Events & MICE Manager
Job Title: Events & MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Manager
Department: Sales & Marketing / Events
Reports To: Director of Sales / General Manager
Job Summary:
The Events & MICE Manager is a dynamic leader responsible for driving the hotel’s group, conference, and banquet business. This role focuses on developing and implementing strategic sales plans to attract and secure high-profile MICE events, social functions, and corporate meetings. The manager will oversee the entire event cycle, from initial client inquiry to final execution, ensuring exceptional service, profitability, and client satisfaction that enhances the hotel's reputation as a premier events destination in Dubai.
Key Responsibilities:
- Business Development & Sales:
- Proactively identify, target, and solicit new MICE and group business through various channels (corporate, association, government, social).
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, event planners, PCOs (Professional Conference Organizers), and corporate accounts.
- Prepare and present compelling proposals, contracts, and banquet event orders (BEOs) tailored to client needs.
- Conduct site inspections and presentations for potential clients.
- Achieve and exceed agreed-upon revenue targets for the events department.
- Event Planning & Coordination:
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients during the planning phase.
- Liaise closely with clients to understand their objectives, budget, and specifications for each event.
- Coordinate all operational aspects with internal departments (Culinary, F&B Service, AV, Housekeeping, Finance, Security).
- Lead pre-event briefing meetings and post-event debriefings with all stakeholders.
- Ensure all events comply with hotel standards, legal requirements, and health & safety regulations.
- Administration & Financial Management:
- Accurately forecast group revenue and occupancy.
- Manage the event pipeline and maintain detailed records in the hotel’s sales & catering system.
- Negotiate contracts and pricing to maximize revenue and profitability.
- Review final billing with clients and the finance department to ensure accuracy.
- Leadership:
- Provide guidance and support to the Events Coordinator(s) and team.
- Stay updated on Dubai's MICE industry trends, competitor activity, and market demands.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in MICE/Event Sales and Management within the luxury hotel sector.
- In-depth knowledge of Dubai's MICE market and established network of contacts.
- Strong negotiation, presentation, and closing skills.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
- Proficiency in hotel sales & catering software (e.g., Delphi.fdc, Opera) and MS Office.
- Fluency in English is essential; additional languages (Arabic, Russian, Mandarin) are a significant advantage.
