Conference Planner (Research & Advisory)

We are currently seeking a candidate interested in the position of Conference Planner, Research & Advisory. The Research & Advisory (R&A) Conferences team develops and coordinates 800+ virtual and 70+ in-person meetings on average throughout the year. The Conference Planner is responsible for planning and execution, registration and capacity management, delivery coordination and communication for virtual and in-person meetings. This individual serves as a liaison to internal partners across several business units and external vendors, as well as participates in project work to create better efficiency and value in the meeting services offered.

The Conference Planner position provides broad exposure to relationship building, vendor management, conference technologies, training and project management, and problem-solving skills. This position would suit an ambitious professional looking to further develop their meeting planning skills and drive project-specific tasks at a professional services company. Demonstrating superior poise and grace under pressure, the ideal candidate has excellent time management skills, is detail oriented, is agile in a fast paced, changing environment and maintaining flexibility in their day-to-day workflow.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the operational delivery of virtual meetings from start to finish including; registration set-up and management, coordination with internal stakeholders on delivery specifications, and day-of execution.
• Responsible for all aspects of in-person logistical conference planning, including, but not limited to, meeting space, catering, A/V, special event activities, vendor management, on-site execution and financial closeout.
• Train program partners on conference technology, conferences processes and resources (registration and delivery technologies, registration protocols and online resources).
• Identify and create new ways to engage with our audiences virtually using feedback on previous conferences/meetings to continue to enhance the customer experience.
• Seek and determine new operational efficiencies to drive further scale across a large volume of virtual and in-person meetings.
• Perform special projects to further meeting/conference product and workflow.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 1+ years relevant event experience.
• Results-oriented drive and a solid work ethic.
• Solid computer and analytical skills: proficiency Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Outlook, Word and Excel) and virtual conference delivery platforms (Webex and Zoom) preferred.
• Proven experience working and communicating with senior executives.
• Project management experience on detailed programs with multiple variables and dependencies.
• 30% Domestic and International Travel Required to both R&A Conferences as well as Destination, Gartner C-Level Communities (GCC), and Symposium Conferences.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills especially with senior level professionals, cross-functionally and with vendor partners.
• Creative, innovative and strategic thinker with a strong attention to detail.
• Motivated team player with desire to learn and grow.
• Excellent written/oral communication and presentations skills.
• Effective problem solving, time management and organization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt, implement and manage change and strive for continuous improvement.
• Ability to work well in ambiguous situations with little information or direction across multiple regions.