Introduction:
Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef is located in the heart of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands and the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. With stunning views out to the impossibly blue waters of the Whitsundays, it is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the island.
The island is one of the closest Whitsunday islands to the mainland (Airlie Beach) with spectacular 30-minute ferry ride to work each day.
Description:
As Conference & Events Manager, you will take ownership of the entire event journey, from the initial enquiry and proposal through to planning, coordination and successful delivery of conferences, corporate events, incentive groups, weddings and special occasions across the Resort.
Skills and Experiences:
You will be responsible for responding to new event enquiries, understanding each client's requirements, preparing proposals and converting opportunities into confirmed business. From there, you will work closely with the client and our Resort operational teams to ensure every detail is considered and each event is delivered seamlessly and professionally
About your role
- Manage incoming confernece event, group and wedding enquiries, ensuring they are responded to promptly and professionally.
- Engage with prospective clients to understand their event objectives, requirements, budget and expectations.
- Prepare tailored event proposals, packages and quotations that showcase the Resort's venues, accommodation, dining and unique island experiences.
- Proactively follow up enquiries and opportunities to assist in converting business into confirmed events.
- Manage the client relationship from initial enquiry and proposal through to contracting, planning, event delivery and post-event follow-up.
- Manage the planning, coordination and delivery of conferences, corporate events, incentive groups, weddings and special functions.
- Build strong client relationships and translate their vision and requirements into memorable event experiences.
- Ensure a seamless transition from sales to event delivery, developing strong client relationships from the point of handover and maintaining ownership through to the successful conclusion of the event.
- Oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event schedules and operational documentation.
- Coordinate all event requirements including venues, catering, accommodation, transport, room set-ups, audio visual, entertainment and special requests.
- Work closely with Resort operational teams including Food & Beverage, Kitchen, Front Office, Housekeeping, Activities, IT and Maintenance to ensure seamless execution.
- Lead pre-event operational meetings and ensure all departments are fully briefed on upcoming events and group requirements.
- Oversee event delivery on-site, remaining visible and available to clients and operational teams during key events.
- Confidently manage last-minute changes and resolve operational challenges while maintaining a calm and professional approach.
- Identify opportunities to maximise event revenue through upselling accommodation, food and beverage, activities and additional Resort experiences.
- Ensure event costs, additional charges and amendments are accurately documented for billing.
- Conduct post-event follow-up, review client feedback and identify opportunities for repeat business.
- Ensure events are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with Resort policies and procedures
About You
- Proven experience in Conference & Events or similar role within a hotel, resort or hospitality environment.
- Experience responding to event enquiries, preparing proposals and converting opportunities into confirmed business.
- Demonstrated experience managing conferences, corporate groups, weddings and special events from initial enquiry through to execution.
- Strong sales and relationship-building skills with the confidence to engage with prospective and existing clients.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and support a team.
- Exceptional organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities.
- Outstanding attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A commercial mindset with an understanding of event revenue, costs, upselling and profitability.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Confidence working collaboratively with multiple operational departments.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills.
- Working knowledge of OPERA Cloud and Delphi is highly desirable.
- This is a live-off island position; however, flexibility is essential due to the nature of the role. Where event schedules or operational requirements require you to remain on island, overnight accommodation will be provided by the Resort.
Apply now and may every day be a Daydream!
