Can You Plan Like A Pro?

With event management gaining prominence in the hospitality sector, aspiring candidates have an array of courses to choose from…

- Triti Zalka

It is no easy feat to put together an event, however big or small. From people to plates, a banquet or event, a manager has his hands full. “Every day I meet new people, and deal with different situations. There’s no typical day of work. I’ll take care of social and corporate events, celebrations, and also handle the food and beverage inventory, and the ‘CCG’ (cutlery, crockery and glassware),” explains Kranti Vishal, Banquet Manager, The Leela Palace, New Delhi. An event can be anything from a small festive function to a corporate dinner or an extravagant wedding.

Rising up the ranks

Vishal’s journey in the industry has been a typical tale—he started out as a steward, went on to become a Team Leader and then the Assistant Banquet Manager. Ten years down the line, he is the Banquet Manager at a premier 5-star Delhi hotel. He aspires to rise through the ranks of Assistant Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager, F&B Manager and then to reach the pinnacle of hospitality management— General Manager. 

Increasingly, employers are directly hiring candidates as banquet managers who have earned degrees, diplomas or certificates in hotel management, hospitality, F&B and related areas. “Starting salaries for a banquet manager can be around Rs.50,000 -70,000 per month. It all depends on educational background,” says Vishal.