Banquet Houseperson (PM)

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

About the Role

The Banquet Houseperson is responsible for the setup, breakdown, cleanliness, and overall readiness of banquet and meeting spaces. This position works closely with the Banquet and Events teams to ensure function rooms are properly arranged according to event specifications and that guests receive a professional, seamless experience.

Responsibilities

• Banquet & Meeting Room Setup
  • Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), room diagrams, and instructions from Banquet Leadership to understand daily event requirements.
  • Set banquet and meeting rooms according to the specifications outlined on the BEO and approved room diagrams.
  • Properly arrange tables, chairs, linens, staging, dance floors, podiums, risers, easels, registration tables, buffet tables, water stations, and other required equipment.
  • Set rooms in various configurations, including classroom, theater, conference, boardroom, U-shape, hollow square, rounds, reception, banquet, and other customized arrangements.
  • Ensure tables and chairs are properly aligned, evenly spaced, clean, and presentable.
  • Ensure room setups meet hotel standards as well as applicable safety and fire-code requirements.
  • Confirm all required equipment and supplies are present before the event begins.
  • Complete assigned setups within established deadlines and communicate immediately if a setup cannot be completed on time.
  • Assist with last-minute room changes or additional equipment requests with urgency and professionalism.
• Event Readiness & Quality Control
  • Conduct a final review of assigned event spaces before guest arrival.
  • Ensure meeting rooms, banquet spaces, pre-function areas, hallways, and entrances are clean and free of clutter.
  • Check tables, chairs, linens, floors, walls, doors, lighting, trash receptacles, and other visible areas for cleanliness and presentation.
  • Ensure water stations and other designated meeting supplies are properly positioned and maintained.
  • Immediately report damaged furniture, equipment, fixtures, carpet, walls, lighting, or other maintenance concerns to Banquet Leadership.
  • Correct setup deficiencies immediately when identified.
  • Maintain awareness of the daily event schedule and anticipate upcoming room turns and changes.
• Room Turns & Event Transitions
  • Efficiently break down completed events and reset rooms for the next scheduled function.
  • Prioritize room turns based on event start times and instructions from Banquet Leadership.
  • Work with the banquet team to execute quick room changes while maintaining accuracy and safety.
  • Remove used linens, trash, equipment, and supplies promptly after events.
  • Return tables, chairs, staging, equipment, and other materials to their proper storage locations.
  • Ensure event spaces are not left unattended in an incomplete or unsafe condition during room transitions.
• Cleanliness & Organization
  • Maintain banquet rooms, meeting rooms, pre-function areas, banquet storage rooms, service corridors, and equipment areas in a clean and organized condition.
  • Sweep, vacuum, spot clean, mop, or otherwise prepare event spaces as needed.
  • Remove trash and debris before, during, and after events.
  • Keep banquet storage areas organized so equipment can be safely and efficiently located.
  • Properly stack and store tables, chairs, risers, staging, dance floors, and other banquet equipment.
  • Maintain clear walkways, exits, fire doors, and emergency access points at all times.
  • Immediately address spills, trip hazards, broken equipment, or other safety concerns.
  • Assist in maintaining banquet equipment to extend its useful life and reduce unnecessary damage or replacement costs.
• Guest & Client Service
  • Maintain a professional and welcoming presence when working in guest areas.
  • Acknowledge guests and clients appropriately and provide assistance when requested.
  • Respond to reasonable guest or meeting-planner requests promptly and communicate requests to Banquet Leadership when additional assistance is required.
  • Avoid disruptive conversations, excessive noise, or unnecessary activity while meetings or events are in progress.
  • Protect the guest experience when performing room turns or moving equipment near active functions.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and respect when working around clients, meeting planners, executives, and event attendees.
• Equipment Handling & Safety
  • Safely move, lift, carry, assemble, disassemble, and store banquet furniture and equipment.
  • Use banquet carts, dollies, and other equipment properly and safely.
  • Follow proper lifting techniques and request assistance when moving oversized or heavy equipment.
  • Never block emergency exits, fire extinguishers, electrical panels, hallways, or other required access points.
  • Follow all hotel safety, sanitation, security, and loss-prevention procedures.
  • Report accidents, injuries, damaged equipment, and unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Handle hotel equipment carefully to prevent unnecessary damage and financial loss.
• Teamwork & Communication
  • Maintain consistent communication with Banquet Leadership regarding room status, completed setups, outstanding needs, and potential delays.
  • Work collaboratively with Banquet Servers, Culinary, Stewarding, Engineering, Housekeeping, Front Office, Sales/Catering, and other departments.
  • Assist other banquet team members when operational needs require additional support.
  • Participate in pre-shift meetings and review the day's events and priorities.
  • Communicate respectfully and professionally with fellow team members and leaders.
  • Support a culture of accountability, teamwork, urgency, and hospitality.
  • Accept coaching and direction and make immediate adjustments when expectations are clarified.
• BEO Accountability
  • The Banquet Houseperson is expected to understand that the Banquet Event Order (BEO) is the operational roadmap for each event.
  • Review assigned BEO requirements and ensure the physical room setup matches those requirements.
  • Bring any discrepancy, missing equipment, unclear instruction, or potential operational concern to Banquet Leadership's attention before the event begins.
  • Do not assume or make unauthorized changes to a client's setup. When clarification is needed, escalate to Banquet Leadership.

Requirements

• Previous banquet, hotel, convention, event setup, warehouse, or hospitality experience preferred.
• Ability to read and understand Banquet Event Orders, room diagrams, and setup instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize multiple assignments.
• Ability to communicate professionally with guests, clients, leaders, and fellow team members.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to safely operate banquet carts and other approved equipment.
• Must maintain a professional appearance in accordance with hotel grooming and uniform standards.

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting, and lifting.
• Moving banquet tables, chairs, staging, risers, dance-floor sections, carts, and other event equipment.
• Repetitive setup and breakdown activities throughout the shift.
• Working at a fast pace during room turns and high-volume event periods.
• Safely lifting and carrying items consistent with the physical requirements established by the hotel.
• Working in banquet rooms, storage areas, service corridors, loading areas, and other operational environments.

Performance Expectations

• Accurate BEO execution.
• On-time room setups.
• Clean and organized event spaces.
• Efficient room turns.
• Proper care and storage of banquet equipment.
• Safe work practices.
• Strong attendance and punctuality.
• Effective communication with Banquet Leadership.
• Professional interaction with guests and clients.
• Teamwork and willingness to support the overall operation.

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families.