Event Experience Manager - The Ben Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Ben Autograph Collection is a luxurious and distinctive hotel located in the vibrant city of West Palm Beach, Florida. Operated by an independent franchisee under Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, this hotel is part of Marriott International's prestigious Autograph Collection, offering guests a unique blend of sophistication, creativity, and modern luxury. Situated overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, the hotel provides a captivating waterfront experience complemented by an array of high-end amenities including a rooftop heated saltwater pool, signature dining at Proper Grit whisky and supper club-inspired restaurant, and a rooftop Mediterranean tapas lounge, Spruzzo. The Ben stands out for its intentional luxury and bold style, attracting discerning travelers and event attendees who seek exceptional service in an environment that feels entirely unlike any other. If you join The Ben, you become part of a team dedicated to creating elevated experiences and memorable moments in a culture that values excellence and authenticity.

The role open at The Ben is for an Event Experience Manager, a management position that plays a critical part in driving the hotel's catering and event sales revenue. This full-time role involves soliciting, capturing, planning, and coordinating small meetings and social catering functions, specifically targeting events involving 10 rooms or fewer. The primary responsibility of the Event Experience Manager is to maximize the banquet space usage, meet and ideally exceed catering revenue goals, and finalize all catering-only business. The position requires a proactive approach to outside sales calls, telemarketing, networking, and mailing, along with executing a strategic marketing plan within the territory to optimize revenue opportunities. The manager will work closely with clients to upsell and plan various event details such as space requirements, menu selections, equipment needs, and thematic decor, ensuring that every event is tailored to the client's vision and executed seamlessly.

Additionally, the role includes preparing contracts and banquet event orders, coordinating with hotel departments to ensure high-quality service delivery, and swiftly addressing any issues, complaints, or special requests that arise. The Event Experience Manager is also tasked with maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of corporate procedures, competitors' strategies, and the hotel’s policies, allowing for continuous improvement in sales tactics and service excellence. Strong communication skills are imperative for this role to influence and negotiate with clients and professionals, while excellent comprehension skills support the development of marketing strategies and event programs. The physical aspects of the job include mobility for client site inspections, occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and driving for sales calls.

This position offers an attractive starting salary of $70,000 annually with a bonus potential of 52 percent. Additionally, employees are eligible for unlimited paid time off, a robust bonus plan, medical and dental insurance with significant employer premiums coverage, vision insurance, participation in a 401(k) plan with employer match, and other valuable benefits such as tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, and wellness credits. Working at The Ben means being part of a distinctive and growing luxury hotel collection that celebrates individuality and excellence in hospitality. This opportunity is ideal for professionals with at least one to two years of related experience seeking to advance their careers in event management within the upscale hotel sector.