Hospitality and Event Planning Network (HEPN) for 27 April 2009

You are among 410 subscribers.

Welcome to the Hospitality and Event Planning Network, a career and

relationship building newsletter network for all who work in the

hospitality and event planning industries, published by Sonja Johnson.

The objective of this network is to build relationships and help each

other with career issues and other professional and personal challenges.

Here's how to participate: Send any issue or job opportunity to

sonjahepn@comcast.net and I will post it in the weekly newsletter sent

to you and all other subscribers. If you are sending a job opportunity,

please include the title, organization, and location, as well as a brief

description/link/contact information. We also like to hear if you got a

job as a result of this network!

Some of the older HEPN editions are now listed at:

http://www.nedsjotw.com/blog/HospitalityEventPlanningJobs.

Issues from November 27, 2006 onward are also posted at

http://sonjahepn.livejournal.com/.

This network thrives on sharing. Invite your friends! Anyone can sign up

by sending a blank e-mail to hepn-subscribe@topica.com.

Neither Topica nor I rents, sells, or gives out your information on this

list.

This week's edition includes:

*** The Short Self-Pitch (SSP)

*** Upcoming Conferences

1. events intern; CHCI; Washington, DC

2. Event Planner / Conference Representative; ValMark Insurance Agency;

Akron, OH

3. Senior VP of Destination Branding and Strategy; Meet Minneapolis;

Minneapolis, MN

4. Internship; Volunteers of America; Alexandria, VA

5. Sponsorship/Exhibit Sales Manager; Talley Management Group, Inc;

Philadelphia, PA/Washington, DC

6. Event Planner / Conference Representative; ValMark Insurance Agency;

Akron, OH

7. Events & Conferences Intern; CompTIA; Oakbrook Terrace, IL

8. Audio Visual Sales Manager; Swank Audio Visual; San Antonio, TX

9. Summer Event Staff; Windy City Fieldhouse; Chicago, IL

10. Meetings and Office Administrator; Association of American Law

Schools; Washington, DC

11. Account Executive – Key Accounts Manager; Meritage Events; Dallas,

12. Manager, Meetings & Conventions; American Society of Travel Agents;

Alexandria, VA

13. Assistant Conference Coordinator; Virginia Military Institute;

Lexington, VA

14. Assistant Director for Conferences, Programs and Marketing; Virginia

Military Institute; Lexington, VA

15. Director of Communications, Marketing, and Special Events; New

Mexico Community Foundation; Albuquerque, NM

16. Director of Event Management/Game Operations; University of

Minnesota Twin Cities; Minneapolis, MN

17. Event Planning Intern; Idealist.org; Alexandria, VA

18. Sales Executive; Cvent; McLean, VA

19. Senior Manager, Brands Finance; Hilton Hotels Corporation; McLean,

20. Senior Manager, Corporate Reporting; Hilton Hotels Corporation;

McLean, VA

21. Director of Sales – New York Regional Office; Associated Luxury

Hotels International; New York, NY

22. President and CEO; Fresno City & County Convention & Visitors

Bureau; Fresno, CA

23. Associate Director for Education and Outreach; United States

Conference of Catholic Bishops; Washington, DC

24. Alumni Events Manager; Marymount University; Arlington, VA

25. Education & Meetings Intern; Association of Corporate Counsel;

Washington, DC

************* The Short Self-Pitch (SSP) *********************

The HEPN offers a special feature: the Short Self-Pitch (SSP). If you

are looking for a job opportunity or offer free-lance services, send a

brief paragraph to sonjahepn@comcast.net. One SSP will be included each

week.

************* Upcoming Conferences *************

Do you know of an upcoming conference that the HEPN readers should be

aware of? Send the details to sonjahepn@comcast.net for inclusion in the

next newsletter.

