Event Planning Manager

Overview

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is seeking an Event Planning Manager to join our events team. Located in the downtown area near Champions Square, Smoothie King Center, and minutes from the historic French Quarter, Arts District, and Mississippi Riverfront. Our property has 1,193 guestrooms and 200,000 square feet of event space. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and delight future groups as part of a motivated and creative team.

The Event Planning Manager's primary focus is servicing Sale bookings. This position acts as the liaison between Meeting Planners and hotel staff to provide direction and organization during execution of meeting and banquet events. The EPM will be available to guests throughout the event progression to solve problems and suggest alternatives to arrangements. Responsibilities include administering the Sales agreement, detailing all Food, Beverage and A/V needs, managing room blocks and pick up, managing meeting spaces, and overseeing the billing instructions/process and final review.

The Event Planning Manager is the on-site contact responsible for the smooth execution of all events and plays an important role in achieving re-booked group business for future dates while demonstrating up-selling skills to maximize profit by developing and maintaining relationships with meeting planners.

• Administer the Sales agreement and detail all Food, Beverage and A/V needs.
• Manage room blocks, pick-up, meeting spaces, and overall event logistics.
• Oversee billing instructions/process and final review.
• Serve as the on-site contact for meeting planners and guests to ensure smooth event execution.
• Demonstrate proactive problem-solving and propose alternatives as needed during events.
• Support efforts to re-book group business and maximize revenue through up-selling and relationship development with meeting planners.

• A minimum of 1-3 years of hotel event planning.
• Bachelor's degree and/or 2+ years of hotel and/or food & beverage experience preferred.
• General computer knowledge and familiarity with standard software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; professional appearance and demeanor.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage a fast-paced environment.
• Strong time management and multi-tasking abilities; ability to work under pressure.
• Understanding of negotiation and interpretation of contracts; knowledge of hotel operations including guest services, reservations, housekeeping, audio visual, banquets, accounting, restaurants, and engineering.
• Positive leadership characteristics that inspire team members to exceed standards.
• Knowledge of meeting room set-ups, sleeping room configurations, and related capacities.
• Ability to respond to Meeting Planners promptly and manage rooming and VIP lists.
• Experience with forecasting, revenue management, and maintaining price integrity.
• Experience coordinating with outside planners and vendors for event setup.
• Ability to grow existing accounts and pursue future business through re-solicitation.
• Experience creating and writing menus to fit event needs.
• Preferred candidate has completed PSS or equivalent training.

• Named to the 2025 “100 Best Companies to Work For®” list by Fortune and Great Place to Work® for 12 consecutive years.
• Honored as one of the top 100 Companies that Care according to People.
• Greenkey Eco-Rating of 4 keys for industry leadership and environmental commitment.
• Named one of New Orleans’ Best Places to Work for 12 years running.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities;
  Hyatt promotes from within with training and skills development.
• Affordable benefits after 30 days: medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, STD.
• Referral bonuses up to $500 for bringing new members to the team.
• Free and discounted room nights at Hyatt hotels around the world.
• Paid time off including holiday pay, new child leave, and personal days.
• Healthcare FSA to save on medical expenses.
• Financial perks: 401(k) with company match and discounted employee stock purchase plan.
• Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 emotional support, legal guidance, personal & financial resources.
• Discounts at various retailers (Headspace, Apple, AT&T, Verizon, and more).

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