Senior Event Planner

Lions Clubs International Deutschland - Oak Brook, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Oak Brook, IL

10,001+ employees

About the position

The Senior Event Planner at Lions Clubs International is responsible for the comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of logistics for the annual international convention, educational seminars, and various meetings. This role involves managing a wide range of logistical components, ensuring that events are executed smoothly and meet the needs of a diverse audience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts complex event management under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgement.
• Manages all logistical components of the annual international convention which hosts 12,000-18,000 attendees over six days in a different international city each year.
• Writes detailed RFPs for required services including AV, general services contractor, translation, freight logistics, and printing.
• Analyzes bids and negotiates to select the best vendor to meet organizational needs.
• Analyzes convention center and arena venues to determine the best assignment of space for all official convention events.
• Manages catering for large-scale functions, ensuring appeal to a global audience with special dietary requirements.
• Communicates event project timelines to internal and external partners and keeps them updated.
• Delivers objectives within budget and monitors project timelines and tasks among the team.
• Provides superior customer service and support to Senior Leaders on event planning and execution.
• Conducts regularly scheduled status meetings from pre-launch through operation with client and project teams.
• Conducts pre- and post-meeting briefings with suppliers and facility providers.
• Manages the new city bid process and reviews city-wide convention bids, including benchmarking hotel rates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, public relations, business, event planning, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing international events with more than 10,000 attendees.
• Experience working in a convention or convention hotel setting.
• Five to seven years' experience in meeting planning or equivalent combination of education and experience; international convention and trade show experience is a plus.
• CEM or CMP designation is a plus.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally; approximately 10% travel time or 30 days per year.

Benefits

• Three weeks paid time off
• Flexible and hybrid work schedules
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
• Flex spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• 401K with employer match
• Reimbursable training
• Casual dress