Event Sales Manager

Event Sales Manager

Lake Nona Wave is seeking an Event Sales Manager who is responsible for proactively selling and contracting social and corporate events. You will create and nurture relationships with new and existing clients, Wave Hotel team members, and our partners and vendors. You will manage the experience for event customers, acting as the main point of contact for the customer while communicating effectively with all related team members. You will be responsible for creating unmatched, unexpected experiences for customers and inspiring happiness in all that you do. The Events Sales Manager shall strive to maximize financial performance through strategic and tactical sales efforts always providing exceptional service to both internal and external guests. S/he will be responsible for exemplifying the Lake Nona Wave Hotel culture as well as promoting Lake Nona Wave Hotel as both the Destination and Employer of Choice.

At CoralTree Hospitality, we're committed to enriching your career and life experiences through unparalleled benefits that support your personal and professional growth. Joining the CoralTree team means gaining access to an exceptional benefits package designed with you in mind. Join us and discover a workplace where your contributions are valued and rewarded every day.

As a member of the Lake Nona Wave Hotel team, you'll also benefit from:

• Enhanced Wellness: Benefit from special rates at the Lake Nona Performance Club, enhancing your wellness journey.
• Culinary Delights: Indulge in discounts at Tavistock Group Restaurants, savoring culinary experiences at exceptional value.
• Complimentary, Convenience, and Comfort: Receive team member meals, uniforms, and parking, ensuring convenience and comfort during your workday.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Strategically solicit corporate and social event business in the local and regional area.
• Quickly and professionally responds to all event inquiries.
• Establishes strong rapport with clients, maintaining strong communication throughout the sales process.
• Develops close relationship with clients to determine needs, expectations, etc.
• Works closely with Associate Director of Events and Event Manager as well as accounting to ensure billing and deposits are made timely according to contract.
• Utilizes iVvy to track inquiries, communication with clients, and deadlines.
• Maintains up-to-date activity logs and documentation as required.
• Conducts sales calls, webinars, and presentations to potential clients.
• Attends local trade shows, networking events, and wedding fairs representing the hotel appropriately.
• Coordinates and conducts site tours for potential clients.
• Explains and executes all contractual terms to customers.
• Follow up with clients following the event for client feedback.
• Welcomes incoming guests with a courteous and professional attitude.
• Responsible for reaching budgeted monthly and quarterly goals as assigned.
• Attends appropriate hotel, division, and department meetings.
• Maintains a strong understanding of Lake Nona and Lake Nona Wave Hotel.
• Capitalizes on up-selling to maximize night stays and maximize rates.
• Focuses on yield management strategies.
• Communicates all pertinent information to the conventions/catering team.
• Handles walk-in inquiries.
• Responsible for tracking calls and inquiries that are "turn away."
• Resolves guest problems and is empowered to act in absence of directors/supervisors.
• Makes decisions on VIP status and communicates appropriately.
• Maintains strong communications with Conventions, Front Desk, Concierge, and Bell service.
• Communicates effectively with the resort staff to ensure communication of all services expected.
• Maintains up-to-date working knowledge of all hotel amenities as well as any special events.
• Interacts with hotel team members in a professional manner, assisting other departments with necessary information.
• Upsell other resort services and amenities to guests.
• Always maintains a professional demeanor and attitude.
• Maintains a constant awareness of safety issues, (i.e. broken glass, frayed electrical cords, leaks, broken locks, and suspicious persons). Reports all safety incidents to the on-duty supervisor.
• Acts with responsibility toward all company property, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintains a professional appearance. Follows all Lake Nona Wave Hotel dress code standards.
• Remains alert, courteous, and helpful to the guests and colleagues always.
• Active member and contributor to the group sales team.
• Assume responsibility for all assigned local accounts.
• Maintain and execute all defined booking standards and criteria.
• Execute approved catering contract and all terms and conditions.
• Work directly with clients to secure contracts and collect on all agreements.
• Suggest activities/products to clients from outside of the hotel and book accordingly if needed prior to turnover.
• Assist catering servicing managers with monitoring the group's billing status, deposits, and payments.
• Seek new approaches to grow business and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure the highest guest satisfaction.
• Comply with all Lake Nona Wave Hotel policies, procedures, and safety regulations.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Extraordinary networking and client relation skills and good knowledge of the local catering market, including the wedding market and social market.
• Extensive knowledge of Food & Beverage etiquette, guest relations, and service standards.
• Must have computer skills and exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be well organized, have strong attention to detail, and the ability to direct others and lead by example.
• Sales-orientated and exceptional interpersonal skills to provide overall guest satisfaction.
• Previous F&B catering event management experience required, preferably in an upscale hotel/resort/wedding market.

Desirable:

• Four (4) year degree or equivalent education and experience.
• This is a demanding business, and it requires you managing multiple priorities while meeting varying deadlines, but it's also a lot of fun!
• Previous experience passionately providing service to others and providing administrative support in a team-oriented environment, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• People Person. The best part of serving others is creating experiences for them that go beyond the expected. To succeed in this role, you must enjoy interacting with others.
• Great communicator. Providing amazing experiences requires the ability to communicate fluently in English both verbally and through excellent written communication.
• Demonstrate proven sales and customer service skills.

Working Environment/Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit 6-8 hours per day and may have exposure to basic office supply chemicals.
• The team member is occasionally required to climb and use balance. Additionally, they will frequently be asked to use their hands and arms to reach, carry, pull, and lift up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the team member will experience temperature fluctuations (rain, wind, heat, humidity), and moderate to high noise levels.