Special events manager Jobs in Charlotte, NC

Senior Manager, Events & Premium Hospitality

The Senior Manager, Events & Premium Hospitality is responsible for the planning and execution of high-impact events, premium hospitality programs, and client experiences across Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE). This position will lead assigned events and hospitality initiatives from concept through execution, with a focus on creating elevated experiences for premium members, corporate partners, prospects, VIP guests, and other key stakeholders. The Senior Manager will work cross-functionally across HSE to ensure experiences are thoughtfully designed, operationally sound, brand-aligned, and positioned to strengthen relationships, drive engagement and retention, and support broader business objectives.

Hornets Values

• We operate with the highest level of integrity, driven by moral standards that guide us in everything we do.
• We communicate with full candor; openly, honestly, and respectfully with clarity.
• We work in the spirit of one team, committed to one vision, shared values, and an inclusive culture that ensures every person feels valued and respected.
• We hold ourselves accountable, and responsible to raise high levels of expectations of ourselves and our team.
• We compete at the highest levels and strive to be the best at everything we do.
• We act with resilience and thrive in the face of challenges bringing others along with us.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of assigned HSE events and activations from concept development through onsite execution and post-event evaluation.
• Develop comprehensive event plans including timelines, budgets, run of show, staffing, vendors, food and beverage, dcor, entertainment, gifting, transportation, and guest experience.
• Lead onsite execution for assigned events and provide direction to internal teams, vendors, event staff, and other partners.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and identify opportunities to improve programming, operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and business impact.
• Plan and execute curated client trips and offsite experiences, including accommodations, transportation, dining, entertainment, gifting, and VIP access.
• Partner with Premium, Marketing, Partnerships, Game Presentation, and F&B teams to create differentiated hospitality experiences around games, theme nights, and key organizational moments.
• Lead the planning and execution of gifting programs for premium clients, corporate partners, VIPs, and key organizational initiatives.
• Manage gifting initiatives from ideation and sourcing through production, packaging, and distribution.
• Partner closely with HSE's food and beverage partner to deliver elevated hospitality experiences across games, events, and client programs.
• Collaborate on menus, specialty food and beverage offerings, chef-driven experiences, signature cocktails, and other hospitality elements.
• Support event-day and game-day execution within premium and hospitality spaces.
• Identify opportunities to continuously improve service standards and the overall guest experience.
• Develop and manage budgets for assigned events and hospitality initiatives.
• Manage external partners and vendors, establishing clear scopes, timelines, deliverables, and expectations.
• Support contract negotiations, purchase orders, invoicing, and event reconciliation.
• Establish and track success measures including attendance, engagement, guest feedback, retention, revenue influence, and overall business impact.

Required Skills, Experience and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, you will have or demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Event Management, Sports Business, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in events, premium hospitality, client engagement, sports and entertainment, experiential marketing, luxury hospitality, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex events and elevated VIP or client experiences.
• Strong project management skills with experience managing budgets, vendors, timelines, and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of premium hospitality and expectations associated with high-value clients and VIP guests.
• Exceptional communication, organization, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Strong creative instincts and the ability to translate business objectives into memorable experiences.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, games, concerts, and special events as required.

Additional Information

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All requests for medical or religious accommodations to perform the stated job duties will be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.