**********

1. events intern; CHCI; Washington, DC

http://www.jobtarget.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=518&jb=5417311

2. Event Planner / Conference Representative; ValMark Insurance Agency;

Akron, OH

Company Introduction:

ValMark Securities is a NASD broker-dealer licensed in all fifty (50)

states. We provide a single, independent source for investment and

insurance products along with unique intellectual tools, technical and

advisory services for independent wealth transfer firms. Headquartered

in Akron, Ohio with a branch office in St. Paul, Minnesota, ValMark

Securities employs more than 100 professionals.

We are seeking a Conference Representative to join our Event &

Conference Planning department and serve in the central role of managing

multiple projects.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

As a ValMark Conference Representative, you will serve as Project

Manager coordinating large events, conferences, seminars, and company

functions. You will coordinate event logistics, research event

suppliers, track data lists in reporting systems, oversee online

registration, and prepare status reports. The Conference Representative

will plan for the design and production of brochures, programs,

advertising materials, create invitations, and mailings.

This role will be responsible for providing pre, post, and on-site

support at events and conferences by assisting with setup/teardown,

monitoring the operational activities at each venue, and addressing

concerns and resolving issues efficiently.

This position works closely with other Conference Representatives and

the Director of Conference Planning to coordinate dependencies on all

department projects.

Position Requirements:

· Bachelor's Degree or certification is preferred.

· 3+ years professional event planning and conference

coordination experience.

· Proficiency in MS Office products – Word, Excel, Outlook;

Publisher ideal

· Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment

Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter, and salary

requirements to: resumes@valmarksecurities.com. Please include

Reference Code “EVENTS” in the subject line of your email.

3. Senior VP of Destination Branding and Strategy; Meet Minneapolis;

Minneapolis, MN

Responsibilities: Manages: * Domestic and international public

relations * Creative services and branding * E-marketing programs *

Minneapolis Convention Center marketing * Research and market

intelligence * Co-op-partnership program development and sales

Qualifications: Please visit our website for a full description.

http://www.meetminneapolis.com/members/about/employment.aspx

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Contact: Terrie Chen

Meet Minneapolis

250 Marquette Ave S

Ste 1300

Minneapolis, MN 55401

612-767-8094 (phone)

terriec@meetminneapolis.com

http://meetminneapolis.com

4. Internship; Volunteers of America; Alexandria, VA

Non-Paid Internship Opportunity

Come make a difference! Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit,

spiritually based organization that provides local human service

programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement (for

more information please visit our website at:

www.volunteersofamerica.org.)

We have an exciting internship opportunity for an individual to work in

our Training & Meetings Department and get involved with many different

and interesting projects. This is a perfect chance for a student

interested in non-profit management, meetings and event management,

training and organizational development, to see the inner-workings of a

110-year old service organization.

This internship opportunity is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA,

within walking distance of the King Street Metro.

General Responsibilities: Supports the Training & Organizational

Development Department in everyday meetings and conference planning

activities including assistance in the following:

· Assist with on-line registration.

· Oversees speakers' needs such as audio-visual requirements,

room set-up and hotel and travel arrangements.

· Assist with menu selection and preparation of functions sheets

for this premiere event.

· Oversees conference evaluation data collection

· Work with the Director of Training and OD on any

organizational interventions or trainings that take place.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications:

* Interest in meetings/events management as a career

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team

* Ability to work on multiple concurrent projects

* Excellent organization skills

* Competent computer knowledge such as Microsoft Office and Internet

* Good communications skills – verbal and written

You will learn a lot and have fun with the three-person team you will

get to work with. We provide transportation assistance, a flexible work

schedule based on your school curriculum as well as a fun and laid back

work environment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to

contact Teresa Alfaro, CMP, Meetings Manager at 703-341-5086 or

talfaro@voa.org. Thanks for your interest!

5. Sponsorship/Exhibit Sales Manager; Talley Management Group, Inc;

Philadelphia, PA/Washington, DC

http://www.jobtarget.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=518&jb=5425752

6. Event Planner / Conference Representative; ValMark Insurance Agency;

Akron, OH

Company Introduction:

ValMark Securities is a NASD broker-dealer licensed in all fifty (50)

states. We provide a single, independent source for investment and

insurance products along with unique intellectual tools, technical and

advisory services for independent wealth transfer firms. Headquartered

in Akron, Ohio with a branch office in St. Paul, Minnesota, ValMark

Securities employs more than 100 professionals.

