Events Specialist

Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers across the United States.

Akerman LLP is seeking an Events Specialist. The Events Specialist is a specialist role focused on planning, organizing, and executing high-impact internal and external events that align with the firm's strategic objectives. This position requires deep expertise in event management within professional services environments, collaborating with attorneys, business development teams, and cross-functional departments to deliver seamless events that maintain the highest standards of professionalism and attention to detail. Akerman has adopted a hybrid work environment.

Position Details:

• Reports to: Senior Events Manager
• Direct Reports: None
• Team Size: 3-person events team within 35 member marketing and client development department
• Travel: Regular travel required for event site visits, vendor meetings, and on-site event management

Key Responsibilities:

Event Planning & Execution

• Coordinate complex firmwide events, including client networking events, CLE presentations, retreats, and social gatherings
• Assist Senior Events Manager with contracts, event budgets, and research and evaluation of venues
• Coordinate all event logistics including setup, catering, audiovisual requirements, decor, transportation, and staffing
• Develop comprehensive event timelines, run-of-show documents, and detailed checklists to ensure flawless execution

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with attorneys and business development teams to define event objectives and desired outcomes
• Provide proactive updates to stakeholders throughout the event lifecycle
• Ensure all events comply with firm policies, risk management guidelines, and legal requirements

Post-Event Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct thorough post-event evaluations to measure success metrics and return on investment (ROI)
• Gather and analyze attendee feedback to identify opportunities for enhancement
• Document lessons learned and best practices for future events

Team Support & Knowledge Sharing

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Events Manager to implement and refine best practices
• Provide guidance and mentorship to MCD team members on event planning processes as needed
• Contribute to the development of departmental resources and training materials

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required, degree in Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field a plus
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in event planning within a professional services environment
• Law firm experience a plus
• Proven track record of successfully managing high-profile, multi-faceted events

Essential Skills

• Communication Excellence: Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with attorneys, clients, vendors, and promoting events effectively
• Advanced Organization: Exceptional ability to manage multiple concurrent events, budgets, schedules, and complex logistics
• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail ensuring flawless execution from contracts to catering
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate challenges and respond quickly under pressure to manage last-minute changes
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills for fostering productive relationships with internal teams and external vendors through empathy, patience, and collaboration
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level familiarity with CRM tools (InterAction), webinar platforms, and specialized event management software
• Negotiation Expertise: Skilled negotiator capable of securing favorable vendor terms and managing costs efficiently
• Time Management: Superior ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines while maintaining quality standards

Impact and Influence:

This specialist role offers an exciting opportunity to leverage extensive event management expertise to elevate the firm's client development initiatives by:

• Delivering exceptional events that strengthen client relationships and enhance firm reputation
• Fostering meaningful internal collaboration through well-executed firmwide gatherings
• Contributing to business development success through strategic event programming
• Demonstrating the firm's commitment to client service excellence through memorable experiences
• Supporting attorney relationship-building efforts with high-quality event execution

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.

#LI-LS1