Event Sales Executive

Event Sales And Planning Coordinator

Position Summary

You will be the dedicated contact for the client throughout the planning phase, ensuring that the clients' expectations are exceeded, while also upselling to maximize revenue. The role will work closely with Sales & Revenue departments as well as the hotel's Operations Departments to ensure a high standard of service delivery resulting in strengthened customer relations and loyalty.

Day To Day Responsibilities

• Point of contact for customers from contract turnover through the event/group planning phase.
• Manages all details of event/group planning including food and beverage, meeting specifications, audio visual, room block, deposit follow up, and VIP requests. Ensures data integrity across the various booking systems
• Ensure all changes to the events / groups are processed and documented. Finds solutions or makes alternative suggestions to client requests and requirement changes
• Upsells during event planning to increase revenue
• Prepares relevant event documentation for the client
• Ensures accurate forecasting of event and group revenue
• Communicates event/group details to the Operation Departments through relevant documentation and weekly meetings. Engages with hotel Operations Team to ensure client expectations will be met and exceeded
• Holds pre-convention meetings when needed
• Conducts client site inspections to showcase the hotel
• Greets customer at start of event on property and remains available to customer during the course of the event
• Conducts post-event calls to obtain feedback on product quality, service levels and secure repeat business. Sends Event Satisfaction Surveys to capture feedback and effectively respond to any guest challenges
• Ensures that all enquiries received via the telephone meet the required Test Call standard
• Communicates with the accounts department regarding credit checks to ensure correct payment is set up for all groups
• Prepares post-event documents including commission accruals
• Responsible for the reactive sales of social enquiries, specialist sales enquiries and group Restaurant/Bar bookings from enquiry through event planning. Communication channels include telephone, e-mail or 3rd party intermediary sites
• Qualifies business opportunities by understanding customer needs and recommends the appropriate features and services of hotel to exceed customer expectations; sells according to the business and operational strategy of the hotel
• Creates quotations and proposals based on customer requirements, conducts regular follow-up calls to identify changing needs, converts enquiries into confirmed bookings, issues contracts
• Inputs enquiries into the relevant booking systems and ensures data integrity
• Builds long-term partnerships with new and repeat business customers and builds loyalty to the hotel and company
• Identifies potential opportunities for the wider business and turns over to the proactive Sales Team
• When required supports the reactive sales team respond to corporate group and event enquiries
• Strives to meet measurable targets and goals, as assigned for individual and team
• Carries out tasks as assigned by the Senior Event Manager

Other Responsibilities

• Adapts to changing market conditions
• Understands local market including competitors' strengths and weaknesses
• Understands event satisfaction results to ensure continuous improvement
• Collaborates with Sales Team to ensure effective diary management of function rooms
• Collaborates with Revenue Team to ensure effective management of bedroom enquiries and completes accurate projections
• Ensures balance scorecard criteria is met
• Works on additional projects set by the Director of Events
• Works collaboratively with on- and off-property sales channels to optimize sales process for client
• Attends hotel events as required to develop key relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by management
• Complies with Marriott International Hotels Limited policies and procedures.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong communication skills (verbal, listening, writing) and a high standard of English is essential
• Confident communication style across different channels (telephone, e-mail, intermediary websites etc.)
• Confident sales and planning skills; ability to negotiate; strong problem-solving skills, and ability to seek solutions
• Strong organization and time management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Good with administration, processes and has a high level of attention to detail
• Adaptable to change and evolving processes
• Builds relationships easily
• Team player
• Effective interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Related Work Experience: At least 1 year of related work experience.

Supervisory Experience: No supervisory experience.

License or Certification: None

At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.

Marriott Hotels strive to elevate the art of hospitality, innovating at every opportunity while keeping the comfort of the oh-so-familiar all around the globe. As a host with Marriott Hotels, you will help keep the promise of "Wonderful Hospitality. Always." by delivering thoughtful, heartfelt, forward-thinking service that upholds and builds upon this living legacy. With the name that's synonymous with hospitality the world over, we are proud to welcome you to explore a career with Marriott Hotels. In joining Marriott Hotels, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of more than 100 beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW believes our associates come first. Because if you're happy, our guests will be happy. JW Marriott associates are confident, innovative, genuine, intuitive, and carry on the legacy of the brand's namesake and company founder, J. Willard Marriott. Our hotels offer a work experience unlike any other, where you'll be part of a community and enjoy true camaraderie with a diverse group of co-workers. JW creates opportunities for training, development, recognition and most importantly, a place where you can pursue your passions in a luxury environment with a focus on holistic well-being. Treating guests exceptionally starts with the way we take care of our associates. That's The JW Treatment™. In joining JW Marriott, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International.