative, creativ8ity and determination to evolve successful solutions.
• Must be a positive team player in a challenging and changing environment; includes working with and depending on a broad range and levels of personnel.
• High energy, versatile and multi task oriented.
• Possesses good analytical and organizational skills.
• Exhibits strong attention to detail, strong focus and good sense of priorities.
• Excellent written communication skills with the required skills to provide professional proofing and editing.
• Computer literate, knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel a plus.
• Knowledge of Delphi property management a plus.
• Ability to work varying hours to include early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Ability to effectively deal with guests, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger and collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.
• Must be a team player
• Must communicate with co-workers and guests in a positive manner.
• Must greet guests in a professional and friendly manner.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
Education:
A four year college degree is a plus
Experience:
At least three years of experience in a Conference Center or related field.
Equal Opportunity Employer
M/F/DV