Senior Conference Services Manager

About Us 

IHG Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and one of the world’s leading hotel and resort companies with a family of 19 brands. Our purpose – True Hospitality for Good – comes to life in every one of our collections. With luxury and lifestyle, we are taking it to new heights.

Five visionary brands - InterContinental, Regent Hotels, Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Kimpton Hotels - make up our luxury collection. Individually, they are icons. Together, they bring unforgettable and unparalleled experiences to travelers in over 430 hotels and resorts in 100 countries around the world. 

Having recently added a host of incredible properties to our portfolio, we now stand as one of the world’s leading luxury operators. Each of our hotels cultivates a distinctive style and ambience where we embrace every opportunity to give our guests unforgettable and unparalleled experiences. 

About the hotel

A luxurious hotel destination at The Wharf on D.C.’s Waterfront, the InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf in the reimagined Wharf neighborhood brings sophistication to its contemporary style. Perfectly placed on the beautiful Potomac River, InterContinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf enjoys the most incredible waterfront views of D.C. Steps away from America’s political epicenter, the hotel embraces guests with an exquisitely curated resort destination that reignites the river’s edge and a captivating sanctuary in the center of The Wharf neighborhood, paying homage to the maritime and industrial-working heritage of its setting.  Featuring a relaxing seasonal rooftop pool with striking Potomac River views and the indulging full-service spa, The Spa at The Wharf, modern luxury, culture, and a rich history combine in the Wharf neighborhood to create a perfect atmosphere for guests and locals alike.

At InterContinental Hotels & Resorts® we want our guests to feel special, cosmopolitan and In the Know which means we need you to:

•  Be charming by being approachable, having confidence and showing respect.

•  Stay in the moment by understanding and anticipating guests’ needs, being attentive and taking ownership of getting things done.

•  Make it memorable by being knowledgeable, sharing stories and showing your style to create moments that make people feel special.

About the Senior Conference Services Manager position

As a Senior Conference Services Manager, you will build strong client relationships and drive group and event business by delivering exceptional service from the planning phase through the post-event follow-up. You will coordinate event details, maximize revenue opportunities through upselling, and ensure seamless communication between clients and hotel departments.

A little taste of your day-to-day

Key Responsibilities

• Reports Directly to the Director of Catering (DOC). 

• Manage client details, develop Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and coordinate with hotel departments to ensure flawless execution during the clients event phase on property.

• Identify client needs, provide personalized solutions, and maximize upselling opportunities.

• Coordinate menus, food and beverage, room setups, group room blocks, VIP services, and other event details.

• Conduct hotel and event space tours for contracted events, tastings, and client entertainment as appropriate.

• Maintain accurate client records, event details, reports, billing, and post-conference documentation.

• Partner with Operations and other hotel departments to ensure successful event execution and exceptional guest satisfaction.

• Monitor event setups and service delivery to ensure compliance with client requirements and hotel standards.

• Develop and maintain relationships with meeting planners and other business partners to generate referrals for repeat and new business.

• Welcome and support group contacts during events and follow up after departure to secure future business.

• Leader of the Event Planning/Conference Service team.

• Will complete Convention Planning teams actions plans.

• First point of contact for Planning Questions, Training and Support.

• Will track the Likelihood to recommend service scores. 

• Lead the preparation of the departmental banquet budget/forecasting and implementation of the hotel’s conference services strategy.

• Will participate in the annual budgeting and planning process for Banquet revenue.

• Support departmental sales strategies, ensure team forecast accuracy.

• Will track the performance vs the banquet budget and report financial updates to the team weekly. 

• Will assign Sales/Events bookings to the planning team. 

• Will oversee the Resume and BEO meeting

• Will work on the seasonal menu pricing and item selection process, with the final approval of the DOSM and DOC. 

• Other team leadership responsibilities as assigned by the DOC

• Promote teamwork, effective communication, and quality service throughout the hotel.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Some college and 3-5 years of sales, marketing, hotel, or catering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Hotel sales and/or catering experience preferred.

• Fluent in English with strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, mathematical, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with guests, colleagues, and external partners.

• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds and frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and kneel.

• Ability to travel for workshops, tradeshows, conventions, and other business events.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

• Alcohol awareness certification and/or applicable food handler or health certification as required by local regulations.

What you can expect from us

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – including a full uniform, impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business. 

The hourly pay rate for this role is $38.00 to $40.00. This rate is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Washington, DC. This is the starting rate we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may pay more or less than the posted rate, and the rate may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the pay range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs. 

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, and many other benefits to eligible employees.

You can apply for this role through the link below (or through the internal career site if you are a current employee). 

Note: No amount of pay is considered wages or compensation until earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance by always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We know that to work well, we need to feel well – both inside and outside of work – and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.  So, join us and you’ll become part of our ever-growing global family.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we’ve made a promise. As one of the world’s leading hotel groups, we’re here to deliver True Hospitality for Good. Making our guests and colleagues feel welcome, cared for, recognised and respected – wherever they are in the world. Want to be part of the journey?

As the world’s first and most global luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has pioneered international travel since the 1940s and we are passionate about sharing our renowned international know-how and cultural wisdom in truly impressive surroundings. We all take great pride in being genuine ambassadors of the InterContinental®️ brand and to be part of the brand you will have a thirst for travel, a passion for culture and an appreciation for diversity. We create inspiring experiences for those seeking a richer perspective on the world. If you’d like to embrace a world of opportunities, we’d like to welcome you to the world’s most international luxury hotel brand.

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.