Event Sales & Experience Lead

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.