Specialist, Trade Events & Programs (CCL).

The Trade Events & Program Specialist leads the strategy, planning, execution, and post‑event analysis for programs and events supporting the Travel Agent distribution channel and the Sales & Trade Marketing teams at Carnival Cruise Line. This role design and delivers exceptional trade‑facing experiences that strengthen brand affinity, enhance product knowledge, and drive engagement across the agent community. Programs and events vary annually and may include tradeshows, partner conferences, inaugural ship events, familiarization cruises, city roadshows, and onboard B2B programming (i.e., Ship tours & Seminars at Sea). The specialist typically manages 50+ programs and events each year, ensuring each initiative aligns with business objectives, delivers operational excellence, and reflects Carnival’s brand standards. Essential Functions 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. Responsibilities include scheduling, managing food and beverage approvals, organizing event agendas, and coordinating giveaways and promotional items, including vendor communication, shipping, and fulfillment under established guidelines. Assist in implementing program strategies for assigned trade events and experiences under established direction. Contribute to defining participation criteria, supporting communication plans, and maintaining rollout timelines to ensure alignment with overall program objectives. Develop full presentations for trade 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. Support Director with 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, transportations, restaurants, entertainment and others as necessary. Work with Director to develop and finalize contracts 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 individual event expenses. Work alongside Sr Specialist on budget documents and optimize expenses within budget to deliver exceptional events. Manage end‑to‑end communications process with invited participants for events under Specialists 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 so that all content is delivered to the audience as planned in the project plan. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Oversight of a large portfolio of trade‑focused programs and events, managing every phase through onsite execution and post‑program evaluation. Partners closely with Sales, Trade Marketing, Shipboard Operations, Creative Services, and external vendors to design high‑impact experiences that educate and engage the travel agent community. Responsibilities span project management, venue selection, budget tracking, presentation development, communications, and logistics. Works autonomously to deliver multiple concurrent programs in fast‑paced environments and ensures alignment with broader organizational goals and leadership expectations. Problem Solving: Requires strong critical thinking and support decision‑making across a diverse set of operational challenges. Balances tight timelines, shifting priorities, and varying stakeholder needs while ensuring flawless program delivery. Complex problems include selecting and sourcing venues, managing budgets, aligning event agendas with leadership priorities, resolving onsite logistical issues, and ensuring content accuracy for executive‑level presentations. Successful problem solving involves anticipating risks, evaluating multiple solutions, adapting quickly to changing circumstances, and maintaining high attention to detail under pressure. Impact: Significantly influences the effectiveness of Carnival's trade engagement strategy and the company’s relationship with travel partners. High‑quality events and programs strengthen brand perception, improve product understanding, and drive greater sales performance across the distribution channel. The ability to deliver seamless events and compelling content contributes to business growth, improved agent advocacy, and stronger alignment between Carnival and its travel partners. Leadership: Although the role does not include direct people management, the specialist provides leadership through cross‑functional coordination, vendor management, and influence across internal teams and stakeholders. Demonstrates clear communication, structured project planning, proactive risk management, and the ability to represent the organization professionally in front of high‑profile partners and executives. Drove innovation by recommending new program ideas, optimizing workflows, and continuously improving the trade event experience. Qualifications 3+ years of experience in marketing, trade shows, event planning, or related field. Cruise industry 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 valuable. Experience with virtual events and presentation content development 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. Travel Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely. Work Conditions Work primarily in a climate‑controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential. Physical Demands Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time. Work Settings This position is classified as in‑office. Employees work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Monday through Thursday each week and may work from home on Fridays. Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. Compensation and Benefits Health Benefits: Cost‑effective medical, dental and vision plans; Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources; Additional programs include company‑paid term life insurance and disability coverage. Financial Benefits: 401(k) plan that includes a company match; Employee Stock Purchase plan. Paid Time Off: Holidays – All full‑time and part‑time with benefits receive days off for eight company‑wide holidays, plus two additional floating holidays at employee discretion. Vacation Time – All full‑time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year. Part‑time with benefits receive time off based on hours worked, with a minimum of 84 hours/year. All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure. Sick Time – All full‑time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. Part‑time with benefits receive time off based on hours worked, with a minimum of 60 hours each year. Other Benefits: Complementary stand‑by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, and special rates for family and friends; Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement; On‑site fitness center at our Miami campus. Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job‑related skills and experience. Carnival Corporation & plc and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity / affirmative action employer. It does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, mental, physical, or sensory disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Carnival Corporation and plc