Trident Experiential LLC is hiring: Meeting & Incentive Event Planner in Chicago

Meeting & Incentive Event Planner:

ABOUT US:
At Trident Experiential dba Total Event Resources, we create unforgettable experiences that make an impact. From high-profile conferences and incentive trips to special events and evening programs, our team delivers innovative and meaningful moments that leave lasting impressions. If you’re a seasoned planner passionate about events and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Position: Meeting and Incentive Event Planner
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid: 3-5 days in-office, 0-2 days work from home)
Type: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,000 base salary + Performance Incentives
Compensation: Actual pay will be based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

WHY JOIN US?
We offer an expansive total compensation package, including:
    •        Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible  
              Spending Account (FSA).
    •        Agency-funded Retirement Plan with match
    •        Personalized Professional Development Budget.
    •        Use of Agency memberships where applicable.
    •        Paid Time Off and Holidays.
    •        Special perks exclusively for our team.

THE LEGAL STUFF: 
A Planner leads the development, planning, and execution of high-profile and strategically important client events, including conferences, special events, meetings, incentive trips, and evening activity programs from contracting through final invoicing and post-program reconciliation, debriefs and analytics.

YOUR DAILY GRIND:
Either directly or through the assignment of responsibilities to appointed subordinates, a Planner will perform the following, as well as other tasks/duties as necessary:

 External Accountabilities:

• Maintain and grow productive, professional, and profitable relationships with Clients.
• Proactively assess and validate Client needs on an ongoing basis.
• Lead the planning and execution of all components for assigned projects.
• Serve as the central point of communication for all external stakeholders during the planning process.
• Identify opportunities to drive current and future potential revenue and profitability from the first interaction with the Client to onsite operations.
• Lead Client pre-conference meetings to review program details and changes or additions to ensure effective information sharing and efficient operations during program execution.
• Maintain presence and availability for Clients throughout program operations, including mobile and physical availability.
• Obtain Client signoff for changes, additions, and cancellations, including updating and managing change/growth of project scope.
• Assist in preparing final invoicing and program closeout within appropriate time frames.
• Monitor the ongoing success of program activities by conducting regular checks on the process and making recommendations for adjustments to the plans.
• Advise on and attend site inspections as required.

Internal Accountabilities:

• Coordinate the involvement of Agency resources to meet Client expectations and account performance objectives.
• Drive the strategic planning process and lead teams to set shared performance goals and financial targets for both clients and the Agency.
• Manage time in a billable hour environment and be accountable for non-billable hours.
• Update/contribute to tracking Client’s upcoming program opportunities and critical milestones.
• Quarterback project plans, including scheduling and engagement of all Agency resources to meet Client expectations and account performance objectives.
• Identify and resolve project issues, ensuring the project and the assigned team progress on budget and on schedule.
• Aid in development of comprehensive solutions to deliver innovative, best-in-breed services to our Clients.
• Help continually refine, streamline, and simplify tools and processes to meet Agency demands and lead the marketplace.
• Secure all supplier partners/preferred partners through a strict vetting process and pricing negotiation.

YOUR SUPERPOWERS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Cvent.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and communication abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced VUCA environment.
• Collaborative team player with a strong relationship-building mindset.
• Accountability, authenticity, and a “team-first” attitude.
• Creativity and curiosity—your ideas drive our innovation.
• Excellence in execution, from the smallest detail to the big picture.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
• 4+ years of planning experience

EDUCATION:

• BA/BS in business or event-related field and/or equivalent experience
• CMP, DMCP, CMM, CSEP, DES, CED, CIS, CITP, PMP, or other professional designation (If none, within 18 months, a certification timeline will be developed pursuant to the professional development budget.)

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires flexibility in scheduling, such as working evenings and weekends to meet client, event, or agency needs.

X-FACTOR:

• Not from central casting, but feel like you bring something special and different to the table?  Let’s talk!

* Please submit a resume, cover letter, 3 references, and salary expectations for consideration.