Specialist, Events & Programs (CCL)

Event Planning Specialist

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. Programs and events vary annually and may include galas, exclusive executive level meetings, curated VIP experiences, gala/formal events, partner conferences, inaugural ship events, familiarization cruises, & shipboard event programming (EG, 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.
• 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.
• Support Manager 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, 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Oversees a large portfolio of trade-focused programs and events, managing every phase through onsite execution and post-program evaluation. The role 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. The specialist works autonomously to deliver multiple concurrent programs in fast-paced environments and ensures alignment with broader organizational goals and leadership expectations.
• Problem Solving: This role requires strong critical thinking and support decision-making across a diverse set of operational challenges. The specialist must balance 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: This role 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 role's 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. The position serves as support for assigned programs and events, guiding project participants, shipboard partners, senior executives, and vendors toward unified goals and elevated execution standards. Leadership is demonstrated through clear communication, structured project planning, proactive risk management, and the ability to represent the organization professionally in front of high-profile partners and executives. The specialist also drives 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 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

Travel: 25-50% with shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions: Work beyond normal business hours or on weekends may be required occasionally to support business needs, projects, or operations.

Physical Demands Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

This position is classified as "in-office." As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Monday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Fridays. Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival's discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including:

• 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 employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee's 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 employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, 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 employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.
• Other Benefits
  • Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
  • Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement
  • On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus