Senior Meeting Planner
Conference Services Department
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Our clients look to us to bring a distinctively high degree of quality, intensity and creativity to resolve legal challenges effectively and cost efficiently. We believe in hiring talented and dedicated individuals as members of our administrative community. We draw on the strength of our culture and structure to deliver the best of our firm to our lawyers and clients through true collaboration. The firm is seeking a full-time Senior Meeting Planner to become an integral part of the Conference Services Department.
The Senior Meeting Planner will be responsible for creating and executing seamless events, ensuring a warm and professional experience for all attendees, while handling a high volume of daily events and managing numerous last-minute requests and orders.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Event Planning Management
- Collaborate with firm partners, attorneys, and staff to understand their conference and event needs and objectives.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute a wide range of meetings, conferences, seminars, and special events hosted by the firm, managing a high volume of daily events.
- Handle numerous last-minute requests and orders, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness in delivering exceptional event experiences.
- Utilize technology and conference booking systems to streamline event logistics, and communication to other departments.
- Negotiate and liaise with external vendors, on-site vendors and internal departments such as but not limited to Reception Services, Facilities, Catering, AV to secure appropriate services and needs for your events.
- Properly know how to curate many different menu types while working with our on-site catering team.
- Respond timely and effectively to requests and needs of those needing space or asking questions regarding the conference center.
Team Leadership
- Assist the Conference Service Supervisor in maintaining a high performing team with training, guidance and best practices.
- Foster a collaborative and positive work environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and a strong emphasis on hospitality service.
- Step in when the Conference Services Supervisor is away.
- Provide extra assistance when needed for other departments such as Reception, Catering, Conference Center Ops and Audio Visual.
Client Guest Relations
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients and guests attending events, addressing inquiries, and providing exceptional hospitality service before, during and after the events.
- Cultivate strong relationships with senior-level leadership, understanding their preferences and delivering personalized experiences.
- Anticipate and resolve any issues or concerns that arise during events promptly and professionally.
- Conduct post-event evaluations to assess the success of each conference or meeting, gathering feedback from attendees and stakeholders.
- Utilize feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement changes in future events.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Business, or a related field.
- Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in conference services, event planning, or a similar role, with a track record of successful event execution.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team effectively.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact confidently with clients, senior-level leadership, and firm personnel.
- In-depth knowledge of event planning best practices, vendor management, and budgeting.
- Proficiency in using event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience in leveraging technology and conference booking systems to enhance event planning and execution.
- Flexibility to work outside regular business hours when necessary, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional holiday and weekends, to ensure the successful execution of events.
- A passion for providing exceptional hospitality service and creating memorable experiences for attendees.
TO APPLY:
A resume is required to apply for this position.