Conference Services Manager

About the role

The Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans is located where Canal Street meets Bourbon Street, offering luxurious accommodations in the heart of the vibrant French Quarter. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen HD TVs, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, an acclaimed restaurant, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel fosters a family-like atmosphere among its associates, who receive complimentary uniforms, meals, and discounted downtown parking. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their exact match to the job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain positive relationships with clients through active communication and planning.
• Optimize room rental charges and actively participate in re-booking repeat business.
• Participate in industry-related organizations like NACE and MPI.
• Implement effective sales techniques, including strong closing and negotiation skills.
• Provide creative and innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups.
• Work closely with the banquet department to ensure smooth event execution.
• Generate detailed reports for the operating departments and monitor group room blocks.
• Ensure client satisfaction by working with outside vendors.
• Execute appropriate action plans and manage all banquet event orders.
• Operate Audio/Visual equipment as a profit center.
• Use computers proficiently, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi.
• Evaluate alternatives and make decisions quickly during event execution.
• Provide overall direction and ongoing evaluation of operations.

Requirements

• Prior experience in the hospitality industry, specifically in catering sales.
• Minimum of one year within the Hospitality Industry.
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Delphi.
• Knowledge of sales skills, revenue management, training, and motivation of peers.
• Knowledge of hotel features, benefits, and competing hotels within the market.
• Ability to execute appropriate action plans and manage hotel operations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Skills

• Strong understanding of monthly forecasting and annual budget processes.
• Experience in raising meeting planner evaluation scores and implementing effective methods.
• Excellent creative skills for providing innovative set-ups, menus, and functions for groups.
• Comfortable with hotel site inspections and client presentations.
• Proficiency in using Delphi, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to adapt communication styles to suit different audiences.

Benefits

HEI Hotels and Resorts offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and pet insurance, vacation, sick, and holiday leave, supplemental, spousal, and child life insurance, short and long-term disability plans, and a 401(k) savings plan with matching funds. Discounts are also available through the 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs. HEI is committed to providing a supportive environment and is an equal opportunity employer.