Event Planning Manager

Overview

Event Planning Manager — Thompson Seattle | A Hyatt Property

At Thompson Seattle, part of Hyatt, we believe in delivering elevated and meaningful guest experiences through thoughtful planning, strong collaboration, and exceptional service. The Event Planning Manager plays a key role in bringing those experiences to life by managing the full planning, detailing, and onsite coordination for a wide range of events and group programs. This position oversees the planning process for rooms-only blocks, multi-day corporate meetings, social celebrations, rooftop receptions and buyouts in The Nest, and entertainment-related stays.

The Event Planning Manager works closely with both Group Sales and Event Sales to ensure every contracted booking is executed seamlessly and reflects the Thompson brand. This role requires strong communication skills, a high level of organization, and the ability to manage several programs of varying complexity at the same time. Collaboration across Events, Sales, Operations, Culinary, Beverage, Front Office, and The Nest teams is central to success in this position.

• Event Planning and Detailing:
  Serve as the primary planning contact for assigned groups and events, including meetings, receptions, social events, rooftop buyouts, entertainment stays, and rooms-only blocks.
• Lead all aspects of event detailing, including menu planning, timelines, floor plans, AV coordination, and vendor communication.
• Create and distribute accurate BEOs, group resumes, and internal operations communication.
• Host tastings, planning meetings, hotel tours, and pre-conference meetings as needed.
• Manage payment schedules, required documentation, and all final planning requirements after contract signature.
• Support onsite, as needed, during high-impact programs or seasonal peak periods, including summer activity in The Nest.

• Client Communication and Service:
  Build strong, professional relationships with clients throughout the planning process.
• Provide clear expectations, planning guidance, creative solutions, and consistent follow-through.
• Advocate for the client while maintaining alignment with hotel policies, operational capabilities, and service standards.
• Support client satisfaction and drive re-bookings through high-quality service and communication.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner with all departments of the hotel.
• Participate in or lead pre-convention meetings, daily standups, internal planning discussions, and operational walk-throughs.
• Work closely with staff to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and operational readiness.
• Provide feedback and support for process improvements, menu updates, and event service enhancements.

• Operational Excellence:
  Maintain organized and accurate records in Hyatt systems.
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of charges in collaboration with Accounting.
• Support hotel event profitability by reviewing F&B minimums, rental needs, and overall program scope.
• Assist during peak volume periods, especially summer corporate happy hours, weekend social events, and high-demand Nest activations.

• A genuine desire to deliver memorable guest experiences in a fast-paced and service-focused environment.
• Two to three years of experience in hotel event planning, catering or convention services, group coordination, or a related field preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple programs with varying timelines and complexity.
• Interest or experience in a variety of event types, including meetings, receptions, social events, and entertainment-related stays.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn Hyatt systems quickly.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as event needs require.
• Calm under pressure, solution oriented, and collaborative.

Thompson associates thrive in an environment that values creativity, individuality, and thoughtful service. We offer meaningful career development opportunities, a supportive culture, and the chance to contribute to a design-forward luxury brand. If you are energized by planning diverse event types, working across departments, and creating seamless experiences for guests and clients, we look forward to meeting you.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance (Full-Time) after 30 days of employment
• 401k & Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
• Basic Life Insurance
• Short term disability insurance
• New Child Leave & Adoption Assistance
• Compassionate Leave
• Paid Time Off and vacation accrual information as provided by employer
• Note:
  
  Vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, and other leave benefits are described in policy documents

Wage Information:
Pay ranges are listed on each job posting…