Meeting & Event Planner

Who is POD Marketing?

POD Marketing is a full-service digital marketing agency that offers clients a wide range of marketing solutions. Unlike other agencies, we specialize in specific industries, which makes us true experts in both digital marketing and the industries we serve.

While we are committed to our clients, our number 1 priority has and always will be our employees. We believe this employee-obsessed approach is the biggest contributor to our companys growth and success. In only 9 years, were now working with over 1,000 clients all across North America, which would not have been possible without employing a talented team of over 100 employees.

Office culture is not about having a beer fridge or a ping-pong table (but yes, we have those too), its about how being at work makes you feel. We asked our staff and here are some of the things they said they loved most about working at POD Marketing: They feel accepted for who they are, supported, challenged, enjoy the flexibility of being able to work from home, the open lines of communication with every member on the team including upper management, having physiological safety, and are energized by the opportunities to grow, develop and progress their careers.

In recognition of our outstanding employee-focused approach, we are proud to have won multiple employment awards, including being named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures.

To learn more about our culture, watch this video: https://youtu.be/1WZ8tAnATNs, visit the POD Marketing YouTube channel and check out our reviews on Glassdoor.

Job Summary

As the Events & Experience Specialist at POD Marketing, you will be the strategic and creative leader behind a diverse range of events, spanning internal company activities and external engagements. This role is pivotal in fostering a strong company culture, building the brand's external presence, and delivering high-impact experiences. Your responsibilities will include planning and executing internal events, corporate meetings, trade shows, think tanks, and conferences. As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)-aligned role, you will ensure every event meets the highest industry standards, aligns with company values, and strengthens the organizations image and objectives.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute an extensive portfolio of events, including internal culture events, strategy meetings, company-wide gatherings, training sessions, and external events such as trade shows and industry conferences.
• Lead the planning and execution of thought leadership initiatives such as think tanks and panel discussions, positioning the company as an innovator in the marketing space.
• Coordinate and oversee the organization of corporate meetings, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Develop and execute plans for large-scale recruitment events, including university hiring fairs and an annual recruitment-focused meet and greet.
• Maintain and manage the companys comprehensive events calendar to ensure seamless coordination across teams and alignment with business priorities.
• Take charge of all aspects of event planning and execution, including:
  • Venue sourcing and management
  • Catering and vendor negotiations
  • AV and technical requirements
  • Transportation and accommodation logistics
  • Branding, promotional materials, and decor
  • Guest lists, speaker coordination, and VIP experiences
• Act as the on-site expert for all events, managing set-up, operations, and teardown to ensure flawless execution.
• Collaborate with the executive team to align event objectives with company goals, ensuring each event drives organizational success and enhances brand visibility.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external events such as trade shows and conferences, managing booth design, lead generation strategies, and promotional activities to maximize ROI.
• Ensure all events reflect POD Marketings values and brand identity while leaving lasting positive impressions on attendees.
• Implement CMP standards and best practices in event planning, logistics, and post-event evaluations to continually improve event quality and attendee satisfaction.
• Track and manage budgets effectively, negotiating with vendors to achieve cost efficiency without compromising quality.
  

Required Experience & Skills

• Legally able to work in Canada and located in Calgary, AB
• Diploma or degree in event management, hospitality, or a related field is an asset.
  
• CMP designation or a strong understanding of CMP standards and practices
• Proven experience in planning and managing diverse events, including trade shows, conferences, corporate meetings, and internal culture-building activities.
  
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• A keen eye for detail, particularly in creating elevated, memorable event experiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget management and vendor negotiations.
• Creativity in problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and technology in event management.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is determined based on your level of education, experience, and proven skills.

Entry Level: $50,000-$55,000

Intermediate: $55,000 - $62,500 (2+ years of direct and relevant experience)

Senior: $60,000 - $70,000 (5+ years of direct and relevant experience)

What's in it for You?

At POD Marketing, we're not just another company we're a community of passionate, driven individuals who work hard, play hard, and support each other every step of the way. We believe that happy and motivated employees are the key to our success, which is why we go above and beyond to create an amazing work environment where you can thrive and excel. Here's what you can expect when you join our team:

Work-Life Balance that Rocks:

• 3 weeks of paid time off, plus 12 flex days, so you can recharge and take that well-deserved break.
• Passion Day a last-minute hooky day to pursue your passions and do whatever makes you happy.
• MeMonday a company-wide shut down day to prioritize mental health and well-being.
• Summer hours - our office closes at 1pm every Friday in June, July, and August!

Mentorship that Fuels Your Growth:

• Formal mentorship program that pairs you with managers from team leads to executives, providing invaluable guidance and support.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement, as we prioritize promoting from within.
• Extensive learning & development program, including DiSC training, leadership development with our two-tier program called LEAD, public speaker training, and comprehensive management training.

Wellness that Matters:

• Weekly in-person 1:1s with your manager for open communication and support.
  
• Formal quarterly check-ins with your manager to review performance.
• Work from anywhere policy, providing flexibility and convenience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including: vision coverage, dental coverage, a health spending account, a personal spending account, and an employee assistance program.

Perks that Delight:

• Discounts with local vendors, because we believe in supporting our community.
• Free gym at our office and complimentary annual spin membership to keep you fit and healthy.
• Awesome office space in downtown Calgary, providing a vibrant and inspiring work environment.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

Make a Difference in our Community:

• 26 hours of paid volunteer time per year to give back to the community.
• Opportunity to work with our non-profit company, the PODvocate Project, and contribute to meaningful initiatives that make a positive impact in our community.

How to Apply

At POD, we believe that most job requirements and conceptual knowledge are easily trainable. But you cant teach drive, ambition, or passion. (Take a look at this article, Finding Your Unicorn, written by our President, Kevin Wilhelm). Our hiring managers consider alignment with our core values and passion for our company culture to be as valuable as experience and education.

After reading this job description, we want you to ask yourself:

Am I the exact right person for this role?

Do I align with PODs core values and culture?

If youve answered yes to both questions, we want to hear from you! Here are a few easy steps that will help us get to know you better.

1. Ensure your professional resume is up to date and highlights some of the key points we are looking for.
2. Create an engaging and personalized cover letter for us to read. If you dont include a cover letter, you will NOT be considered for this role. Video cover letters are given extra attention - but please keep them under 2 minutes!
3. Include a link to your portfolio, writing samples and/or social media accounts that you have managed (if applicable).
4. Apply through our website (https://www.podmarketinginc.com/careers/)

All successful candidates will be contacted via email to discuss next steps. We appreciate all applications and wish you all the best of luck.

At POD Marketing, we believe in creating an inclusive work environment, which is why were proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider and evaluate all qualified candidates based on their qualifications without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.