Are you good with details? Do you love organizing events, meetings, and activities? Do you enjoy traveling for work? If so, Sentry has a great job for you! The Senior Meeting Planner manages the entire event planning process for onsite meetings and events that take place locally at SentryWorld, Sentry Home Office, and Division Street Office. This includes, but is not limited to internal meetings and events such as board meetings, business unit conferences, and employee celebration. Meets with Sentry executives to understand specific event and/or meeting needs. Serves as the main point of contact for any corporate events and/or meetings. Provides effective project management of meetings and events, maintains ongoing vendor relationships, and provides high quality internal and external client support.

Our ideal candidate will work a Hybrid model out of the Stevens Point home office. Work arrangements are flexible based on schedule and other factors.

What You'll Do:

• Leads and implements all aspects of event and meeting strategies and planning requirements for onsite meetings and events, ensuring the timely and effective implementation of all operational aspects. Responsibilities include but are not limited to travel arrangements, ground transportation, facilities and equipment, food and banquet requirements, entertainment, participant activities, recording and photography, awards, promotions, scripts, amenities, gifts, shipping, etc.

• Meets with business leadership to understand specific event and meeting needs. Presents event plans and outcomes to the business, including executives, ensuring a clear understanding on how their vision is being supported. Provides regular updates to business stakeholders on event progress Researches and responds to event related issues as they arise.

• Oversees budget development, management and reconciliation while identifying opportunities for efficiencies and cost savings on all events. Creates program documentation to include agendas, event portfolios, overviews, and proposals.

• Reviews and edits contracts and proposals from vendors and service providers to maximize efficiencies and ensure compliance with budget and company policies and procedures. This includes, but is not limited to hotels, destination management service providers, audio visual support providers, and other vendors as needed.

• Participates in planning and scheduling to establish deadlines and ensure the timely completion of independent tasks, short and long-term projects.

• Establishes and maintains relationships with prospective and current vendors used for various events.

• Guides, trains, and assists with managing Meeting and Event Planners/Coordinators on best practices, Sentry policies/procedures, and customer service skills.

• Collaborates with Marketing to develop and edit communications for meeting and events to ensure internal and external stakeholders are knowledgeable of events taking place

• Submits requests into the marketing project management system to create physical and digital event assets, which includes but is not limited to cards, invitations, signage, registration site and mobile app imagery, etc. Collaborates across marketing teams to ensure projects are completed according to timelines.

• Produces and distributes various reports for Sentry management to track and report results against measurable targets.

• Evaluates quality and availability of nearby attractions for social programs and touring opportunities. Identifies services included at accommodation such as program space, technology and communication facilities, food & banquet options and security. Prepares cost summary and recommendation for executive management review/approval.

• Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of meetings and events.

• Serves as backup to the Meeting and Events Director on event and meeting related issues.

• Assists Meeting and Events Director in developing departmental budget and monitoring expenses.

• Creates and authors standard operating procedures, best practices, and process for all marquee events.

• May distribute and prioritize work assignments within unit to ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned from time to time

What It Takes:

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent work experience

• Minimum 5 years of related work experience

• Proven success managing large scale events that use audio visual production teams for video production, audio, lighting and stage detail.

• Corporate event and meeting planning experience working for a major brand is ideal.

• Experience executing meetings and events with strict safety protocols. Knowledge of risk mitigation and safety measures required to produce an event in a safe and secure environment.

• Ability to work within specific time limitations and deadlines. Superior attention to detail.

• Experience managing multiple, complex programs in a fast-pace, dynamic environment. Proven experience of project management and implementation.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and human relations skills. Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management, c-suite and members of the Board of Directors.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes frequent weekends, and participate in industry associations. Knowledge of events best practices with proven project management experience.

• Involvement in the meeting and events field either through continuing education or association membership. Virtual event experience is preferred

What You'll Receive:

At Sentry, your total rewards go beyond competitive compensation. Below are some benefits and perks that you’ll receive.

• Sentry is happy to offer flexibility through a scheduled Hybrid work model. Monday and Friday work from home if you choose to, Tuesday through Thursday in office.

• Generous Paid-Time Off plan for you to enjoy time out of the office.

• 401(K) plan with a dollar for dollar match on your first eight percent, plus immediate vesting to help strengthen your financial future.

• Group Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

• Extensive Work-Life Resources to lend a helping hand.

• Sentry Foundation gift matching program to encourage charitable giving.

• Continue your education and career development through Sentry University (SentryU).

About Sentry:

We take great pride in making Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers since 2017. A lot of different factors go into that honor, many of which contribute to your job satisfaction.

Our bright future is built on a long track record of success. We got our start in 1904 and have been helping businesses succeed and protect their futures ever since. Because of the trust placed in us, we’re one of the largest and financially strongest mutual insurance companies in the United States. We’re rated A+ by A.M. Best, the industry's leading rating authority.

Our headquarters is in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with offices located throughout the United States. From sales to claims, and information technology to marketing, we enjoy a rewarding and challenging work environment with opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth.

Get ready to own your future at Sentry. Opportunities await!

Nic La Rosa
Nic.LaRosa@sentry.com

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sentry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy that there be no discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation.