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Sr. Associate, Meeting & Event Planning

Grant ThorntonChicago, IL, United States

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Grant Thornton is seeking a Senior Associate, Meeting & Event Planning to join the team in Chicago, IL.

Job Description

The Senior Meeting and Events Planner requires superior customer service skills, a high level of professionalism and willingness to handle all planning and administrative details of meetings and events. The ideal candidate must thrive in a challenging and fast passed atmosphere with the ability to prioritize and multitask. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills are required. This position will work collaboratively in a team environment, and will also be expected to take initiative and to work independently to produce events, meetings and additional projects, as required.

Core Responsibilities :

Provide full meeting planning support for GT’s national training, meetings, events and conferences, as assigned
Liaison with internal customers, stakeholders and suppliers to execute a flawless event, end to end (intake through payment reconciliation)
Comply with internal processes, using a variety of tools and software to support meeting planning
Assist in the development, management and tracking of program budgets
Manage the sourcing and contracting for a variety of suppliers, including understanding key terms and conditions of meeting and event contracts to effectively manage suppliers’ performance and GT’s expense
Strong negotiation skills, demonstrated by an ability to drive value to our stakeholders
Technical understanding of A / V and production requirements for meetings
Oversee event preparation and closure, ordering supplies and packing / shipping of materials
Travel to offsite locations for regional and national meetings, as requested
Deliver on-site client service based on department standards and as directed by management team
Data entry and daily administrative functions
Payment and reconciliation support for meeting related invoices and master billing
Knowledge and application of firm policies including actively supporting and guiding employees
Other duties as assigned

Ideal Candidate Will Have :

Bachelor’s degree or significant related experience

5+ years of hotel / meetings management and 2+ years proven experience managing large corporate meetings

Expert program management of detailed meeting requirements

Technically proficient on key meeting planner skills : sourcing, negotiations, contracting, room setup and design, F&B, A / V and production, attendee and room block management, ground, etc.

Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the firm

Deep working knowledge of procurement policies, practices and approaches related to event planning and management

Effective problem solving skills

Financial acumen to manage complex budgets and expenses

Excellent Microsoft Office skills – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Strong meetings management technology and software skills – experience with Cvent is desired

Flexibility to travel and work extended hours, as required for the job (up to 50% during busy season)

Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least two days per weeks, either at a GT office or client site.

The base salary range for this position in the firm's Chicago, IL office is between $72,000 and $108,000 per year.

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Event Associate • Chicago, IL, United States