Senior event specialist

Works with multiple event and conference partners to plan, schedule, and coordinating activities. Leads the development, execution, and follow-up of medium complexity meeting and events and/or provides support for assigned components of high complexity meeting and events under minimal direction and supervision. Events may be on-site or virtual.

The Senior event specialist works with multiple event and conference partners to plan, schedule, and coordinating activities. Leads the development, execution, and follow-up of medium complexity meeting and events and/or provides support for assigned components of high complexity meeting and events under minimal direction and supervision. Events may be on-site or virtual. This role is based in  Frankfurt.

Core Responsibilities

• Leads strategic tactical implementation of multi-faceted, multi-channel events across several international markets, partnering with business partners in marketing and distribution. Namely DE and CH channels but not exclusive.
• Builds HTML emails, registration forms and event web pages within the following systems (but not limited): Cvent, On24, Kaltura and sales force marketing cloud. Regularly explores best practices, customisation options and upgrades for these systems. In some instances, manages implementation and training for the team.
• Partners with sales and channel marketing to determine the appropriate role for conferences/events in business strategies. Makes recommendations on appropriate event types (third party and proprietary), sponsorship level, messaging, promotional plan and delegate journey in line with these strategies.
• Creates and implements comprehensive event communication plans across a variety of marketing channels (email, EM, social media, web), agreeing key messages, frequency, segmentation, journey mapping as well as tracking results and adapting plans accordingly.
• Ensures event plans and marketing activity are all compliant with global and local laws and regulations (e.g. GDPR, Anti-Bribery laws, co-marketing policies etc.) in all individual European countries in which Vanguard Europe operates, and adjusts processes and systems in accordance with legal recommendations.
• Plans and oversees the digital event User Experience (UX) to ensure interfaces (including website, apps and forms) provide an effortless and enjoyable experience for Vanguard contacts and prospects. Including, but not limited to, exploring smooth navigation, simplified sign-up as well as enhanced visual appeal.
• Acts as a SME for third party/industry events within the various jurisdiction, stays abreast of changes and makes recommendations for Vanguard’s participation in line with business and marketing strategies. 
• Maintains strong relationships with external event organisations and providers, constantly building knowledge of platforms, industry and market trends (per country) and events landscape; as well as keeping a forward looking stance on event delivery, looking for ways to evolve Vanguard’s delivery of events to provide the best client experience possible, unique to the client and region.  Manages sourcing, procurement, implementation and supervision of external vendors. 
• Creates event dashboards to measure and analyse, event effectiveness and collect market insight to inform future strategy. 
• Manages event budgets and participates in annual planning and forecasting with marketing business partners.
• Maintains excellent understanding of the regional dynamics, compliance regulations and cultural specificities of multiple jurisdictions across International, adjusting the event delivery as a result.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

What it takes:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. 
• 3-5 years of related business experience. Marketing or event-related experience preferred. Experience of project management would also be favorable.
• Has the ability to travel to support onsite at events in the DACH-region and across our other regional markets
• Demonstrate strength in relationship management, as the function serves all of Vanguard business lines, interacts with all levels of crew (including senior staff) and must cultivate strong, productive vendor relationships
• European language skills – Must have proficient German and English language skills; Italian or French language skills also would be ideal but not essential.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work across multiple projects and under deadline pressure.
• Ability to work independently and establish work priorities with minimal guidance from management. 
• A good understanding of email marketing , knowledge of HTML code is desired as well as familiarity with Cvent (registration tool) ON24 and Kaltura (webinar