Open to opportunities

Kayla Gonzalez

@kaylagonzalez2

Message

I lead complex hotel, corporate, and association events from strategy through profitable execution.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead complex events end to end, partner closely with clients and cross-functional teams, develop people, and drive strong service, guest experience, and financial outcomes.

At JW Marriott Austin, I lead end-to-end operations for groups of 500–1,500 attendees and $750K+ budgets, from sales turnover through completion. I align timelines, BEOs, room blocks, meeting space, client requirements, and on-site execution.

I've managed 55+ groups annually at Austin Marriott Downtown and led teams of five or more associates through training, coaching, cross-training, and event delivery. I partner across Sales, Group Housing, Banquets, Culinary, Front Office, Housekeeping, and AV to meet client expectations and service standards.

My background also includes directing association conferences, webinars, banquets, award presentations, and guest activities at CMP Management, with budgets up to $1M and attendance up to 1,200. I manage contract negotiations, sponsorships, exhibitors, speakers, registration, venue logistics, and financial tracking.

I bring a full event-lifecycle perspective shaped by hotel, venue, association, catering, sales, and member-relations work. I focus on strong client relationships, operational accountability, revenue opportunities, and seamless guest experiences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Event Manager

Current

JW Marriott Austin

May 2025 - Present (1 year 4 months)

Lead end-to-end event operations for groups of 500–1,500 attendees with budgets over $750K, directing strategy, timelines, and execution. Supervise and develop an Event Coordinator while leading cross-functional hotel teams and managing client relationships.

Event Operations Client Relations Budget Management Revenue Forecasting Team Leadership BEO Management Room Block Management Cross functional Leadership Service Recovery

Senior Event Manager

Austin Marriott Downtown

Jan 2024 - May 2025 (1 year 4 months)

Managed 55+ groups annually, including programs of up to 1,000 attendees, overseeing event operations, client requirements, and financial performance. Led and developed a team of 5+ associates, driving revenue through upselling and rebooking opportunities.

Event Operations Client Relations Budget Management Revenue Forecasting Team Leadership BEO Management Room Block Management Upselling Cross functional Leadership

Event Manager

Austin Marriott Downtown

May 2022 - Jan 2024 (1 year 8 months)

Managed the event planning process following property turnover, overseeing client needs through site inspections, culinary tastings, and event execution. Served as primary client contact, guiding budgets and ensuring contract compliance.

Event Planning Client Relations Budget Management Contract Compliance Site Inspections Cross Functional Collaboration Customer Feedback

Event Director

CMP Management

Sep 2018 - May 2022 (3 years 8 months)

Planned and managed all aspects of events including webinars, banquets, and large conferences with budgets up to $1M, leading multi-day events for up to 1,200 attendees. Oversaw venue contract negotiations, budget preparation, and on-site logistics.

Event Planning Budget Management Contract Negotiation Vendor Management Registration Management Marketing Sponsorship Management Credit Management

Corporate Catering Manager

Crowne Plaza

Mar 2018 - Sep 2018 (6 months)

Consistently achieved revenue goals by analyzing prospective business value, negotiating agreements, and ensuring superior service. Developed new accounts through sales calls and strategic prospecting while cultivating existing accounts into repeat business.

Revenue Management Sales Contract Negotiation Customer Relationship Management Forecasting Networking

Sales Manager

Boon Group

Nov 2016 - Mar 2018 (1 year 4 months)

Established relationships with brokers and prospects by planning and facilitating events, while organizing resources for high-quality sales presentations. Reviewed and audited proposals and contracts, and developed a sales training guide for incoming sales managers.

Sales Event Planning Contract Review Customer Relationship Management Training Pipeline Management

Member Relations & Private Event Director

Lost Creek Country Club

Feb 2016 - Nov 2016 (9 months)

Maintained and enhanced member retention through strategic marketing and communication initiatives, managing the Club's social media presence. Led planning and execution of all event functions and member events, and managed membership administration.

Member Relations Event Planning Marketing Social Media Management Revenue Management Membership Administration