Senior Conference and Events Planner

Physical Requirements:

1. This position requires walking the property, to include site tours of the facility with guests and checking on events throughout the day.

2. Ability to stand and walk for 8 hours

Qualifications, Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Bachelor’s Degree preferred or at least 3-5 years work experience in catering/event planning in the hospitality industry

2. Experience with Delphi and Maestro operating systems preferred

3. Proficient using the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Mail Merges, Email and Web searches

4. Excellent interpersonal skills both in person and by phone with high level of professionalism to deal effectively with all types of personalities

5. Superb organizational skills – ability to prioritize, multi-task, direct and solve problems effectively with little supervision

6. Highly enthusiastic and self-motivated

7. Time management and ability to prioritize projects

8. Ability to work with and win over multiple personalities when planning one event for a successful overall outcome

9. Ability to lead a team to fully deliver on guests’ and company’s expectations

10. Ability to address any team conflicts or challenges in a timely and professional manner to maintain a positive work environment.

11. Ability to proactively identify and resolve issues related to team dynamics, guest experiences, or operational inefficiencies.

12. Ability to work collectively and collaborate with multiple departments to ensure all details are communicated and flawlessly executed

13. Eye for detail to ensure all spaces and set ups are worthy of a distinct, sophisticated events campus

14. Ability to stay current and fresh with industry trends to provide our clients with progressive ideas that have “wow factor” for their event

Travel

Local and regional travel may occasionally be required. This position requires the successful candidate to have a valid Ohio Driver’s license. The successful candidate would have to provide proof that s/he has a valid driver’s license upon being hired.

Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center is searching for a Senior Conference and Events Planner to join their team!  This person will execute and manage assigned events (once contracted), while maximizing revenue and guest satisfaction by working cooperatively with all related Operations & Catering Teams to ensure the highest level of service.  Generate reports on consistent basis around event revenue/terms of events. 

Our attractive compensation package includes a competitive annual salary, medical, dental, vision, company paid life, 401k with match, STD/LTD, etc.

Other perks and benefits! Come work with us, and you'll receive 15 days of vacation each year, dining and travel discounts, special offers from our business partners, use of the hotel gym, 5 free nights in the hotel each year for your friends or family, dry cleaning discounts, discounts on shoes, free parking, free employee meals, etc. Not to mention all of the smiles, laughs, and good times that are always complimentary.

Essential Functions:

1. Fantastic customer service ethic, embracing the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center mission statement with high emphasis on exceeding Clients’ expectations at all times and always providing authentic hospitality to each and every Guest.

2. Mentors and offers assistance to the planning department to ensure the accurate and timely flow of information, superior levels of performance and dependable and friendly service to external and internal clients. May be asked to review individual’s work and work areas.

3. Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and motivating team members to achieve excellence.

4. Oversee and/or provide training for new hires and current team members to ensure consistent service delivery and adherence to company standards.

5. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to ensure individual and team growth.

6. Planning and coordination of meetings and events, and guest room related activities (related to assigned group), to ensure the obligations by the hotel and client are met with satisfaction. Act as liaison between Sales and the Operations Team by disseminating appropriate information as it relates to the meeting and/or event.

7. Infuses creativity and enthusiasm to bring energy to the conference center environment with the goal of providing a unique meeting experience for our guests. Mentors planning managers to uphold these standards.

8. Collect and act upon client feedback to improve the team's service and overall guest satisfaction.

9. Manage and monitor room blocks according to contract specifications to include, room block cut-off dates, review room pick-up, and attrition.

10. Maintain strong client relations and ensure that meeting/event specifications are communicated and executed for a successful meeting experience. Organize and conduct pre/post meetings with assigned groups.

11. Effectively upsell throughout the pre-meeting/event and event phase, to include: food and beverage, amenities, audiovisual and special request services.

12. Responsible for setting up master bill routing in and ensuring each guest in system as a package (price) attached to the booking. After completion of each assigned meeting, review master group folios and proforma at the end of each meeting for accuracy.

13. Ability to multi-task multiple meetings/and or events simultaneously and at different planning stages. Identifies operational challenges/and or opportunities related to meeting and/or event and develops seamless solutions.

14. Participate in site tours with contracted clients as well as potential clients

15. Average 40 – 45 hours per week, weekly schedule based on business volume.

16. Monday – Friday. Occasional weekend work and evenings required

17. Participating in Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center’s Manager on Duty Program.

18. Other Duties as assigned.

Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work life balance and by providing development opportunities.

We are proud to be a Drug Free Workplace/EOE. All applicants will be required to submit to a background check prior to employment.