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Event Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Event Planning Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

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 ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Event Planning Manager

Napa, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Event Planning Manager is responsible for upselling and servicing events. Primary sales efforts are in banquet food and beverage and venue rental and includes menu planning, agenda setting, and ...

Alila Napa Valley

Event Planning Manager

Napa, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Event Planning Manager is responsible for upselling and servicing events. Primary sales efforts are in banquet food and beverage and venue rental and includes menu planning, agenda setting, and ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Event Planning Manager

Napa, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Event Planning Manager is responsible for upselling and servicing events. Primary sales efforts are in banquet food and beverage and venue rental and includes menu planning, agenda setting, and ...

Viceroy Park Avenue

Event Planning Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

The Event Planning Manager serves as the primary liaison between clients and hotel departments, ensuring every event is flawlessly executed while delivering exceptional service and maximizing guest ...

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How much do event planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for event planning in the United States is $75,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is event planning?

Event planning is the process of organizing and coordinating all aspects of professional, social, or entertainment events. This includes tasks such as selecting venues, managing budgets, coordinating vendors, arranging logistics, and overseeing the event’s execution. Event planners work closely with clients to understand their vision and objectives, then ensure every detail aligns with those goals. Their expertise helps ensure events run smoothly and successfully, from small meetings to large conferences or celebrations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Planner, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in project management, often supported by a degree in hospitality or related fields. Familiarity with event management software (like Cvent or Eventbrite), budgeting tools, and vendor management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering seamless events that meet client expectations and efficiently handle unexpected challenges.

What are some common challenges event planners face when coordinating large-scale events, and how can they be managed?

Event planners often encounter challenges such as managing multiple vendors, adhering to tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders. To address these issues, successful planners rely on detailed project timelines, clear contracts, and regular check-ins with their teams. Utilizing event management software and fostering strong relationships with reliable vendors can also help mitigate risks and ensure that events run smoothly.

What is the difference between Event Planning vs Event Coordination?

AspectEvent PlanningEvent Coordination
ResponsibilitiesDesigning event concepts, budgeting, vendor selection, overall planningExecuting the event plan, managing logistics, coordinating vendors on the event day
Required SkillsOrganization, budgeting, vendor management, creativityCommunication, problem-solving, time management
Work EnvironmentPre-event planning phase, office or remoteOn-site during event, fast-paced environment
CertificationsEvent planning certifications (e.g., CSEP, CMP) often preferredLess formal certifications, focus on experience

Event Planning involves designing and organizing the entire event from concept to execution, focusing on pre-event tasks. Event Coordination is about managing the logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly during the event itself. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but they focus on different phases of event management.

How do I become an event planner?

To become an event planner, gaining relevant education such as a degree in hospitality, marketing, or communications can be helpful. Developing skills in organization, communication, and time management is essential, along with gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions. Certification programs like the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) can also enhance credibility in the field.

Is being an event planning a good career?

Event planning is a dynamic career that involves coordinating logistics, managing budgets, and working with clients to organize events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. Success in this field often requires strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to handle stressful situations, with many professionals working irregular hours and gaining certifications to enhance their prospects.

What exactly do event planners do?

Event planners coordinate all aspects of events such as weddings, conferences, and parties, including venue selection, budgeting, vendor management, and scheduling. They ensure the event runs smoothly by overseeing logistics, communicating with clients, and managing timelines, often using planning tools and requiring strong organizational skills.
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Cities with the most Event Planning job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Event Planning jobs?

The most popular types of Event Planning jobs are:

What states have the most Event Planning jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Event Planning jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Planning jobs are:

event planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Planning job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,268 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Event Planning Manager

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

Gecko Hospitality
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Gecko Hospitalityexternal

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

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