Event Planning Manager

Named to the Top 250 Meeting Hotels in North America list by Cvent, taking the #23 overall rank and the #1 Hotel in New Orleans, The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is seeking an Event Planning Manager to join our exciting and fun Events team. We are conveniently located in the downtown area near Champions Square, Smoothie King Center, and minutes from the historic French Quarter, Arts District, and Mississippi Riverfront. Our property has 1,193 guestrooms and 200,000 square feet of event space and is ready for a motivated and creative new leader to take advantage of a unique opportunity to impress and delight our future groups. Come join our family at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans and you will have the chance to sell a brand new experience to our guests! Responsibilities The Event Planning Manager’s primary focus is servicing sales bookings. This position acts as the liaison between meeting planners and the hotel staff to provide direction and organization during the execution of meeting and banquet events. The EPM will be available to guests throughout the event progression to solve problems and to suggest alternatives for previous arrangements. They will also directly serve on‑site group and catering guests in a proactive manner. Responsibilities include administering the sales agreement, detailing all food, beverage, and A/V needs, managing room blocks and pick‑ups, managing meeting spaces, and overseeing the billing instructions/process and final review. Event Planning Managers also serve as the on‑site contacts and are responsible for the smooth execution of all events. This position plays an important role in the achievement of rebooking group business for future dates while demonstrating effective upselling skills to obtain maximum profit by developing and maintaining relationships with meeting planners. Qualifications Minimum 1–3 years of hotel event planning Bachelor’s degree and/or 2+ years of hotel and/or food & beverage experience preferred Experienced in general computer knowledge and programs A true desire to satisfy the needs of others in a fast‑paced environment Refined verbal and written communication skills Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the public and other team members Present a professional appearance and confidence Extremely detail oriented, organized and able to handle a fast‑paced environment Strong time management and multi‑tasking skills and ability to work well under pressure Understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts Comprehensive knowledge of all operational departments within the hotel; guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audio‑visual, banquets, accounting, restaurants and engineering Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics, which inspire employees to exceed standards and expectations Knowledge of meeting room set‑ups and capabilities, sleeping room configurations and types Respond to requests by meeting planners immediately Create, review and revise rooming lists and VIP lists Manage meeting space and adjust to ensure maximum potential revenue Maintain price integrity both in rooms and food and beverage, using revenue management Pre‑check room setups, prior to arrival of the group Relay accurate forecast information for rolling forecasts Interact with outside planners, vendors for event set‑up Manage existing accounts and follow up with client re‑solicitation to capture future business Responsible for increasing overall revenue per attendee by upselling techniques, rooms management strategies, value‑added offerings and other creative methods Experience creating and writing menus to fit event’s needs Preferred candidate has completed PSS or equivalent training Benefits Named to the 2024 “100 Best Companies to Work For®” list by Fortune and Great Place to Work® for 12 consecutive years Honored as one of the top 100 Companies that Care according to People Named Built‑In's 100 Best National Large Companies to Work For in 2022 Earned a Greenkey Eco‑Rating of 4 keys for industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through wide‑ranging policies and practice Named one of New Orleans Best Places to work 10 years running Affordable Benefits after 30 days – full‑time colleagues are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, STD Referral Bonuses up to $500.00 – for bringing new members to our team Free and Discounted Room Nights at Hyatt Hotels around the world Paid Time Off – holiday pay, new child leave and personal days Healthcare FSA – saves you money for medical expenses Financial Perks – 401(k) w/ company match & discounted employee stock purchase plan Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 emotional support, legal guidance, personal & financial resources Discounts at various retailers – at Headspace, Apple, AT&T, Verizon and More Career Growth and Advancement – Hyatt believes strongly in promoting from within. We offer training, skills development & career mobility, providing opportunities for advancement at every level All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hyatt Corporation