We are seeking a Conference Representative to join our Event &

Conference Planning department and serve in the central role of managing

multiple projects.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

As a ValMark Conference Representative, you will serve as Project

Manager coordinating large events, conferences, seminars, and company

functions. You will coordinate event logistics, research event

suppliers, track data lists in reporting systems, oversee online

registration, and prepare status reports. The Conference Representative

will plan for the design and production of brochures, programs,

advertising materials, create invitations, and mailings.

This role will be responsible for providing pre, post, and on-site

support at events and conferences by assisting with setup/teardown,

monitoring the operational activities at each venue, and addressing

concerns and resolving issues efficiently.

This position works closely with other Conference Representatives and

the Director of Conference Planning to coordinate dependencies on all

department projects.

Position Requirements:

· Bachelor's Degree or certification is preferred.

· 3+ years professional event planning and conference

coordination experience.

· Proficiency in MS Office products – Word, Excel, Outlook;

Publisher ideal

· Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment

Qualified candidates should email their resume, cover letter, and salary

requirements to:

resumes@valmarksecurities.com. Please include Reference Code “EVENTS” in

the subject line of your email.

7. Events & Conferences Intern; CompTIA; Oakbrook Terrace, IL

CompTIA is looking for a Conferences Intern to provide a variety of

support functions for the Conferences Department. These functions are

primarily related to CompTIA Breakaway in August and Managed Services

Summit in October.

Critical Duties and Responsibilities:

. Coordinate and execute support activities for CompTIA Conference

Programs including management of sponsor fulfillment; drafting,

distributing and tracking sponsor correspondence (confirmation

materials, check list, sponsor updates, etc.); collection and management

of sponsor contact information, company description, logos and when

applicable photo/bios.

. Assistance with Hosted VAR recruitment campaign and fulfillment of

deliverables for Accepted VAR guests (maintain list, collect and

maintain air and ground travel manifest, hotel requirements, etc.)

. Assistance with speaker confirmation process; collection and

management of speaker contact information, session description, AV

requirements and photo/bios.

. Provide internal and external customer service.

. Management of department shipments to events, packing materials,

tracking shipment and managing the shipment manifest.

. Perform other duties as required by business needs.

Work Experience:

. Work and/or internship experience in an office environment

preferred.

. Experience in meetings/conventions/special events preferred.

. Experience in booking travel and researching online travel sites

preferred.

Education/Training:

. Undergraduate degree preferred or a current enrollment in a

Hospitality Program.

. MS Office and internet experience required. Database and/or HTML

experience a plus.

Skills/Capabilities/Technical:

. Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written)

skills.

. Excellent computer/database management skills with proficiency in

Microsoft Office (mail merges in Word and spreadsheet management in

Excel).

. Must possess attention to detail, ability to efficiently manage

multiple priorities under deadlines, be proactive and responsible.

Experience booking travel and researching online travel sites

preferred.

Must be customer/team oriented.

Additional Information:

Duration of this internship is from May 2009 through August 2009

This position requires a minimum 35 hour work week and has a pay

rate of $15.00 per hour.

Some overtime and possible travel to Breakaway required.

Individual supports several staff and must have the ability to

prioritize projects.

To apply for this position please email cover letter with a current copy

of your resume to hr@comptia.org.

8. Audio Visual Sales Manager; Swank Audio Visual; San Antonio, TX

Swank Audio Visuals is a fast-growing company that provides professional

audio visual equipment rental, set-up and customer support services for

memorable, high-quality event productions. And we're actively expanding

our Operations division with experienced Audio Visual Sales Managers who

have what it takes to amplify our efforts and their careers.

