The Marketing Event Specialist works closely with Sales Management and Marketing Division to develop and implement experiential marketing activities to assist in the generation of new business.
Responsibilities:
Leads the consultation process with agency to research/recommend experiential marketing concepts/programs/seminars in identified markets. Tracks and reconciles event and agency budgets. Escalates items of concern to management.
Continuously selects, recommends and implements new activations which maximize constituent time with our agency personnel and have an “organic” fit with our product offering. Attends events and provides consultation to agency to heighten engagement and conversion results.
Monitors post-event follow up and conversion results. Partners with management to initiate conversations and consultation to agency to improve results as needed.
Develops Cost Benefit Analysis documents and facilitates goal setting discussions with agency managers. Escalates items of concern to management for further discussion.
Recommends appropriate thought leaders and celebrity speakers to provide heightened recognition and interest in COUNTRY and our programs. Ensures attendees match desired target, demographic and have “organic” fit with enterprise objectives.
Identifies prospective event facilities and manages event components with local vendors, including room setups, meals, etc. Performs site visits as necessary. Attends events to ensure quality experience and to trouble-shoot issues as necessary. Negotiates sponsorship packages with promoters to maximize COUNTRY investment.
Recommends marketing approach for each event, as well as extends the life of events through development of post event touches and content, where possible. Leverages emerging digital channels such as Facebook, You Tube, Linked In, and Twitter. Ensures attendees match desired target and demographic.
Leads the identification, execution and monitoring of event specific lead development strategy.
Education equivalent to college degree (degree in marketing, communications, business, public relations or insurance is preferred), or the equivalent in related work experience.
Three (five is preferred) or more years of progressively more responsible experience in event marketing, or the equivalent.
Experience in development and implementation of programs to meet the identified objectives of specific agencies and proficient with relationship development in the categories of agency/sponsors/consultants/vendors.
Previous marketing, sales, and/or sales management experience within the insurance and financial services industry and a sound understanding of the company/financial representative relationship.
Understanding of event management and conversion principles obtained through experience and/or formal training (proficient in both is preferred).
Proficient on topics ranging from Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft Office Project, Word, Excel and Power Point (or their equivalents)
Ability to independently create innovative experiential marketing approaches and create/reconcile financial components including cost benefit analysis and budgets.
Proficient at creation and management of financial components including cost benefit analysis, budget creation and reconciliation is preferred.
Must possess in-depth knowledge of how events compliment a brand and understand how events align with the overall marketing & enterprise communication strategy.
Ability to develop relationships with sales professionals and proven ability to create relationships with COUNTRY agency to fully maximize the consultative process.
Strong oral / written communication, listening, and presentation skills. Proven ability to effectively communicate and deliver presentations at the executive level is preferred.
Strong critical thinking, prioritization, organizational, and planning skills and ability to multi-task while working independently and/or in a group.
Confident in leadership and in stressful situations.
Ability to travel is required to satisfy job requirements. Travel is cyclical and could be heavily concentrated at times.
For more details about careers at COUNTRY Financial®, please visit us online at www.countryfinancial.com/careers and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
