Events Manager | Kalamazoo Event Center

Job Description Overview Are  you a thoughtful planner who thrives on transforming ideas into exceptional experiences? Join our team as the primary planning partner for clients hosting events within the Kalamazoo Event Center’s event  this role, you will guide clients from the contracted sales handoff through planning, execution, billing, and post-event follow-up. You will curate a robust variety of events ranging from weddings and holiday parties to trade shows and conferences.

Through expert guidance, detailed communication, and strong operational partnership, you will translate each client’s goals into a seamless event experience while supporting financial performance and Greenleaf Hospitality Group’s vision to be the Host of Kalamazoo.

This position is responsible for events held within the Kalamazoo Event Center’s event spaces and does not oversee arena programming, including sporting events, concerts, tournaments, consumer shows, or other ticketed and specialty entertainment.

What You'll Be Doing Serve as the client’s primary planning partner following the contracted sales handoff. Build relationships through communication, guidance, and a clear understanding of each event’s objectives, priorities, and measures of success.

Lead pre-planning meetings to understand each client’s vision and needs. Provide expert recommendations related to room layouts, timelines, food and beverage, audiovisual production, décor, guest flow, vendor requirements, and other experience elements.

Develop exceptionally detailed and accurate Banquet Event Orders, event diagrams, event resumes, timelines, and supporting documentation that communicate all event requirements.

Lead and participate in recurring event meetings to confirm that all details are clearly understood and operationally achievable. Collaborate closely with Banquets, Culinary, Event Technology, Facilities, Security, Parking, Finance, Sales, and other internal partners.

Coordinate the use of the event space, including logistical requirements, in accordance to venue and client requirements.

Understand the client’s goals and available services to recommend appropriate food and beverage, audiovisual, production, and experience enhancements that add value to the event and support departmental financial objectives.

Maintain a thorough understanding of contracted commitments, payment schedules, pricing, minimums, and event requirements. Clearly document and communicate additions or changes that may affect the client’s agreement or final charges. Partner with Finance and operational teams to produce accurate and timely final billing in accordance with contracted payment guidelines.

Provide leadership during key event periods, serving as the client’s primary contact and escalation point. Partner cross-functionally to confirm that arrangements meet the agreed-upon plan, manage on-site changes, and support overall client satisfaction.

Respond promptly to client questions and concerns. Collaborate cross-functionally to identify solutions that protect the guest experience and support long-term relationships.

Support the Sales team throughout the client journey by ensuring a seamless transition from contracting to execution, identifying potential future opportunities, and contributing to client retention and rebooking.

Actively seek client and operational feedback and evaluate event results to continuously improve future event experiences.

Build positive, collaborative relationships across the Kalamazoo Event Center and Greenleaf Hospitality Group by consistently demonstrating the organization’s vision, mission, core values, and commitment to exceptional hospitality.

What You Need For This Position3+ years of experience in event planning, event services,…