Event Manager

Western States Lodging and Management; Layton (UT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 4%

Hotel discounts

Medical, Dental, and Vision + HSA

PTO and Vacation

Job summary

Western States Lodging & Management in Layton, Utah, seeks an experienced Event Manager to own complex, client-focused events from planning through follow-up.

You’ll translate clients’ visions into detailed plans, coordinate with sales, banquet, culinary, and operations, and deliver flawless events while building strong ongoing relationships.

This role offers competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and growth opportunities within our hotel portfolio.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive event planning, catering, conference services, hospitality sales, or related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or event management preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event management systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted event planning partner for clients, translating their vision into detailed and executable event plans.
• Conduct comprehensive planning discussions covering menus, audiovisual requirements, room configurations, timelines, guest flow, special accommodations, and logistical considerations.
• Develop, review, revise, and distribute highly detailed BEOs while ensuring accuracy across all event specifications.
• Coordinate complex event requirements across sales, banquet, culinary, front office, housekeeping, audiovisual, engineering, and other operational departments.
• Identify logistical risks and develop effective solutions; manage last-minute changes with professionalism.
• Ensure contractual deadlines, final guest counts, payments, and documentation are completed accurately and on time.

Skills

Event planning

BEOs

Client relationships

Negotiation

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in hospitality/event management/business

Tools

Event management systems

Job description

Event Manager | Lead the Details. Create the Moment.

As a highly experienced Event Manager, you’ll take ownership of complex, high-profile, and detail-intensive events while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and an expert resource for internal teams. You’ll combine strategic planning, exceptional communication, and operational expertise to create seamless experiences from the initial planning transition through post-event follow-up. Without direct supervisory responsibility, you’ll demonstrate senior-level expertise through your ability to navigate complex logistics, resolve challenging situations, and strengthen long-term client relationships.

What’s in it for you- Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Pay - $15 - 20 hourly.
• The starting rate is based on experience and qualifications. This position participates in our compensation program, which provides opportunities for future pay growth based on performance and career development.
• 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4%
• Hotel discounts at select Western States Lodging & Management properties

Eligible full-time associates are entitled to the following:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans plus Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Optional supplemental benefits, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and other coverage options.
• Personal Time Off (PTO) and Vacation benefits

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a trusted event planning partner for clients, translating their vision into detailed and executable event plans.
• Conduct comprehensive planning discussions covering menus, audiovisual requirements, room configurations, timelines, guest flow, special accommodations, and logistical considerations.
• Develop, review, revise, and distribute highly detailed BEOs while ensuring accuracy across all event specifications.
• Coordinate complex event requirements across sales, banquet, culinary, front office, housekeeping, audiovisual, engineering, and other operational departments.
• Participate in and contribute expertise during BEO meetings, pre-convention meetings, post-convention meetings, and event strategy discussions.
• Proactively identify logistical risks, scheduling conflicts, and service challenges and develop effective solutions.
• Manage significant last-minute changes, special requests, and complex client concerns with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ensure contractual deadlines, final guest counts, signatures, payments, and other required documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain exceptional organization across multiple concurrent events and competing deadlines.
• Provide advanced service recovery and resolve complex client concerns while protecting the guest experience and business relationship.
• Identify opportunities to enhance events, strengthen client relationships, and encourage repeat and referral business.
• Provide insight and recommendations that improve event planning processes, communication, documentation, and overall execution.
• Support consistency in event standards by sharing knowledge and best practices with colleagues without direct supervisory responsibility.

What Makes You Successful

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management, business, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of progressive event planning, catering, conference services, hospitality sales, or related experience preferred.
• Strong experience managing complex events and detailed BEOs.
• Advanced client relationship, negotiation, and service recovery skills.
• Exceptional organization and ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously.
• Strong judgment and ability to make independent decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with hospitality sales or event management systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to service excellence, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
• Ability to frequently walk, stand, bend, stoop, sit, and reach.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

You Know You’re Successful When…

You are trusted to independently manage the organization’s most complex events, clients view you as a knowledgeable and dependable partner, and operational teams consistently receive accurate, timely information that enables flawless execution. You navigate challenges calmly, protect client relationships, identify opportunities to improve the event experience, and help turn successful events into lasting relationships and repeat business.

Why Join Western States Lodging & Management?

Western States Lodging & Management is a leading property management company with a diverse portfolio that includes nationally recognized Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, Legacy Senior Living communities, and Nxt multifamily apartment communities throughout the western United States.

Our mission is simple: Serving You Like Family. That commitment extends beyond our guests and residents—it defines how we treat our associates and business partners. We believe that great people build great communities, which is why we invest in our team through meaningful work, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for long-term career growth. At Western States Lodging & Management, we encourage every team member to serve as an Ambassador of our values, a trusted Consultant who brings knowledge and solutions, a Collaborator who builds strong relationships through teamwork, and a Coach who is passionate and empowers others to learn, grow, and succeed.

Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, you'll find a workplace where your contributions are valued, your ideas are welcomed, and your potential is supported every step of the way.