Meeting & Event Manager

**WESTIN**

At Westin, everything we do is designed to help our guests be at their best, and they appreciate our supportive attitude, anticipatory service and extensive knowledge on how to assist them throughout their stay. We are looking for dynamic people who are excited to join our team of hospitality professionals. Are you ready to jump into any situation and give a helping hand? If you’re someone who has is positive, adaptable and intuitive, with a genuine interest in the well-being of others around you, we invite you to discover how you can thrive at Westin.

**The Impact You’ll Make**:
Manage, coordinate, and execute group assignments turned over by the Sales Department. Book and execute weddings and catering only events. The Meeting & Event Manager is responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinates with Sales, property departments and customer to ensure consistent, high-level service throughout pre-event, event and post-event phases of property events. Ensures their property events have a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales. Recognizes opportunities to maximize revenue opportunities by up selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events.

**The Wellness You Deserve**:
We’ll support you in and out of the workplace by offering:

- Team-spirited coworkers & encouraging management
- Learning and development opportunities
- Reward and Recognition Programs
- Staff Accommodation (based on availability)
- Enjoy Discounted Hotel stays with Marriott ‘Explore’ Program
- Extended Health Benefits
- Complimentary Staff Meal

**What we are looking for**:

- A warm, people-oriented demeanor
- A team-first attitude
- Inspired to help and interact with others

**Position Requirements**:

- University or College Diploma or certificate in Hotel/Hospitality Management or equivalent education preferred.
- Experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- Alcohol awareness certification and/or food service permit as required by British Columbia.
- Three to five years conference services experience preferred.

**Skills & Experience**:
**MANAGING EVENT LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS**
- Details all aspects of upcoming group and/or convention (guest rooms, meeting space, food & beverage, off-site events, exhibits, audio visual, etc.). Confirms in writing to the client and all affected departments all requirements via Event Orders and/or Group Resume.
- Develops and maintains relationships with client after program has been booked by sales department. Ensure that convention specifications are communicated and executed for a successful meeting experience for the meeting planner and attendees.
- 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 and enforce program deadline dates and work with clients to release meeting space not needed to maximize hotel revenues.
- Negotiates guest room rates, food and beverage prices, meeting room rental, function space, and hotel services within approved booking guidelines when original commitment from sales contract is not met or as needed.
- Ensure that events progress seamlessly by following established procedures, collaborating with other associates and departments, and ensuring accuracy.
- Manage group room blocks and meeting space for average to large-sized assigned groups.
- Identify operational challenges associated with assigned group and determines how to best work with the property associates and customer to solve these challenges and/or develop alternative solutions.
- Uses judgment to integrate current trends in event management and event design.
- Acts as liaison between salesperson and customer throughout the event process (pre-event, event, post-event).
- Assists the client in menu planning; coordinates food, beverage, meeting room set-up, decorations and other services as requested by the client; assures that all requirements are communicated and completed to the customers’ specifications.
- Up-sell products and services throughout the event process.
- Accurately forecast group rooms and event revenue (catering and audio visual) for assigned groups and affiliate business within a 5% variance.
- Participate in site visits and plan meetings for upcoming groups and potential affiliate business.
- Produces and distributes Group Resumes and communicate any changes and updated information to hotel departments.
- Distribute BEOs for group and affiliates 14 days prior to events.
- Leads pre-event and post-event meetings as needed to review/communicate group needs and feedback.
- Responds quickly to guest requests in a friendly manner. Follows up to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Always maintain a professional image through appearance and dress.
- Greet customer during the event phase and hands-off to the Event Operations team for the execution of details.
- Ensure billing accuracy and co