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Grace Yakubu

Event & Banqueting Sales Coordinator
Grace Yakubu, The wheatbaker staff, Hotel near me, Hotels near me, The George Hotel, The Art Hotel, The Delborough Hotel, Lagos Hotels, Ikoyi Hotels, Victoria Island Hotels, Hotel Victoria Island, The wheatbaker
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1. What inspired your decision to transition to The Wheatbaker, and what distinguishes this brand from others you’ve worked with?
My transition to The Wheatbaker was inspired by its reputation as Lagos’ iconic boutique hotel, blending luxury with cultural artistry and refined hospitality in a personalized, serene environment in Ikoyi. What distinguishes the brand is its ability to deliver exclusivity and warmth in equal measure — every guest experience feels curated rather than standardized.
2. Having held a similar role previously, what elevated standards or nuances have you experienced since joining The Wheatbaker?
Since joining, I have observed a strong emphasis on elegance, where standards go beyond operational excellence through thoughtful, refined touches. There is a deep commitment to the art of hospitality that makes every interaction feel exclusive rather than transactional.
3. In your view, what defines a truly exceptional luxury event experience?
In my opinion, a truly exceptional luxury event experience makes guests feel seen and celebrated through personalized details, cutting-edge service, and refined elegance that creates lasting memories.
4. Event sales is both strategic and creative — how do you balance revenue objectives with delivering bespoke guest experiences?
I balance revenue and guest experience by treating them as interconnected priorities. By understanding client budgets early, leveraging smart pricing strategies, and maximizing our in-house services, I am able to recommend valuable options that increase revenue while fully aligning with the client’s vision.
5. What trends are you currently observing in the luxury events and banqueting space?
In Lagos, we are seeing a stronger fusion of Nigerian heritage with global luxury aesthetics. There is also a rise in hybrid and tech-enhanced events, alongside increasing demand for sustainability — including eco-conscious décor, local sourcing, and reduced waste initiatives.
6. How do you approach understanding a client’s vision and translating it into a seamless, memorable event?
I prioritize active listening during site inspections, asking open-ended questions to understand expectations and non-negotiables. I maintain regular check-ins with visuals and updates to refine details, building trust and ensuring the final execution feels seamless and true to their vision. Ultimately, it is always about the experience.
7. What role does attention to detail play in differentiating a premium event from a standard one?
Attention to detail is the cornerstone of a premium event. It transforms a good event into an unforgettable one — from table settings and lighting to menu presentation, scent diffusion, and anticipating dietary preferences.In a boutique setting like The Wheatbaker, even the smallest oversight, such as an incorrect fish fork placement, can disrupt the elegance. Precision ensures the event feels polished and luxurious.
8. The Wheatbaker is known for its boutique elegance. How does that influence the way you position and sell your event spaces?
I position our spaces as private, stylish venues in Ikoyi that offer personalized service and a refined experience for clients who value exclusivity over large, crowded venues.
9. What has been your most rewarding event to coordinate so far, and what made it stand out?
One of my most rewarding experiences was transforming our banquet space into an African flag-inspired setting enhanced with high-tech elements for a high-profile meeting. Seeing how the intimate atmosphere elevated the overall experience made it particularly memorable.
10. How do you build lasting relationships with corporate and social clients in a competitive market?
I focus on building strong business relationships through consistent follow-up, delivering on promises, conducting post-event feedback sessions, and identifying future opportunities. Going beyond expectations helps to foster loyalty and long-term partnerships.
11. What personal strengths do you believe give you an edge in event and banqueting sales?
My passion for hospitality and genuine enthusiasm allow me to build trust quickly. Combined with my experience across different hotel environments, these strengths enable me to deliver measurable results while fostering meaningful connections.
12. Luxury clients often expect personalization at the highest level — how do you ensure expectations are not only met but exceeded?
I prioritize clear and transparent communication to properly manage expectations, while proactively anticipating needs and offering thoughtful enhancements that elevate the overall experience.
13. How does collaboration with operations, kitchen, and front-of-house teams shape the success of an event?
Collaboration is essential; it transforms a vision into reality. I work closely with operations for seamless coordination, with the kitchen team for precise menu execution, and with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth service flow and exceptional guest engagement.
14. What have you learned from working across different hotel environments that you now bring into your role here?
I learned structure and operational efficiency from larger hotel environments, and personalization and refined detail from The Wheatbaker. I now combine both approaches to deliver organized, client-focused service while maintaining the elegance that defines the brand.
15. Looking ahead, how do you hope to contribute to the continued growth and prestige of The Wheatbaker’s events portfolio?
I aim to grow our events portfolio by attracting high-profile corporate and social clients, collaborating closely with management to create elegant and memorable experiences, and strengthening strategic partnerships. My goal is to position The Wheatbaker as the premier choice for luxury events in Nigeria.
Yanzu muna bayar da ayyukan wanki kyauta ga baƙi a cikin gidanmu./
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