Conference centre manager
A conference centre manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of a conference centre. This includes managing all staff and centre services such as:
Conference centre managers lead the business by liaising with the business’s operational management team (e.g. catering manager, accommodation manager), ensuring that all services provided meet the clients’ needs and events are run efficiently. Managers must strike a balance between customer satisfaction and effective business management, which often means dealing with last-minute changes or solving problems as they arise.
It is also their responsibility to develop the business by effectively planning ahead, managing future sales/marketing and efficiently budgeting to maximise income generated.
The variety of tasks undertaken will vary according to the size, location and range of services offered: small organisations will subcontract some of their services out, such as catering and entertainment; large conference centres will undertake the majority of the tasks themselves.
Typical work activities include:
Although this area of work is open to graduates and diplomates of any discipline, a degree or HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:
Entry without a degree or HND is common as many people work their way up to management through on-the-job training and external qualifications. However, graduates and diplomates with suitable skills, qualities and relevant work experience are likely to have an advantage.
Although postgraduate qualifications are not specifically required, a relevant course, such as those provided by the Institute of Hospitality , could be an advantage if your first degree is not relevant.
Prior work experience is essential as the majority of employers require experience in this sector. Most entrants have experience in the hotel, catering or travel industry, but sales, marketing and customer service experience is also valued.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
A full driving licence may be required where travel during the working day is involved.
Foreign language skills may also be useful, depending on the sector and employer.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most conference centre managers will already have relevant experience in the hotel, catering or travel industry and will have moved into this role from a more junior or related position. Training is usually provided in-house and mostly involves on-the-job training. This enables employers to gauge the level of training required so that it can be tailored to the employee’s individual needs. You will be expected to learn from experienced colleagues and managers. External courses are also offered by private training providers.
It is important that conference centre managers keep up to date with relevant skills and training. The Institute of Hospitality offers its own programme of hospitality and tourism management qualifications which offer continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities to all managers and aspiring managers in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries. Topics covered include business management, financial and business planning and professional development.
Graduates with a non-relevant degree may choose to take a postgraduate qualification in hospitality management. Those with management experience may go on to undertake an MBA specialising in hospitality management.
Progress in this area is limited, as a conference centre manager tends to be the most senior role within a conference centre. However, conference centres based within hotels will also have a hotel general manager who is normally more senior than a conference centre manager. Larger organisations or ‘groups’ will employ an area manager or director. There are only a few of these roles available, so competition is likely to be fierce. There is a tendency for senior management positions to be filled internally.
Self-employed consultancy work may be another option for experienced managers who want to continue working in the conference centre sector.
Due to the varied nature of the work and the wide range of transferable skills required by conference centre managers, there are opportunities to develop your career by moving into other related work. Promoted posts within areas such as hotel management and the leisure and tourism sector could be a possibility, as would be a move into other career areas, such as:
Specialist conference centres can be found throughout the UK. Conferences-UK has a list of conference venues searchable by region or city.
Increasingly, many large hotels offer conference facilities in addition to their traditional business. Some chains employ a specialist conference manager. Smaller budget hotels may also provide rooms for meetings.
Conference centre managers can also be found in higher education, as many universities and colleges utilise their space during vacations by hosting events. Some universities operate purpose-built conference centres throughout the year to provide a dedicated facility for external organisations.
Many large sporting venues have also diversified and are now offering conference and corporate event space and accommodation.
Recruitment agencies sometimes handle vacancies. Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for a list of member specialist recruitment agencies.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet