**Description:** Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place has everything you’ll need under one hotel roof with over 1258 guest rooms, 53 suites and 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. In addition, our conference center boasts nearly 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. You will rest comfortably in spacious rooms and suites. Enjoy international cuisine at Third Star, ramen bowls at Sixes & Eights or meet for drinks at ARC Bar. Reenergize in the 24-hour StayFit™ Gym. If you are hosting a meeting or event, our hotel gives you direct access to more than 2.8 million square feet of space at the country’s largest convention center. At Hyatt, we believe our guests select Hyatt because of our caring and attentive colleagues who are focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences. Join us for this incredible opportunity to be a key member of Hyatt Hotels; a company that continuously earns a spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For year after year! The Event Planning Manager is an experienced hospitality professional responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of complex group events and reports directly to the Director of Events. This role requires a strong event planning background and the ability to independently manage mid-size to large market groups. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and self-directed, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, anticipate client and operational needs, and make sound decisions while delivering exceptional event experiences. Success in this role requires exceptional communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple large-scale events simultaneously while maintaining strong client relationships. This position services large market events beginning at 250 room nights and above, including complex meetings, conventions, trade shows, and special events. **Responsibilities** + Serve as the primary planner and client contact for mid-size to large, complex group events, including meetings, conferences, galas, citywide conventions, and trade shows. + Manage all aspects of the event planning lifecycle, from contract turnover through event execution and post-event follow-up. + Lead event detailing, including agenda development, menu planning, room configurations, floor plans, transportation logistics, and billing requirements. + Coordinate convention center-related events and collaborate with McCormick Place partners and vendors as required. + Partner closely with Event Sales, Operations, Culinary, Event Services, and other hotel departments to ensure seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences. + Coordinate all event logistics, including audiovisual requirements, room setups, food and beverage functions, timelines, and attendee experiences. + Prepare and maintain accurate Event Orders (EOs), diagrams, reports, and internal communications. + Conduct client planning meetings, site visits, pre-convention meetings, and pre-event operational meetings. + Provide on-site event management and serve as the primary point of contact throughout program execution. + Foster strong client relationships to drive guest satisfaction, repeat business, and positive referrals. + Monitor event revenue and forecasting to maximize profitability. + Ensure all events are executed in accordance with Hyatt brand standards and hotel operating procedures. + Represent Hyatt Regency McCormick Place at industry functions, networking events, and client engagements as needed. **Salary:** Salary range for this position is **$64,700 - $73,600** . Actual pay will be commensurate with experience. In today’s job market, you may be asking, “Why Hyatt?” Here’s why: **We are evolving the future of the hospitality industry** Hyatt is a global leader in the hospitality industry connecting the world through care. We provide more human, more authentic and more meaningful experiences to our colleagues and guests in our hotel locations spanning across 69 countries. As people who care, we believe in making a positive impact and providing resources so our people can be their best. Because when our people are at their best, we can provide the best experiences for our guests. **We're opening doors for all** No matter what career stage you're in, you'll find a home here at Hyatt. Each day is an opportunity to chart your own journey, go after new opportunities and discover a career you never knew existed. That's because we understand the importance of opening doors and expanding horizons while supporting you in your personal and professional development. **“Care Connects Us” is our guiding principle** It’s the belief that it all starts with people who care. We see it in the way we treat each other and our guests. It's our superpower. It’s how we create a culture of warmth, empathy and respect that results in more genuine connections and creating inclusive environments, together. **We need your curiosity. We need your innovative spirit. And we need your authentic self.** There is always a space for you here, and we take pride in empowering you to turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences and jobs into careers. Hospitality is more than just a job – it's a career for people who care. People like you. People like us. **What you can expect** + Collaborative and team-driven environment with diverse industry experience and multi-cultural backgrounds + Health benefit eligibility at 30 days of employment (FT only) + 401K with company match – eligible to contribute at 30 days of employment + Discounted room nights at over 1,000 Hyatt properties upon hire + Free room nights at over 1,000 Hyatt properties at 90 days of employment (FT/PT) + Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement (FT/PT) + complimentary employee parking + Access to hotel gym + Free meals in colleague cafeteria + Paid Time Off including Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays (eligibility and amount dependent on employment status) + Annual performance-based increases Hyatt associates work in an environment that demands exceptional performance yet reaps great rewards. Whether it’s career opportunities, job enrichment or a supportive work environment, if you are ready for this challenge, then we are ready for you. **This is not your typical career opportunity. This is the Hyatt Touch.** **Qualifications:** + Associate's degree or higher preferred. + Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive event planning experience in a full-service hotel, convention hotel, or large-scale event venue environment required. + Experience servicing groups of 250 room nights or greater required. + Demonstrated experience independently planning and managing large market groups, conventions, and events of significant scale and complexity. + Convention hotel and citywide convention experience strongly preferred. + Experience coordinating events associated with convention centers, trade shows, or large-scale meetings preferred. + Experience working with union labor and an understanding of labor regulations within a convention or hotel environment required. + Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, anticipate challenges, and proactively develop solutions in a fast-paced environment. + Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. + Refined verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build strong client relationships. + Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel event management systems. + A genuine desire to provide exceptional service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. + Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, and holidays. _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_ **Primary Location:** US-IL-Chicago **Organization:** Hyatt Regency McCormick Place **Pay Basis:** Yearly **Job Level:** Full-time **Job:** Catering/Event Planning **Req ID:** CHI015488 Hyatt is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status or any other group protected by law.