The jobs convention centers provide are also beneficial for local job economies. When the facilities are booked for concerts or tradeshows, many centers add temporary staff to accommodate the venue. Depending on the size of the facility, some events can accommodate one thousand or more visitors. Caterers, clean up crews and security personnel are commonly contracted with convention centers. Further, caterers are able to take on their own temporary personnel in server, host or hostess and kitchen roles. These temporary positions are ideal for those who are looking for part time work. Students and stay at home moms as well as others often find these positions ideal for bringing in extra money. Sometimes caterers prefer to hire those who are willing to pull duty in several different capacities. For example, one event might incorporate your cooking skills only to find yourself in the role of a waiter or waitress at another event.
Depending on the guidelines and procedures with a convention center, there are times job candidates can contract directly with the facility versus working for a subcontractor such as a caterer or entertainment group. It's important to realize, though, regardless of whether you're a direct employee with the facility itself or work with a subcontractor, most of these positions are part time and often, it's on an "on call" basis.
Depending on the job title, those securing hospitality jobs can expect to earn slightly more than minimum wage. There are advantages with these jobs, though. Often, those who do well are offered full time positions or advancements. These jobs allow the opportunity to be a part of the community and often, the chance to see a great concert or browse through a tradeshow.
For those looking for full time positions within a community center are most likely to find them in an administrative capacity. Receptionists, bookkeepers and some security personnel can sometimes expect forty hour work weeks. That's not always the case, though and only if there are enough events booked throughout the year to support the salaries. Many convention centers simply forward phone calls to offsite personnel to avoid having a traditional nine to five employee solely to answer phones and take messages.
Job candidates looking for cooking or hosting jobs might be required to have experience, especially in catering to large crowds. They must be able to work under pressure and demands coming from many directions. Applicants wishing to work in the kitchens, whether the convention center's facilities or with a caterer, are usually required to have experience in preparing food for hundreds or sometimes thousands of people.
Its rare any medical benefits or vacations are offered to part time personnel; but for those who enjoy large crowds and can work in loud environments, jobs within the hospitality industry in convention centers might be ideal. Contacting your local city hall is the first step. From there, you will be put in contact with the director of the convention center and can schedule an interview.
