Senior Conference Planner

Senior Conference Planner

Company Summary

Come join one of America’s fastest growing insurance companies with a stable history of 175 years. At National Life Group (“NLG”), we offer a flexible work environment with opportunity for growth. As a mission-driven business, our promises are as important as the products we sell. We encourage our associates to live our values: Do Good. Be Good. Make Good.

Our mission extends beyond the insurance and annuities policies that we sell. Our cause is also to make the world a better place through grants from our charitable foundation, paid time for our employees to volunteer, environmentally sustainable and healthy work sites, and events that promote the work of nonprofits in our own backyard.

We invite you to explore what we have to offer and to join our cause.

Role Summary

The Senior Conference Planner position is responsible for managing the planning, support, and execution of a variety of scope and size of meetings, on and off site with the Recognition & Conferences Team, in all aspects of its responsibilities, with customer-engagement (external and internal) program meetings and events to ensure successful conferences and events. This position is a highly visible role, reporting to the AVP, Recognition & Conferences, and provides outstanding customer service, with strong hospitality skills. The ideal candidate will be skilled at intricate contract negotiations, perform at a high level of multi-tasking, planning and executing logistics, fiscal acumen.  Extensive destination knowledge and hospitality vendor relations is an advantage. Candidates will have proven success with presenting and influencing C-Suite/Executive relationships, and this role requires an ability to communicate effectively with a strength in leading projects and teams. Additional strengths that impact success is thriving in stressful situations, ability to collaborate and have proven critical thinking skills, to ensure high standards of excellence are executed with logistics. Data mindset is a plus and success with execution of digital communication and technology, especially related to meeting planning software.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan details for a diversified list of meetings and events, and coordinate logistics for off-site conferences and events, and Vermont and Texas Campus Meetings, and including execution on site. Examples may include, but not limited to destination and vendor RFP development and recommendations. Includes menu planning, designing room setups/layout, support audiovisual needs and preparation, marketing materials coordination and agenda preparation, collection of payments/receipts, and other administrative tasks. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are required.
• Development and execution of designated planning technology software with registration, conference app development and other types of communications, including analysis/reports, as needed.
• Present recommendations to internal clients and stakeholders as required.
• Support execution of:  Banquet Event Orders, Rooming lists, Air and Ground Manifests, Contract bookings, Guesthouse Lodging Needs, Audio Visual Contracts, and other communications as directed.
• Collaborate with Marketing teams to execute marketing materials for on-site of meetings.
• Flexible ability to work evenings and weekends, and periodic travel, minimum of 20%, or as needed.
• This position is presently onsite/hybrid with the expectation that you are in the office three days per week with current campus days being Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (subject to change with advance notification and manager discretion)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, with major in hospitality, event management or related field preferred.
• 8 or more years’ experience in hospitality, conference services, and/or corporate field as a conference or event planner, with a track record of success. 
• Superior technology skills required. Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) necessary.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal are necessary. Ability to present/public speaking.
• Ability to thrive in high pressure environments and meet tight deadlines, with a desire to work in a fast paced, challenging team. Strong hospitality skills, with problem solving ability.
• Must be flexible in schedule to work with on-site meetings.
• Desired interest to travel as needed.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Superior written and presentation skills required.
• Ability to follow the latest trends in the hospitality and travel industries and translate to best practices for the enterprise.
• Ability to work within a team approach. Strong leadership and team management skills.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or certification with Cvent software is a welcomed addition but not mandatory.

Benefits

• Your benefits start day one and are flexible and customizable to your and your family’s specific needs. Check out the BENEFITS of a Career at National Life!