Meeting and Event Specialist

About the Role

Markel, a Fortune 500 company, is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Meeting & Event Specialist to support the planning and execution of high-quality meetings and events across the organization. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role covering logistics, budgeting, vendor coordination, onsite delivery, and post-event reporting, along with support for Markel’s promotional items program and the Swoogo event platform. This role requires precision and follow-through at every stage, from vendor quotes through final expense reconciliation, along with the ability to multitask and thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment. We're looking for someone who takes pride in getting the details right and is passionate about delivering memorable experiences that reflect the Markel Style.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Impact: Deliver polished events that strengthen relationships with employees, clients, and partners.
• Creativity: Propose ideas, enhancements, and innovative solutions to elevate the guest experience.
• Dynamic environment: No two days are alike—plan, coordinate, and execute a variety of initiatives.
• Collaboration: Work with a supportive, high-performing team that holds a high bar for quality.
• Growth: Expand your expertise in corporate event planning, hospitality, technology, and branding.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Provide comprehensive coordination across all phases of event delivery: planning, logistics, onsite setup, production, and post-event closeout with consistent, reliable follow-through on every task and deadline.
• Serve as dedicated support resource for the team through administrative tasks to enable seamless event operations and team success.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Assist with RFPs, review event orders, track budgets, and reconcile expenses accurately.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure services and materials are professional and reflect Markel’s high standards.

Branding, Guest Experience & Logistics

• Create branded event materials and signage to enhance guest experience.
• Use Swoogo event platform to manage event registration, communications, and event websites.
• Prepare nametags, gifts, gift bags, seating charts, event communications and registration lists with a high degree of accuracy, proofreading all materials prior to distribution.
• Maintain complete event documentation and post-event follow-up to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Continuous Improvement

• Research new event possibilities, propose creative approaches, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing learning opportunities, such as industry webinars and professional certifications, to support a culture of excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Hospitality Management or Marketing preferred.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation a plus.
• 3+ years of corporate meeting and event planning experience required.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines and managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, energetic, and solution-driven, with a sharp eye for proofreading.
• Proficient in Office 365, MS Teams, SharePoint, WebEx; Swoogo experience preferred.
• Ability to travel overnight and work occasional evening or weekend hours as required.
• Richmond, VA-based (no relocation).
• English required.
• US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

Pay

The base salary offered for the successful candidate will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, licensure, demonstrated competencies, geographic location, and other factors. The national average salary range for the Meeting & Event Specialist is $62,400 to $85,800 with 12% incentive.

Benefits

In keeping with the values of the Markel Style, we strive to support our employees in living their lives to the fullest at home and at work. We offer competitive benefit programs that help meet our diverse and changing environment as well as support our employees’ needs at all stages of life.

• Multiple health, dental and vision insurance plan options and optional life, disability, and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match contributions.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• PTO, corporate holidays and floating holidays.
• Parental leave.