At Swank Audio Visuals, we create events unlike any other. By mixing

innovative technology with unparalleled client service to make sure

every experience is a lasting one. You're detailed-oriented and driven

by success. You have a talent for understanding customer needs, as well

as meet day-to-day objectives with ease.

As part of our top-performing sales team, you will have the opportunity

to work directly with clients within a specific hotel as it relates to

their audio visual event. This includes participation in on-site visits

by prospective clients, solicitation of new business and ensuring that

our customers receive the proper service and equipment needed to

accomplish their objectives.

You've proven you know what it takes to be successful in sales smart

strategies, a good network, the right solution, and a knack for

upselling the bells and whistles. But that's just the beginning of what

you'll need in your success arsenal, because we're looking for top guns

with:

Proven experience in developing positive Client relationships and in

achieving Client satisfaction and loyalty. Demonstrated ability with

excellent written and phone communication skills are necessary.

Experience in audio visual staging and support, along with extensive

knowledge and experience in successfully interacting with the meeting

and convention services entities within the hospitality industry is

required. Administrative skills are a high priority and should include

professional writing skills, business tools skills such as database mgt,

etc. skills such as database mgt, etc.

Ability to work as part of a team, understand Clients' perspective and

have excellent organizational and multi tasking skills.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings

and holidays.

You can make big things happen at Swank. Where our work is challenging,

our reputation is strong, and our people are some of the best in the

business! Attractive benefits and earning potential provided.

www.swankav.com

success:amplified

EOE

To apply for this position, please copy and paste the following link

into your browser address bar:

http://swankaudiovisuals.contacthr.com/13182760

or submit your resume and salary requirements through our homepage at

http://swank.hodesiq.com/apply_online_1.asp?jobid=1539571

9. Summer Event Staff; Windy City Fieldhouse; Chicago, IL

http://www.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/JobBank/DisplayJob.aspx?JobId=7697

10. Meetings and Office Administrator; Association of American Law

Schools; Washington, DC

http://asi.careerhq.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3111558

11. Account Executive – Key Accounts Manager; Meritage Events; Dallas,

Meritage Events, Inc.

Required Travel: 10% travel

Compensation: Commission Based (eligible for bonuses)

Min Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate

Min Experience: 2+ years

Description:

Meritage Events is a full-service event planning and Destination

Management Company (DMC) working with clients on their corporate

planning needs. At Meritage we are creative, hard-working, energetic,

personal, dedicated professionals. We are looking for an Account

Executive to join our team covering Key Accounts in specialty markets.

The objective for this position is to lead and contribute to the Gross

Profit Goals by selling Meritage's outstanding service to corporate and

association clients. The Account Executive will be prospecting and

expanding the client base, managing current accounts, and assisting the

Operations Manager in developing event concepts.

Responsibilities:

*Qualify leads and develop program ideas for leads.

*Develop, manage and sell to a client base through leads from

assigned markets, hoteliers, cold calls, referrals, etc.

*Design proposals and conceptualize ideas for potential clients.

*Ensure that all proposals and other sales correspondence is

correct, proofed, and meets clients' needs and budgets.

*Finalize and “close” program contracts with clients, arranging for

deposits and signed program services agreements.

Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate should possess strong organizational abilities,

excellent sales and client service skills, and leadership qualities. Our

successful candidate must have at least 2 years experience in B2B sales

(documented/portfolio), preferably in destination management, event

management or related field. Must hold a college degree, Business

Management, Marketing, Communications or related degree is helpful.

Proven ability to meet sales goals under tight deadlines. Must have

knowledge of event design and development, from inception through

contract. Should understand the sales process for a DMC and support

sales process through active participation in industry networking, site

inspections, and building client relationships.

Skills:

*Well-developed negotiating and persuading abilities

*Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills

* Understand the RFP process for events and vendors

*Familiar with CRM software, proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel,

PowerPoint)

*Self-Motivated/Goal Oriented/Client Focused

Must be familiar with and live in the Dallas/Fort-Worth Area. No

relocation.

