Question 1

What is the difference between a conference services assistant and a banquet attendant?

Accepted Answer

A conference services assistant focuses on meeting room setup, AV equipment, event coordination and guest liaison for conferences and meetings. A banquet attendant primarily handles food and beverage service at events. Under the Hospitality Industry Award, conference services assistants are typically classified as Function or Events employees.

Question 2

What award covers conference services assistants in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Conference services assistant positions are covered by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020 (MA000009). This award applies to employees in hotels, conference centres, function venues and similar establishments. Always verify which award applies to your specific property.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a conference services assistant?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, conference services assistants typically fall under Level 2-3 depending on experience and technical responsibilities. Those with advanced AV skills or coordination duties may be classified at Level 4. See our Hospitality Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a conference services assistant job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive hourly rate based on experience.' Check the current Hospitality Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do conference services assistants need?

Accepted Answer

Formal qualifications aren't always required for entry-level positions. Key requirements include physical fitness for lifting and setup work, technical aptitude for AV equipment, customer service skills and attention to detail. Certificate III in Events or Hospitality is beneficial.

Question 6

Do conference services assistants need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

No specific certificates are legally required. However, RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) may be needed if the role includes beverage service. First aid certification is beneficial. Some properties provide training in specific AV systems, event management software or safety procedures.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a conference services assistant?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions, look for event experience, physical fitness, technical aptitude and customer service skills. For experienced roles, look for previous conference or event work, AV equipment knowledge, understanding of meeting room setups and proven reliability with event deadlines.

Question 8

Can I hire conference services assistants without event experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many venues successfully train conference services assistants without prior event experience. Focus on transferable skills like physical fitness, attention to detail, technical aptitude and customer service. Provide comprehensive training on equipment, setup procedures and event protocols.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent conference services assistants?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your venue's event frequency. Permanent staff provide consistency for regular meetings and conferences, while casuals offer flexibility for peak event periods. Many venues use a mix — permanent assistants for core events and casuals for large conferences or busy seasons. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends and simplify employee management with HR software.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to conference services assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and early morning or late evening shifts. Events often occur during these times. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for conference services assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2-3 hours per shift depending on circumstances. Part-time employees also have minimum shift requirements. This ensures employees receive reasonable compensation for attending work. Check the award for specific requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in a conference services assistant employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties including physical requirements, work location, shift patterns which may include early starts and late finishes, uniform requirements and any on-call arrangements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to conference services assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, rosters must be provided at least 7 days in advance. Changes within this period require employee agreement unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Conference schedules can change, so using rostering software helps manage updates and gives staff visibility of their event schedule.

Question 14

What are typical shift patterns for conference services assistants?

Accepted Answer

Conference services shifts vary based on event schedules. Common patterns include early starts (6am) for morning conference setup, full-day shifts for multi-session events, evening shifts for dinners and late finishes for event pack-down. Weekend work is common. Be clear about variable shift requirements during hiring.

Question 15

What breaks are conference services assistants entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Hospitality Industry Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. During events, breaks need careful coordination to maintain service standards. Use break planning tools to support compliance while maintaining event coverage.

Question 16

How do I manage conference services coverage during large events?

Accepted Answer

For large conferences or multiple simultaneous events, increase staffing levels based on room counts and setup complexity. Use rostering software to schedule adequate staff for setup, event support and pack-down phases. Maintain a casual pool for unexpected event requests or last-minute changes.

Conference services assistant job description