Event Planning Manager

DeFoor Hospitality Group•Chattanooga, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Team as an Event Manager — Where Details Drive the Experience Are you someone who finds satisfaction in getting every detail right? We're looking for an onsite in-person Event Manager who takes full ownership of the client experience from the moment a contract is signed to the final bill review. This is a client management role at its core — you'll be the primary point of contact for your assigned clients, managing everything from room blocks and event documentation to tastings, site tours, and on-property introductions. If you are efficient and detail-driven, this is a very manageable and rewarding role. If you struggle with computers or time management, it will be a difficult one. What makes this role the right fit for the right person: Own the client relationship from contract to completion Manage the details that make events run without a hitch Build long-term relationships with clients and property teams Identify and act on every opportunity to exceed client expectations and revenue goals Work in an environment where doing the job well is genuinely valued Experience with Marriott's CI platform at any level is a significant asset and will be recognized in compensation. Hotel operational experience — whether in rooms, food & beverage, or event management — is strongly preferred. If you care about doing the job right and are looking for a role where that matters, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

Must be able to communicate in English effectively in writing, by telephone, and in person.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail — this role manages a high volume of moving parts across multiple clients and timelines.
Proficiency with computers and standard office software, including Microsoft Office; ability to learn property-specific systems quickly.
Basic sales skills with the ability to identify and act on upselling opportunities.
Ability to manage time effectively and work efficiently with the tools and systems available.
Ability to look at both the big picture and the fine details simultaneously.
1+ years of hotel event management experience in a high-volume property environment preferred
1+ years of hotel experience in rooms (sales, front desk, etc.) , food & beverage, or a related operational role considered
Detail oriented, tech savvy, and able to learn new systems and property-specific processes quickly
Some exposure to sales, upselling, or client-facing work
Experience with Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) is a plus
Experience with Marriott's CI platform at any level is a significant asset and will be reflected in compensation
Marriott or Westin brand experience is a plus
A degree in Hospitality, Hotel & Restaurant Management, or a related field may substitute for experience requirements if the program included training in hotel operations or Marriott's CI platform

Responsibilities

Ensures events progress seamlessly by following established procedures, collaborating with other employees, and ensuring accuracy.
Greets customer during the event phase and hands off to the Event Operations team for the execution of details.
Adheres to all standards, policies, and procedures.
Ensures billing accuracy and conducts bill reviews with clients prior to processing the final bill.
Manages group room blocks and meeting space for assigned groups.
Actively sells food & beverage and coordinates audio-visual services to meet and exceed each client's contracted minimum.
Creates and manages all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and event documentation with a high degree of accuracy.
Acts as the primary liaison between the Sales Manager and the client from contract turnover through post-event, handling major changes, client introductions, and all client-facing communication throughout.
Schedules and facilitates customer site inspections, tastings, in-person planning meetings, and property tours.
Coordinates all event details verbally and in writing with clients and property operations teams.
Conducts pre-event and post-event meetings as needed to communicate group needs and gather feedback.
Manages all post-event administrative responsibilities for assigned clients.
Works with property staff to identify and resolve operational challenges before and during events.
Solicits feedback from property departments to identify areas for improvement to enhance the Event Planner's experience.
Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.