Specialist, Events & Programs (CCL)

About the role

The Specialist, Event Planning leads the planning-site delivery, and post-event analysis of premium events supporting the Travel Agent distribution channel and Sales Leadership teams at Carnival Cruise Line. This role is responsible for designing and delivering elevated, high visibility event experiences that strengthen brand affinity, enhance product knowledge, and drive engagement across the travel agent community.

Responsibilities

• Support program planning and execution for assigned trade sales programs and event experiences. Assist in developing project plans and coordinating event activities to ensure smooth delivery.
• Schedule, manage food and beverage approvals, organize event agendas, and coordinate giveaways and promotional items, including vendor communication, shipping, and fulfillment under established guidelines.
• Develop full presentations for 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.
• Sourcing hotels/venues and other vendors (for Shoreside events) and Shipboard teams (for Shipboard events) for all event elements including A/V, Banquet, F&B, rooms, collateral, transportation, restaurants, entertainment, high-end gifting experiences and others as necessary. Work with Manager 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.
• Track and manage individual event expenses. Work alongside Manager on budget documents and optimize expenses within budget to deliver high-quality, impactful events.
• Manage end-to-end communications process with invited participants for events under Specialist’s portfolio. Includes oversight of invitation, RSVP, pre-event, and post-event communications.
• Lead onsite event/program execution for Specialist portfolio. Manage all vendors and support program components and that all content is delivered to the audience as planned in the project plan.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in marketing, trade shows, event planning, or related field. Cruise industry and/or hotel experience preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, or Business. Associate's Degree considered with additional years of experience.
• Excellent skills in MS PowerPoint and MS Word, proficient in MS Excel. Experience working with sales teams is valuable. Experience with virtual events and presentation content development is valuable.
• 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.