Lead programs and event experience strategy, planning, execution and follow-up for programs and events supporting the Travel Agent distribution channel and Global Sales and Trade Marketing team of Carnival Cruise Line. The goal of such programs and events are to drive overall brand experience within the trade community, product education, engagement, and satisfaction. Programs and events vary by year and may include tradeshows, partner conferences, inaugural ship events, familiarization cruise programs, local city roadshows, promotional contests, training modules/curriculum, and virtual webinars. The trade programs and experience specialist typically oversee 50+ programs/events per year.

Essential Functions:

• PROGRAM STRATEGY: Develop and execute End-to-End program strategy for all programs and event experiences under supervision assigned. Define guiding principles, participation criterion, communication strategy, rollout timeline etc.
• PROGRAM MANAGEMENT: Lead end-to-end program planning for trade sales programs and event experiences assigned. Act as program manager and establish comprehensive project plans to insure flawless execution. Create plans for all event activities including planning, scheduling, and approval of food and beverage processes related to assigned events, planning agendas for event activities, organizing giveaways and promotional activities including selection, purchase/negotiation process, shipping and fulfillment management.
• VENDOR NEGOTIATION: Negotiate with hotels/venues and other vendors (for Shoreside events) and Shipboard teams (for Shipboard events). Lead price negotiation for all events including A/V, Banquet, F&B, rooms, collateral, transportations, restaurants, entertainment and others as necessary. Work with Director to develop and finalize contract between vendor and Carnival. Handle all advance preparation and onsite event logistics for shipboard and/or hotel planning including communications, scheduling, and event mechanics; Lead the planning and execution of Trade Sales attendance at Events throughout the year.
• PRESENTATION DEVELOPMENT: Develop full presentations for 1) trade trainings and 2) trade events. Work with senior executives to gather content, modify and version as necessary for various audience groups at in-person or virtual based events/programs. Understand business operations adequately to write presentation content for various guest speakers.
• BUDGET MANAGEMENT: Manage and track individual event budgets; Creates budget documents and shares with team leaders. Approve and optimize expenses within budget to deliver exceptional events.
• ONSITE EXECUTION: Lead onsite event/program execution. Manage all vendors and support program components and that all content is delivered to the audience as planned in the project plan.
• PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS: Manage end to end communications process with invited participants for events under Specialist’s management. Includes management of invitation, RSVP, pre-event, and post-event communications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, Business.  Associate’s Degree considered with additional experience.
• 3+ years of experience
• Excellent skills in MS PowerPoint and MS Word, proficient in MS Excel
• Knowledge of cruise industry preferred. Experience working with sales teams valuable. Experience with virtual events and presentation content development valuable

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven experience in leading planning through execution stages of large-scale events and programs. Strong project management skills. Creative and innovative thinker. Highly detail oriented. Ability to manage multiple concurrent and demanding projects. Ability and comfort working with senior executives. Comfort in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written. Passion for success with a willingness to learn. Ability to make sound decisions, at moments with conflicting time demands.

Physical Demands:  Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time. Requires regular movement throughout CCL facilities.

Travel: Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely.

Work Conditions: Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.  May be requested to work a different shift.

This position is classified as “in-office.”  As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Tuesday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Mondays and Fridays.  Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. 

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.   

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival’s discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including: 

• Health Benefits: 
  • Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans 
  • Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources 
  • Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage  
• Financial Benefits: 
  • 401(k) plan that includes a company match 
  • Employee Stock Purchase plan 
• Paid Time Off 
  • Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion.  
  • Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure. 
  • Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.   
• Other Benefits 
  • Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends 
  • Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement  
  • On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus 

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