Tasting Room Expo
The Event Sales & Experience Lead is the driver of Ponzi’s private event business and the architect of flawless execution. This role is equal parts hunter and operator: identifying and closing new business opportunities while ensuring every onsite or offsite event is executed to perfection.
This person thrives on relationships, creativity, and operational excellence. They have pre‑existing connections with corporate planners, wedding coordinators, and concierge teams. They deliver experiences that embody Ponzi’s culture of “11‑out‑of‑10” hospitality and leave guests inspired, delighted, and eager to return.
Key Responsibilities Hunting & Relationship Building
Actively prospect, qualify, and close private and corporate event opportunities to meet or exceed monthly and annual revenue goals.
Build and nurture relationships with corporate planners, wedding planners, concierges, and other key decision‑makers.
Schedule private tastings and experiences designed to cultivate future event or partnership opportunities.
Leverage post‑event connections to drive repeat business, referrals, and additional revenue opportunities.
Execute Ponzi’s corporate gifting program to enhance client relationships and retention.
Event Strategy & Execution
Serve as the primary point of contact for all events—onsite at the winery or offsite—ensuring every detail reflects Ponzi’s standard of unreasonable hospitality.
Conduct site visits, menu tastings, and pre‑event walkthroughs to align expectations and personalize each experience.
Develop detailed event timelines, service maps, and staffing plans in collaboration with the Director of Consumer Sales, Chef, and hospitality team.
Oversee day‑of execution: setup, service, wine pairing, guest engagement, breakdown, and post‑event reporting.
Identify and act on opportunities to enhance revenue and guest delight during events.
Operational Excellence
Maintain Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), tracking guest counts, menus, wine selections, and post‑event outcomes.
Manage inventory of flatware, glassware, dishware, and service supplies; communicate ordering needs proactively.
Ensure event spaces, bars, and POS stations are consistently stocked and visually ready.
Assist with DTC, marketing, trade, and wine club events as needed, providing on‑site support and execution.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with the Director of Consumer Sales, Culinary, and Hospitality teams to align on scheduling, staffing, and logistics.
Provide clear communication and leadership to event staff, ensuring alignment with Ponzi’s service standards and brand ethos.
Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to promote events, build brand awareness, and generate leads.
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in event sales, hospitality, or private client management, ideally in wine, luxury hospitality, or experiential brands.
Existing relationships with corporate planners, wedding coordinators, or concierges are highly preferred.
Proven track record of prospecting, closing, and exceeding sales goals.
Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to deliver high‑touch experiences while managing multiple events and priorities.
Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Wine knowledge is a plus.
Success Is Measured By
Revenue growth from private and corporate events, both onsite and offsite.
Growth in repeat business, referrals, and corporate partnerships.
Flawless execution of events with exceptional guest feedback.
Expansion of a robust pipeline of new event opportunities.
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This person thrives on relationships, creativity, and operational excellence. They have pre‑existing connections with corporate planners, wedding coordinators, and concierge teams. They deliver experiences that embody Ponzi’s culture of “11‑out‑of‑10” hospitality and leave guests inspired, delighted, and eager to return.
Key Responsibilities Hunting & Relationship Building
Actively prospect, qualify, and close private and corporate event opportunities to meet or exceed monthly and annual revenue goals.
Build and nurture relationships with corporate planners, wedding planners, concierges, and other key decision‑makers.
Schedule private tastings and experiences designed to cultivate future event or partnership opportunities.
Leverage post‑event connections to drive repeat business, referrals, and additional revenue opportunities.
Execute Ponzi’s corporate gifting program to enhance client relationships and retention.
Event Strategy & Execution
Serve as the primary point of contact for all events—onsite at the winery or offsite—ensuring every detail reflects Ponzi’s standard of unreasonable hospitality.
Conduct site visits, menu tastings, and pre‑event walkthroughs to align expectations and personalize each experience.
Develop detailed event timelines, service maps, and staffing plans in collaboration with the Director of Consumer Sales, Chef, and hospitality team.
Oversee day‑of execution: setup, service, wine pairing, guest engagement, breakdown, and post‑event reporting.
Identify and act on opportunities to enhance revenue and guest delight during events.
Operational Excellence
Maintain Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), tracking guest counts, menus, wine selections, and post‑event outcomes.
Manage inventory of flatware, glassware, dishware, and service supplies; communicate ordering needs proactively.
Ensure event spaces, bars, and POS stations are consistently stocked and visually ready.
Assist with DTC, marketing, trade, and wine club events as needed, providing on‑site support and execution.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with the Director of Consumer Sales, Culinary, and Hospitality teams to align on scheduling, staffing, and logistics.
Provide clear communication and leadership to event staff, ensuring alignment with Ponzi’s service standards and brand ethos.
Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to promote events, build brand awareness, and generate leads.
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in event sales, hospitality, or private client management, ideally in wine, luxury hospitality, or experiential brands.
Existing relationships with corporate planners, wedding coordinators, or concierges are highly preferred.
Proven track record of prospecting, closing, and exceeding sales goals.
Exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to deliver high‑touch experiences while managing multiple events and priorities.
Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Wine knowledge is a plus.
Success Is Measured By
Revenue growth from private and corporate events, both onsite and offsite.
Growth in repeat business, referrals, and corporate partnerships.
Flawless execution of events with exceptional guest feedback.
Expansion of a robust pipeline of new event opportunities.
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