Lead Event Planner

JM Family Enterprises - Deerfield Beach, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Deerfield Beach, FL

Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers

About the position

The Lead Event Planner is an energetic and self-driven professional responsible for orchestrating large meetings, special events, and incentive trips. This role demands a high level of customer service and the ability to create impactful events that drive motivation and performance.

Responsibilities

• Consult with internal stakeholders to define event goals and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Oversee the planning and execution of complex meetings, special events, and incentive trips, including support for larger programs.
• Manage all event components, from communication and registration to décor, catering, and entertainment.
• Coordinate with travel agencies for group air travel and manage transportation logistics.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with internal departments, external vendors, and customers.
• Ensure all events adhere to legal, risk, and safety regulations.
• Develop and oversee trip costing, event budgets, and post-event reconciliation to ensure accurate financial management and payment processing.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with venues and service providers.
• Act as a lead to the event team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, or equivalent experience plus a minimum of 5 years planning meetings and mid-size incentive programs, in a corporate process driven environment, is preferred.
• 5 years of experience in hotel site selection, negotiation, and bookings. Must possess current knowledge of domestic and international destinations.
• Experience interfacing and maintaining productive working relationships with a variety of vendors including hotels, audiovisual companies, convention centers, destination management companies, ground transportation companies, air charter companies, caterers, and entertainment companies.
• Knowledge of procedures related to planning and managing corporate meetings, events and incentive trips.
• Experience using or knowledge of CVENT event registration system, developing registration websites, mobile web apps, custom reporting, and managing data preferred.
• Must have above average knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proven experience in event planning and execution.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of budget creation and financial reconciliation.
• Familiarity with contract negotiations and vendor management.
• A commitment to compliance with legal and safety standards.
• Must be highly organized with the ability to handle multiple, changing priorities with excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills and ability to solve problems and respond to extraordinary requests in a professional and timely manner.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, when necessary, and on short notice at times.

Nice-to-haves

• Industry recognized certification (CMP, CMM, CITE, CSEP) is a plus.