About Company
Hampton Inn by Hilton, Seaford is a proud member of the Hilton Worldwide family, a leading global hospitality company. We are committed to providing exceptional guest experiences, whether our guests are traveling for business or leisure. Our Seaford location serves as a welcoming hub for visitors to Southern Delaware, offering comfortable accommodations and versatile meeting spaces designed to host a range of events, from intimate business gatherings to larger conferences. We pride ourselves on our friendly service, clean rooms, and a commitment to ensuring every guest feels valued and at home. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that celebrates collaboration, growth, and the pursuit of excellence in hospitality.
Job Description
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Event Planner to join our Conference Division team in Seaford, Delaware. This pivotal role is responsible for the end-to-end planning and execution of conferences, corporate meetings, and other professional events held within our hotel’s facilities. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, detail-oriented individual with a proven track record in event management, capable of transforming client visions into successful, memorable experiences. From initial client consultation and proposal development to vendor coordination, logistical management, and on-site execution, you will be the central point of contact, ensuring every detail aligns with our high standards of service and client expectations. This role requires exceptional communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for delivering seamless events. You will work closely with our sales, catering, and operations teams to guarantee an integrated approach to event delivery, contributing directly to the hotel’s reputation as a premier conference venue in the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full lifecycle of conference and corporate event planning, from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up.
- Conduct client consultations to understand event objectives, requirements, and budgetary constraints.
- Develop detailed event proposals, contracts, and banquet event orders (BEOs) accurately and in a timely manner.
- Coordinate with internal departments including catering, sales, front desk, and maintenance to ensure seamless event execution.
- Source, negotiate with, and manage external vendors (e.g., A/V, florists, entertainment, transportation) to secure optimal services and pricing.
- Develop and manage event budgets, tracking expenses and revenue to ensure profitability targets are met.
- Create comprehensive timelines, checklists, and floor plans for all assigned events.
- Oversee on-site event setup, execution, and breakdown, providing direct supervision and problem-solving as needed.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients before, during, and after events, maintaining strong professional relationships.
- Conduct post-event evaluations, gather feedback, and analyze results to identify areas for improvement.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and competitor activities to continually enhance our offerings.
- Assist in the development of marketing strategies to promote our conference and event services.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 2 years of professional event planning experience, specifically with conferences or corporate events.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Proven experience in budget management and financial tracking for events.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management capabilities.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering outstanding service.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Experience with event management software (e.g., Cvent, TripleSeat, Delphi).
- Knowledge of local Seaford/Delaware vendors and venues.
- Prior experience within the hotel or hospitality industry.
- Certification in Event Management (e.g., CMP – Certified Meeting Professional).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Hilton Team Member Travel Program (Hilton Go) offering discounted rates at Hilton properties worldwide.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within Hilton Worldwide.
- Complimentary meals during shifts.
- Employee assistance program.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your resume highlights your relevant event planning experience and qualifications.