Banquets, Catering & Convention Services is responsible for the overall
execution and success of each event within the hotel. From weddings and
parties to large corporate meetings, this team plays an important role in the
event planning and delivery of each event as well as the overall satisfaction
of our guests.
The ideal Starwood Banquets, Catering, & Convention Services candidates are
people with a passion for service and excellence. He/she will meet or exceed
guests’ expectations by creating and delivering a memorable experience. He/she
possesses excellent teamwork and communication skills, as both are necessary
to a well-orchestrated operation that resonates with guests. In Banquets,
Catering & Convention Services, operation efficiency and providing consistent
and high-quality service are critical to success.
Starwood offers opportunities in the following areas of Banquets, Catering &
Convention Services:
Banquets
Banquet supervision and management
Banquet Server
Banquet Set-Up
Catering & Convention Services
Director of Catering and/or Convention Services
Catering Sales Management
Convention Services Sales Management
Banquets, Catering & Convention Services allow the opportunity to work closely
with guests and tailor each interaction according to the specific needs of the
guest. As a result, associates are able to use individual ideas and creativity
to excite the guest. Management positions within Banquets, Catering &
Convention Services are oftentimes filled with qualified line-level associates
who exhibit leadership potential, high levels of competence and a desire to
succeed. Some associates choose to stay within Food and Beverage function
(F&B) as a long-term career option; these associates are given the opportunity
to move to more desirable locations or to larger operations. Other associates
choose to use their grounding in F&B as a springboard to other hotel
management positions and are encouraged to do so.
For a lot of people family dinners are a touchstone – you sit down, talk to
each other, and connect. For me, though, they ended up being more. Because my
family went out to dinner often, it was also chance to experience the
hospitality industry – and sparked an interest in what would become my
career.
I came to Starwood based on a recommendation from one of my professors – he
handed me a job ad for the Sheraton Perth Hotel. I started as a casual food and
beverage attendant and cross-trained in the lobby lounge as well as the
restaurant. Being able to work in all three settings, I pitched in whenever and
wherever shifts were needed.
In terms of what my job involves – the easy answer is making sure things go
smoothly.
The details involve basics such as making sure the lights work and that we
have enough staff to support our events.
The basics, however, are only part of it. The true challenge to creating
events that exceed guest expectations are the last-minute backup plans that
guests never realize are in play. For example, we had everything in place for a
wedding reception for 300 people – the details were perfect. And then, the
sprinklers went off, drenching the entire room. We had just two hours to redo
everything. And we did, without guests knowing anything had been amiss.
