The Event Planner collaborates with EPRI event hosts to plan and execute multiple types of events of varying complexity to ensure a successful business outcome. The Event Planner provides expert consultation across the institute in an effort to drive consistent application of EPRI event protocol, branding and a successful event experience. The event planner exudes strong time management, project management and customer-focused communication to ensure clear and positive ROI for all EPRI Events.
Key Responsibilities:
• Responsible for collaboration, proactive engagement and end-to-end event management for events hosted by assigned key stakeholders and other event hosts, as assigned.
• Serve as the principal liaison between event host and suppliers throughout the planning and execution process
• Cultivate and maintain effective relationships internally with key stakeholders, internal departments and vendors to ensure all EPRI regulations and event protocols are adhered to.
• Consults with event host to conduct needs assessment with the ability to fully grasp and help execute according to the intended outcome of the event
• Responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining event project plans that deliver comprehensive view of event details
• Prepare and manage event budget, review and understand contract details, monitor event staffing, coordinate creation and production of conference/event materials, manage invoice/fee reconciliation and payment, as well as conduct post-event evaluations to monitor and report areas that need improvement and/or require reconciliation.
• Consistently provide unparalleled customer service with an emphasis on strong communication, the customer experience and meticulous attention to detail
• Accountable for all administrative tasks associated with event payment and time tracking
• Travel to lead and provide on-site event support
• Collaborate effectively with the Marketing Communications Partner to understand sector or institute goals needed from the meeting/event; develop a reliable and trusted business relationship with sector or institute management as a meetings/events conduit for business success.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent event planning or hospitality industry experience
• 5 years event planning or hospitality industry experience preferred
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred
• Working knowledge of meeting management system(s), web-based registration and communication tools and ability to learn other tools as developed to successfully execute and evaluate meetings/events
• Interpersonal skills: Instill confidence and trust among event constituents; positively represent EPRI to members and vendors; effectively work with EPRI employees at all levels
• EPRI SM&C: Able to incorporate EPRI Strategic Marketing and Communications team visions including consistent branding, communication and event experience guidelines in a purposeful, impactful way to all EPRI events
• Event Industry Tools: Familiar with basic audio visual equipment and event logistical items (e.g., sets, lighting, microphones, voting systems); familiarity of leading tools including event apps, communication and registration tools, and other tools that lend themselves to promoting engagement and enhancing the event experience
• Experience Marketing Events and Trade Show experience a plus
• Experience in people leadership a plus
Skills and Attributes:
• Expert people skills, particularly in terms of building confidence, demonstrating creativity and follow-through in an effort to support EPRI Event Experience
• Strong verbal communication skills in order to lead production meetings, negotiate agreements, manage unexpected issues, interact effectively with wide variety of people and provide stellar customer service
• Strong written communication skills in order to create, implement and evaluate event plans; ability to write various communications for stakeholders about events
• Must be able/willing to travel significantly
• Partners effectively with colleagues, customers and vendors
• Takes accountability for personal excellence; confident & self-starting
• Exceptional communication and follow-up, both verbal and written
• Must be self-directed with strong project management.
• Poise and grace under pressure
• Results-oriented, solid work ethic
• Enthusiasm for event planning, communications and the EPRI Event Experience
• Creative
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-up; ability to garner trust and confidence
• Ability to manage time and competing/concurrent priorities
• Ability to garner trust and confidence, mentor Event Experience Team staff and other internal staff EPRI in event protocol
• Unquestionable ethics and integrity
• Good interpersonal and influencing skills; thoughtful, consultative, offers recommendations
• Desire to help others succeed