Send resume and cover letter to Tacy Infante at

tacy.infante@meritageevents.com.

No phone calls please.

12. Manager, Meetings & Conventions; American Society of Travel Agents;

Alexandria, VA

Travel trade association based in Old Town Alexandria, seeks a Manager,

Meetings & Conventions. Applicant should have 2 years of meeting

planning experience including strong organizational & negotiation skills

as well as impeccable customer service and strong written and oral

communication skills. Responsibilities include general meetings

logistics, budgeting, sponsorship & assistance with production of

assigned programs. Applicant must be familiar w/database procedures &

proficient in MS Office programs. Some travel required.

Send cover letter containing salary requirements and resume to

resumes@astahq.com or fax to (703) 739-8798. Competitive benefit

package including FREE PARKING and 401K with employer match. ASTA is an

EEO/AA employer.

13. Assistant Conference Coordinator; Virginia Military Institute;

Lexington, VA

http://careers.ises.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=553&jb=5421549

14. Assistant Director for Conferences, Programs and Marketing; Virginia

Military Institute; Lexington, VA

http://careers.ises.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=553&jb=5421544

15. Director of Communications, Marketing, and Special Events; New

Mexico Community Foundation; Albuquerque, NM

http://careers.ises.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=553&jb=5416187

16. Director of Event Management/Game Operations; University of

Minnesota Twin Cities; Minneapolis, MN

http://careers.ises.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=553&jb=5424052

17. Event Planning Intern; Idealist.org; Alexandria, VA

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs/JS_JobSearchDetail?jobid=28089201&jobSummaryIndex=43&agentID=

18. Sales Executive; Cvent; McLean, VA

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wl/jobs/JS_JobSearchDetail?jobid=27838151&jobSummaryIndex=107&agentID=

19. Senior Manager, Brands Finance; Hilton Hotels Corporation; McLean,

Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) offers a variety of global

opportunities. Comprised of 12 brands with more than 3,200 hotels in 77

countries, our Team Members are committed to delivering our brand

promises to our customers. At Hilton, you'll discover hospitality jobs

whether you are a first time applicant or a career professional.

Our well known brands represent market leadership in their respective

segments of the industry, whether it's luxury or lifestyle brands to mid

prices, extended stay or vacation ownership, Hilton has something for

everyone. The company owns, manages and franchises hotel brands

including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels and Resorts, Denizen®,

Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton

Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand

Vacations™, Home2 Suites by Hilton™, Homewood Suites by

Hilton® and The Waldorf Astoria Collection®.

Come and explore a world of opportunities and join our team to help us

achieve our mission to be the industry leader, outperform our

competition while creating a dynamic entrepreneurial, high growth

business that can seize global opportunities!

Hilton Hotels Corporation (HCC) will open its new Global Headquarters in

Fairfax County, Virginia during the third quarter of 2009. The company

owns, manages and franchises some of the best known and highly regarded

hotel brands. HHC offers competitive benefits to our Team Members. We

invite you to become part of our team whose mission is to be a dynamic,

entrepreneurial, high growth business that seizes global opportunities

and outperforms our competition.

Participates with management in order to analyze and recommend various

fund projects so that resources are effectively utilized. Develops and

maintains monthly forecasts for assigned departments.

* 4 year college degree

* Minimum of 3 years work experience

* Advanced Degree in Accounting

* Fund Management preferred with ability to interact at all levels of

management and make presentations to senior and executive management.

* CPA

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Relocation for internal Team Members is available per

guidelines. Relocation assistance will not be available for external

candidates. In order to apply to this position, you must be legally

authorized to work in the United States; Hilton Hotels Corporation will

not be providing visa sponsorship for this position. You must also be

able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in

writing.

To apply for this position, please copy and paste the following link

into your browser address bar:

http://hilton.contacthr.com/13188337

or submit your resume and salary requirements through our homepage at

https://careers.hilton.com/psc/hrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=25045&SiteId=2&PostingSeq=1