Weekend Event Planning Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hotel Event Planning Manager

Lake Forest, IL

$55K - $60K

Position Overview

The Hotel Event Planning Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing exceptional meetings, conferences, weddings, social events, and group functions from contract turnover through final execution. This highly visible role serves as the primary liaison between hotel clients and internal operational teams, ensuring every event is flawlessly executed while delivering an outstanding guest and customer experience.

The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented hospitality professional with a strong understanding of hotel operations, banquet and catering services, food and beverage, and event logistics. The Event Planning Manager will work closely with Sales, Catering, Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, and other hotel departments to ensure client expectations are exceeded at every stage of the planning and execution process.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients following the sales and contract process through the completion of their event.
• Plan and coordinate meetings, conferences, weddings, social events, corporate functions, and other group programs.
• Conduct detailed pre-event planning meetings to understand client expectations, event objectives, timelines, menus, room setups, audiovisual requirements, and special requests.
• Prepare and distribute Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), group resumes, and other event-related documentation.
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Catering, Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, and other operational departments.
• Conduct pre-convention and pre-event meetings with clients and internal hotel teams.
• Ensure all event details are communicated accurately and in a timely manner to operational teams.
• Monitor event execution and serve as the primary hotel contact during events when necessary.
• Conduct post-event meetings and client follow-up to evaluate event success and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage multiple events and groups simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Assist with forecasting, revenue opportunities, banquet guarantees, food and beverage minimums, and additional event-related revenue opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience and generate additional hotel revenue.
• Maintain accurate client records and event information within the hotel's sales and event management systems.
• Resolve client concerns and operational challenges quickly and professionally.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients and encourage repeat business and future bookings.
• Ensure all events are executed in accordance with hotel standards, brand expectations, and client requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in hotel event planning, catering, conference services, banquet operations, or a related hospitality role.
• Previous experience working in a full-service hotel, resort, convention hotel, or large-scale event environment strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of banquet operations, catering services, food and beverage, and hotel event logistics.
• Experience preparing BEOs, group resumes, banquet checks, and other event-related documentation.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience with hotel sales and event management systems such as Delphi, Opera, Cvent, or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional client and guest experiences.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required based on business needs.



What We Offer

We offer a competitive compensation package, opportunities for professional growth, and the opportunity to work with a dynamic hospitality team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests and clients.

If you are a highly organized hospitality professional with a passion for events, exceptional service, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, we encourage you to apply for our Hotel Event Planning Manager position.

Send your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com for immediate review and consideration