Event & Experience Senior Planner

Dairy Farmers of America - Kansas City, KS

Full-time - Mid Level

Kansas City, KS

Food Manufacturing

About the position

The Event & Experience Senior Planner at Dairy Farmers of America is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the logistical aspects of various events, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. This role is crucial in delivering an unparalleled brand experience for attendees, which includes farmer owners, employees, customers, and consumers. The planner will work within established budgets and company policies to ensure that each event meets the specific needs of the organization and its stakeholders. In this position, the Senior Planner will develop and support relationships with internal business leaders to gain a deep understanding of business needs. This understanding will allow the planner to translate those needs into customized solutions that enhance customer relationships, build brand reputation, and foster employee engagement. The role requires collaboration with communications, creative, and marketing teams to create and manage event communications effectively. A strong understanding of Cvent capabilities is essential for this position, as it will be used extensively for event management. The Senior Planner will also be responsible for managing communications with business partners to determine event objectives and requirements, serving as the point person for local headquarters meetings and events, and researching and planning event spaces and logistics. This includes managing all aspects of event logistics, from speakers and entertainment to transportation and technology. The planner will maintain accurate data related to guest lists and travel logistics, coordinate registration processes, and conduct post-event evaluations to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Overall, this role is vital in ensuring that events are executed flawlessly and align with the Cooperative's goals and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute logistical aspects of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
• Deliver an unparalleled brand experience for attendees, including farmer owners, employees, customers, and consumers.
• Develop and support relationships with internal business leaders to understand business needs.
• Translate business needs into customized solutions for events and experiences.
• Partner with communications, creative, and marketing teams to manage event communications.
• Manage communications with business partners to determine objectives and requirements for events.
• Serve as point person for local headquarters meetings and events.
• Research and plan event spaces, branding, event security, and other logistics.
• Manage and organize logistics for speakers, entertainment, transportation, and technology.
• Maintain accurate data related to guest lists and travel logistics.
• Coordinate invitation solicitations and registration through Cvent.
• Lead the setup and management of events within the Cvent platform.
• Design and manage event registration websites using Cvent Event Management Software.
• Compile project plans summarizing costs, attendance, and other details.
• Support setting and execution of event goals and KPIs.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to determine improvements for future events.
• Confer with staff at event sites to coordinate details and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Monitor event activities to ensure participant satisfaction and resolve issues.
• Assist with the development of agendas that support business needs.
• Communicate with staff and team members to ensure successful events.
• Manage multiple deadlines and make decisions based on event needs.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in business, communications, event or hospitality management, or related field.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in meeting and event coordination/planning.
• Certification as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) preferred.
• Proficiency in Cvent event management required; Cvent Certified Event Management preferred.
• Experience with Passkey software preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
• Strong negotiation skills and sense of urgency.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility in planning and organizing in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with additional event management software.
• Knowledge of event marketing strategies.
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial management for events.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee discounts on products and services.