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

The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago is seeking an experienced, service-driven Senior Event Manager to join our Sales & Events leadership team. Located on Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile, our 752-room full-service hotel hosts large-scale conventions, corporate meetings, incentive groups, galas, weddings, and VIP events throughout the year.

As a Senior Event Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of high-profile groups and events, serving as the primary liaison from contract turnover through event execution. This role requires a seasoned hospitality professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at building client relationships, and consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences while driving operational excellence and financial success.

• Manage the planning and execution of complex group meetings, conventions, and special events from turnover through post-event follow-up.
• Serve as the primary contact for assigned clients, ensuring all event details are planned accurately and executed seamlessly.
• Lead planning meetings, pre-convention meetings, site inspections, and client consultations.
• Prepare and review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), group resumes, diagrams, and event documentation with a high level of accuracy.
• Partner with Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping, Engineering, Security, Audio Visual, and other hotel departments to ensure flawless event execution.
• Anticipate client needs, proactively resolve challenges, and provide creative solutions that exceed expectations.
• Monitor event profitability while identifying opportunities to maximize revenue and control costs.
• Ensure compliance with Marriott brand standards and hotel operating procedures.
• Foster strong client relationships that generate repeat business and high guest satisfaction scores.
• Mentor and support less experienced Event Managers as needed while promoting collaboration across the Events and Operations teams.
• Participate in departmental meetings, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive event management or convention services experience in a full-service hotel or resort.
• Experience managing large group programs, citywide conventions, and complex banquet operations preferred.
• Marriott experience strongly preferred.
• Outstanding organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-profile events simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong financial acumen with an understanding of event profitability and revenue optimization.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Marriott event management systems (CI/TY, Empower, or similar platforms) and Microsoft Office.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business demands.