Conference Services Manager

Driven by an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit, Inn Ventures has a culture of building teams that produce winning results. We operate over 75 hotels in 20+ states for some of the Nation’s largest REIT’s and private real estate owners, in addition to a large portfolio of individual and family-owned hotels. Throughout our 40-year history we have established proven methods of management, development, and revenue maximization resulting in a trusted acumen for operating major hotel brands.

Embassy Suites Bellevue, WA

The Conference Services Manager is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing assigned group business after it is turned over by the sales department, throughout and through the closure of the event and subsequent financial aspects of the program, while maintaining profitable operations and high quality products and service levels. He/she is expected to market ideas to promote business; reduce employee turnover;

maintain revenue and payroll budgets; and meet budgeted productivity while keeping quality consistently high. The Conference Services Manager is also responsible for acting as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful meeting and to generate repeat business.

• Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re-solicitation to capture future business.
• Respond to requests by Meeting Planners immediately.
• Liaise with other department to anticipate event and equipment needs through regular BEO meetings, group resumes meetings, and ongoing correspondence.
• Interact with outside planners, vendors for event set-up.
• Maintain pricing integrity and propose upscale menus for clients.
• Create, review and revise rooming lists and VIP lists.
• Manage the Sales Inventory management system and adjust space in order to ensure maximum potential revenue.
• Be visible on the floor and assist staff as needed during functions.
• Respond to guest complaints in a timely manner.
• Keep immediate manager fully informed of all problems or matters requiring his/her attention.
• Work with F&B managers and keep them informed of F&B issues as they arise.
• Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
• Know meeting room set-ups and capabilities.
• Know sleeping room configurations and types.
• Have comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audiovisual, switchboard, accounting, restaurants, bars, and engineering.
• Be involved in and/or conduct departmental and hotel training (One to One Customer Service Training, etc.)
• Plan and execute holiday and special events in conjunction with the Catering Sales Managers.
• Use feedback from Meeting Planner evaluations to improve service and quality.
• Coordinate all aspects of the ongoing implementation of the Highgate Hotel Enrichment philosophy of service.
• Ensure participation within department for monthly Inn Ventures Hotel team meeting.
• Focus team on their role in contributing to the Guest Service and audit scores.
• Conduct meetings according to Highgate Hotel standards as required by management.

• At least 3 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 2-year college degree and at least 1 year of related experience.
• Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.
• Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and…