Director of Events

Churchill Downs Incorporated•Louisville, KY

18d

About The Position

Derby City Gaming is seeking an enthusiastic, highly organized, and strategic leader to serve as Director of Events. This key leadership role reports to the Sr. Director of Food & Beverage and is responsible for the booking, planning, and execution of external events and private dining experiences across multiple venue locations. The Director of Events provides strategic oversight of all event operations, ensuring seamless execution, exceptional guest experiences, and strong client relationships. Core responsibilities include end-to-end event planning, on-site execution, and upholding Derby City Gaming’s service standards while driving guest engagement and satisfaction. The ideal candidate brings a balance of structure, creativity, and leadership to support both internal stakeholders and external clients. This role partners closely with on-property Food & Beverage teams and cross-functional departments to ensure every detail of the event experience is executed flawlessly, including room setup, décor, catering, and entertainment to special guests, equipment, promotional materials, and staff communication. Success in this role requires the ability to multitask, prioritize effectively, and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment. The Director of Events must be available for on-site event coverage, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and dual-property support, as needed to ensure successful execution and exceptional guest satisfaction.

Requirements

Demonstrated operational expertise in banquet and event planning within a hospitality environment.
Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Highly detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accuracy and composure under pressure.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally.
Ability to influence, coordinate, and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Proven success working collaboratively within established organizational structures and processes.
Strong customer service mindset with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Excellent time management skills with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational demands.
Reliable execution skills with a demonstrated ability to meet strict timelines and deadlines.
ServeSafe certification or equivalent food safety certification required, or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe.
Availability to respond to calls, texts, and emails via a company-issued mobile device during scheduled events and as operationally necessary
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid KHRC license.
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field preferred.
Seven to ten years of experience in banquet or event operations within a hotel, resort, casino, or similar hospitality environment preferred.
Strong working knowledge of banquet service styles, room configurations, event logistics, and production requirements.
Familiarity with applicable fire, health, and public safety regulations.
Demonstrated ability to operate within established budgets while meeting tight deadlines.
Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods during event execution.
Willingness and availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Calendar tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience with event management software (e.g., Tripleseat) preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operational execution of banquets and special events from initial planning through successful event completion.
Coordinate closely with on-property Food & Beverage, Facilities, Security, Surveillance, Marketing, Operations, and IT teams to ensure all event requirements are clearly communicated and executed as planned.
Ensure all internal departments are informed of upcoming events, understand assigned responsibilities, and are fully prepared to meet operational and service expectations.
Develop and manage detailed event timelines, room setups, staffing plans, equipment needs, and service flows to support seamless execution.
Partner with property Food & Beverage leadership to confirm event details, including space selection, availability, room configurations, menu offerings, budget parameters, and other event-specific requirements.
Oversee the accuracy, distribution, and execution of Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), ensuring alignment and accountability across all departments.
Coordinate room flips, event setups, and breakdowns utilizing established labor resources and on-property teams.
Monitor on-site event execution to ensure adherence to contracted specifications, operational standards, and guest expectations.
Serve as the primary point of contact during events, proactively identifying and resolving issues to ensure a seamless and elevated guest experience.
Conduct timely follow-up with clients and guests through site visits, meetings, and ongoing communication to confirm event details and overall satisfaction.
Assist in developing event cost estimates, labor forecasts, and equipment plans for events of varying size and complexity.
Support documentation and adherence to best practices for event setup, service execution, load-in, and load-out procedures.
Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership to identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and continuous improvement.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with guests, vendors, and internal stakeholders through strong interpersonal and communication skills.