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banquet events
Banquet or Catering Departments are responsible for all aspects of managing events such as weddings, conferences, business functions, perhaps birthday parties, meetings and other special events. The banquet or catering department is responsible for marketing the services offered and securing events and also for providing the food and beverage and any other services required for an event.
Responsibilities of banquet departments may include:
• Conducting site inspections for prospective clients and
guests
• Organising bookings
• Providing advice to clients about menus, setup and audio
visual services
• Recording and coordinating client requirements for
events
• Planning and coordination of food, beverage and service
attendants for events
• Communicating client requirements to other relevant
departments, including contracts, invoices, event orders,
function forecasts and table plans
• Managing the running of the event
Jobs that may be available in a banquets department include:
• Banquet Sales Coordinator
• Banquet Supervisor
• Conference and Catering Manager
• Banquet Attendant
• Conference and Events Manager
Personal attributes required to work in a banquets department include:
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A commitment to providing excellent customer service
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Good problem solving skills
• Excellent personal presentation
• The ability to work under pressure and respond quickly
to requests
• Enjoying working with people
Many banquet service staff are employed on a casual basis and need to be flexible in their availability. They should also be willing to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, and shift work.
Often businesses look for employees who hold hospitality industry qualifications or are willing to undertake training in both Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling. Previous banquet or catering experience is also well regarded.