Event Planning Manager

About the role

The Event Planning Manager is an experienced hospitality professional responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of complex group events and reports directly to the Director of Events. This role requires a strong event planning background and the ability to independently manage mid-size to large market groups.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary planner and client contact for mid-size to large, complex group events, including meetings, conferences, galas, citywide conventions, and trade shows.
• Manage all aspects of the event planning lifecycle, from contract turnover through event execution and post-event follow-up.
• Lead event detailing, including agenda development, menu planning, room configurations, floor plans, transportation logistics, and billing requirements.
• Collaborate with McCormick Place partners and vendors as required.
• Partner closely with Event Sales, Operations, Culinary, Event Services, and other hotel departments to ensure seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences.
• Coordinate all event logistics, including audiovisual requirements, room setups, food and beverage functions, timelines, and attendee experiences.
• Prepare and maintain accurate Event Orders (EOs), diagrams, reports, and internal communications.
• Conduct client planning meetings, site visits, pre-convention meetings, and pre-event operational meetings.
• Provide on-site event management and serve as the primary point of contact throughout program execution.
• Foster strong client relationships to drive guest satisfaction, repeat business, and positive referrals.
• Monitor event revenue and forecasting to maximize profitability.
• Ensure all events are executed in accordance with Hyatt brand standards and hotel operating procedures.
• Represent Hyatt Regency McCormick Place at industry functions, networking events, and client engagements as needed.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive event planning experience in a full-service hotel, convention hotel, or large-scale event venue environment required.
• Experience servicing groups of 250 room nights or greater required.
• Demonstrated experience independently planning and managing large market groups, conventions, and events of significant scale and complexity.
• Convention hotel and citywide convention experience strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating events associated with convention centers, trade shows, or large-scale meetings preferred.
• Experience working with union labor and an understanding of labor regulations within a convention or hotel environment required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, anticipate challenges, and proactively develop solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Refined verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build strong client relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel event management systems.
• A genuine desire to provide exceptional service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive event planning experience in a full-service hotel, convention hotel, or large-scale event venue environment required.
• Experience servicing groups of 250 room nights or greater required.
• Demonstrated experience independently planning and managing large market groups, conventions, and events of significant scale and complexity.
• Convention hotel and citywide convention experience strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating events associated with convention centers, trade shows, or large-scale meetings preferred.
• Experience working with union labor and an understanding of labor regulations within a convention or hotel environment required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, anticipate challenges, and proactively develop solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Refined verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build strong client relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel event management systems.
• A genuine desire to provide exceptional service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale events simultaneously while maintaining strong client relationships.
• Exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple large-scale events simultaneously while maintaining strong client relationships.

Benefits

• Salary range for this position is $64,700 - $73,600. Actual pay will be commensurate with experience.
• Health benefit eligibility at 30 days of employment (FT only).
• 401K with company match – eligible to contribute at 30 days of employment.
• Discounted room nights at over 1,000 Hyatt properties upon hire.
• Free room nights at over 1,000 Hyatt properties at 90 days of employment (FT/PT).
• Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement (FT/PT).
• Complimentary employee parking.
• Access to hotel gym.
• Free meals in colleague cafeteria.
• Paid Time Off including Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays (eligibility and amount dependent on employment status).
• Annual performance-based increases.

Pay

Salary range for this position is $64,700 - $73,600. Actual pay will be commensurate with experience.

Schedule

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.