What Does a Convention Services Manager Do?
Find out what a convention services manager does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a convention services manager.
Convention services managers are responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of events. They commonly work with a team of professionals in order to coordinate everything from guest accommodations to event schedules, entertainment, catering, etc.
Convention services managers must be able to juggle multiple tasks at once while managing their staff effectively. They may also need to deal directly with clients or vendors on a regular basis to ensure that all parties involved are happy with the service being provided.
Convention Services Manager Job Duties
Convention services managers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Coordinating with the facilities staff to ensure that the setup for each event meets the requirements of the event
- Managing the sales staff to ensure that they are providing quality customer service to attendees
- Ensuring that all activities take place on schedule so that the event runs smoothly
- Maintaining relationships with vendors who provide services for the event such as catering and entertainment
- Ensuring that all staff members are trained on their responsibilities for the event
- Overseeing the development of event budgets and financial projections for large events
- Providing customer service to attendees, including answering questions about event details, registration issues, and other concerns
- Planning activities for attendees to build community and increase engagement with sponsors’ brands
- Managing all food, beverage, and audiovisual needs for the event, including ordering supplies and arranging for service staff
Convention Services Manager Salary & Outlook
Convention services managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.
- Median Annual Salary: $62,500 ($30.05/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $102,000 ($49.04/hour)
The employment of convention services managers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
As more people attend conventions and trade shows, demand for convention services managers will increase. In addition, the increasing popularity of social media may lead to an increase in the number of conventions held each year.
Related: In-Depth Convention Services Manager Salary Guide
Convention Services Manager Job Requirements
Convention services managers typically need to have the following qualifications:
Education: Convention services managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management or a related field. Some employers may hire candidates with a two-year associate’s degree.
Training & Experience: Convention services managers typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include shadowing a current convention services manager or another member of the hotel staff. The training may also include learning about the hotel’s policies and procedures.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can improve the chances of getting a job and increasing earning potential. Convention services managers can earn certifications to gain more theoretical and practical knowledge of their responsibilities, test their professional skills and further advance their career.
Convention Services Manager Skills
Convention services managers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information through speech, writing or other methods. As a service manager, you may be responsible for communicating with clients, colleagues and other service staff. Effective communication can help you convey information clearly and answer questions. It can also help you resolve issues and answer questions from clients.
Leadership: Leadership skills can help you motivate your team and encourage them to perform well. You can use your leadership skills to help your team grow and develop their skills. You can also use your leadership skills to help your team work together and resolve any issues they may have.
Organization: Organization is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a logical order. As a convention services manager, you may oversee multiple events at the same time, so it’s important to prioritize your tasks and delegate accordingly. You can also use organization skills to keep track of your team’s workload and delegate tasks accordingly.
Customer service: Customer service skills can help you provide exceptional service to attendees at conventions. You can use your customer service skills to greet attendees, answer questions and resolve issues. Customer service skills can also help you develop a positive relationship with suppliers, which can help you negotiate contracts and secure discounts for your company.
Problem-solving: As a service manager, you may be responsible for resolving issues that arise during a convention. Your problem-solving skills can help you identify the source of the issue and develop a solution. For example, if a speaker can’t make it to an event, you may be able to find a replacement. This can help you maintain the integrity of the event and keep attendees happy.
Convention Services Manager Work Environment
The work environment for a convention services manager is usually fast-paced and deadline-oriented. They are often required to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to ensure that all the details of a convention are taken care of. They may have to travel to the site of the convention to oversee the set-up and operation of the event. Convention services managers must be able to handle last-minute changes and problems that may arise. They need to be able to work well under pressure and be able to think quickly and make decisions that will solve problems. They must also be able to work well with a variety of people, including convention planners, hotel staff, and vendors.
Convention Services Manager Trends
Here are three trends influencing how convention services managers work. Convention services managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Growth of Event-Based Marketing
The growth of event-based marketing is a trend that is quickly gaining popularity among businesses, as it allows them to connect with customers in a more personal way. This trend is especially important for convention services managers, who are responsible for planning and executing events for their company.
By understanding the trends behind event-based marketing, convention services managers can create better experiences for their customers and help their company grow. They can also use this knowledge to find new ways to market their products and services.
More Focus on Customer Experience
As customer experience becomes increasingly important, businesses are placing greater emphasis on hiring professionals who can help them create a positive impression with their customers. This is where convention services managers come in, as they are responsible for creating a positive experience for attendees at conventions and trade shows.
To be successful in this field, convention services managers need to be able to understand what makes customers happy and how to create an environment that meets their needs. They also need to be able to manage teams and stay on top of deadlines.
A Greater Emphasis on Diversity
Diversity has become a major focus in the business world over the past few years, as companies have realized the importance of having a workforce that reflects the diversity of their customers.
Convention services managers can capitalize on this trend by developing skills that make them valuable to employers. These include communication, team-building, and conflict resolution. In addition, convention services managers should also focus on developing relationships with potential clients from different backgrounds.
How to Become a Convention Services Manager
A convention services manager career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the event planning industry. As a convention services manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a convention or trade show, from booking vendors and creating marketing campaigns to managing logistics and ensuring that attendees have a positive experience.
To become a convention services manager, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. You should also have experience working in an event planning role, preferably in the convention and exhibition industry.
Related: How to Write a Convention Services Manager Resume
Advancement Prospects
Convention services managers may advance to positions such as director of convention services or director of sales. In larger organizations, they may also advance to become general managers. As they advance, convention services managers may take on more responsibility for planning and coordinating conventions and events. They may also have more opportunity to work with high-profile clients and events.
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