Associate Director of Meetings & Events

Loews Hotels•Rosemont, IL

10d•$82,400 - $103,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Meetings & Events will elevate the guest experience through flawless execution of meetings, conventions, and events, while playing a key leadership role in driving the property’s Social Catering business. This role partners with the Director of Meetings & Events to guide the team, foster collaboration, mentor future leaders, and help shape the strategy and growth of the social market. Expertise will ensure every event exceeds expectations, drives revenue, strengthens client relationships, and creates opportunities for repeat and referral business.

Requirements

Minimum six years progressive Meeting, Event, and/or Catering Sales Management experience in a full-service, large-volume, upper upscale hotel, preferred.
Demonstrated Social Catering sales experience, including business development, lead conversion, client relationship management, and achievement of catering revenue goals.
Experience leading or supporting weddings, social celebrations, galas, and other complex social events.
Proven ability to collaborate with Culinary and operational teams on menu development, package design, pricing, and enhancements to the overall social catering experience.
Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and hotel operational systems and software including Delphi, Cvent, Social Tables, Opera, or similar platforms.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, reach, and lift/pull/push 35 plus pounds regularly throughout the shift.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading, mentoring, or overseeing Catering Sales and/or Catering Service professionals preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or another similar major, preferred.
Certified Meeting Planner designation, preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage high-profile, complex programs and events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
Partner with key operational teams including Reservations, Billing, Revenue Management, Sales & Marketing, Culinary, and Banquets to deliver exceptional outcomes.
Implement Loews Hotels Meetings & Events standards and best practices across all functions.
Lead training initiatives for the Meetings & Events team, fostering growth and consistency.
Monitor team performance, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of Banquet Event Orders, diagrams, and event documentation.
Lead and support the property’s Social Catering strategy, with a focus on generating new business, improving conversion, strengthening market positioning, and achieving catering revenue goals.
Proactively identify opportunities within the local social market and build relationships that drive weddings, celebrations, galas, and other social catering business.
Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Culinary leadership to develop, refresh, and evolve social catering menus, packages, and experiences that are competitive, relevant, and aligned with market demand.
Partner with operational leaders to evaluate the current social catering experience, identify opportunities to improve the status quo, and enhance the sales, planning, and execution process.
Provide leadership and oversight to the Catering Service Managers, helping ensure consistency, accountability, and a seamless transition from sales through event execution.
Support corporate catering sales initiatives and strategies while serving as the property leader responsible for advancing Social Catering performance.
Assist the Director in workload distribution, group turnover reviews, and departmental leadership responsibilities.
Participate in menu updates, pricing strategies, and competitive analysis to maintain market positioning.
Build and maintain event documentation, including Banquet Event Orders, diagrams, and group resumes.
Schedule and lead pre- and post-convention meetings, providing onsite support for major events.
Prepare post-event recaps, analyzing performance against forecasts and guarantees.
Drive rebooking efforts and cultivate long-term client relationships.
Attend internal meetings and represent the department in cross-functional discussions.
Serve as a backup leader for the Director of Meetings & Events, managing schedules, assignments, and reporting as needed.
Regular attendance in conformance with standards.
May be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs.
Required to attend all mandatory training sessions and meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned.