Events Manager in Chicago, Illinois at The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago

The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago is seeking a passionate, organized, and guest-focused Event Manager to join our Sales & Events team. Located on Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile, our 752-room full-service hotel hosts a wide variety of corporate meetings, conventions, social events, galas, weddings, and VIP experiences.

As an Event Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing assigned events from contract turnover through event completion. You will work closely with clients and hotel departments to ensure flawless execution while delivering the exceptional service and personalized experiences our guests expect from the Westin brand.

• Serve as the primary contact for clients after the sales process through event execution.
• Conduct planning meetings, site inspections, and pre-convention meetings with clients.
• Coordinate all event details including guestrooms, banquet functions, meeting space, audiovisual requirements, food and beverage, and special requests.
• Prepare Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), resumes, and other event documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communicate event requirements effectively with Operations, Banquets, Culinary, Engineering, Housekeeping, Front Office, Security, and all supporting departments.
• Monitor event execution to ensure client expectations are exceeded.
• Respond quickly and professionally to changes, special requests, and operational challenges.
• Build strong relationships with clients to encourage repeat business and positive guest satisfaction scores.
• Maintain knowledge of hotel products, services, and Marriott brand standards.
• Ensure billing accuracy and assist with post-event follow-up as needed.

• Minimum of 2 years of event management, convention services, catering, or hotel operations experience in a full-service hotel.
• Marriott experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service mindset with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience with Marriott systems, including CI/TY, Empower, or related event management software, is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.