Event Planning Manager

Property Description

Join the Team at Hotel Lincoln! Perched in the heart of Chicago’s lively Old Town, Hotel Lincoln isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place where personality shines. Our eclectic, boutique vibe pairs sweeping views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan with the kind of Midwestern charm guests rave about. Steps from the Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, Navy Pier, and the best of downtown, we’re at the center of it all.

If you’re passionate about hospitality, love a workplace with character, and want to be part of a team that delivers an unforgettable Chicago experience every day—Hotel Lincoln is where you belong.

Event Planning Manager serves as a liaison between customers and sales teams to provide direction and supervision during meeting and banquet functions. Available to solve problems and suggest alternatives, they directly serve group and catering customers by managing group room blocks, food and beverage logistics, and billing processes while driving upsell opportunities and re-booking group business for future dates.

• Prepares all event documentation (DDR, EO and BEO) for Sales Managers and Event Catering Manager. Coordinates with Sales, hotel departments and customers to ensure consistent, high-level service throughout pre-event, event and post event phases.
• Manages DDR/EO/BEO detailing in Envision and Tripleseat.
• Serves as liaison between sales and customer throughout the event process, providing proactive support to solve problems and suggest alternatives.
• Recognizes opportunities to maximize BnC revenue by up-selling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events.
• Identifies operational challenges and collaborates with hotel staff and customers to develop solutions.
• Manages banquet and catering meeting and event space for assigned groups through hotel departments.
• Complies with attendance rules and is available to work on a regular basis.
• Prepares for and attends all applicable pre-cons and post-cons.
• Arranges for VIP amenities to be delivered.
• Checks on functions regularly as they are being executed for groups.
• Prepares and receives deposits, billing and payments.
• Collaborates with Executive Chef on menu planning to maximize revenue within customer budget.
• Collaborates with group sales on menu planning to maximize food and beverage revenues.
• Executes guarantee and cut-off policies.
• Creates, reviews and revises rooming lists and VIP lists.
• Pre-checks room setups, prior to arrival of the group.
• Knows meeting room set-ups and capabilities as well as sleeping room configurations and types.
• Follows up on all turn-overs via telephone within 24 hours and written correspondence within 3 days.
• Participates in training, trade shows, field trips and community, industry and professional organizations to maintain high visibility in support of the achievement of sales and revenue goals.
• Is responsible for increasing overall revenue per attendee via aggressive upselling techniques, rooms management strategies, value added offerings and other creative methods.
• Promotes employee empowerment.
• Demonstrates positive leadership that inspires employees.
• Reports all unsafe conditions immediately.
• Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor to include cross training.

What we would love for you to have:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 2+ years of hotel sales experience.
• 1 year food and beverage experience.
• Strong understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts.
• Developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding/knowledge of Microsoft office.
• Confident and professional appearance.
• Proactive sales approach, assertive and fast paced, driven to succeed.
• Executes and supports Hotel Customer Service Standards and Hotel’s Brand Standards.
• Understanding of respective market segment, competitor’s strengths, weaknesses, economic trends, supply and demand.
• Works well under pressure.
• Time management skills. Being able to work on multiple projects with desired outcome for each.
• Ability to communicate effectively with public and other employees.
• Creativity in designing events.
• Working knowledge of banquet department (sets, AV equipment, scheduling, menu planning).
• Abilit…