Overview of the Company:
Join our dynamic team at Planet Playskool & NERF Action Xperience as an Events Assistant Manager. As a key member of our Marketing and Sales team, you will play a crucial role in creating a positive and memorable experience for kids and their families at our brand-new facilities within the Garden State Plaza. If you are organized, enthusiastic, friendly, and enjoy engaging with people, this is an excellent opportunity to join us as we launch these new and vibrant play environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Be the face of private event sales at Planet Playskool and Nerf Action Xperience.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for event booking guests from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up.
- Plan and coordinate a wide range of events, focusing on children's birthday parties, corporate events, and special themed engagements, providing an action-packed experience for all guests at both Planet Playskool and Nerf Action Xperience Mall spaces.
- Work 1-on-1 as liaison with clients by offering a spectacular, first-of-its-kind environment of play and creativity.
- Educate potential guests on the event and party program offerings and inclusions. Then tailoring a plan for party execution during their experience at our locations.
- Facilitate and implement party add-ons such as goody bags, food and beverage, decorations, retail gifts, and up-sells like costume characters.
- Work in tandem with corporate mall partner associates for the Garden State Plaza’s yearly tent-pole events, affording additional opportunities for consumer engagement, i.e. summer fair, Back to-School, Halloween, holiday, Sunday Kids Crew, etc.
- Coordinate all aspects of event logistics, including vendor management, staffing, and advance coordination.
- Communicate with booking guests to finalize event details prior to arrival.
- Manage event budgets and ensure cost-effective planning and execution.
- Drive, develop and institute an audience for continued outreach and engagement, promoting group activities within the space, year-round.
- Develop and maintain relationships with booking guests, ensuring their needs and expectations are met and exceeded for a stress-free planning experience.
- Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to promote opportunities for private events that continually drive engagement and attendance.
- Ensure the highest level of client satisfaction for each engagement.
- Complete administrative tasks such as responding to inquiries, returning and managing event-Inbox emails, making phone calls, and completing paperwork as needed.
- In a timely manner, hand-off of party arrangements to the onsite operations staff leading up to the party day. The parties themselves will be managed through the onsite Operational Staff.
Booking and Scheduling:
- Build and maintain a weekly private event schedule: Schedule space and rooms to maximize continuous occupancy at both Planet Playskool and Nerf Action Xperience. Expectation:
- 4-6 parties on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as after-school weekdays and early evening activities. Additional availability upon request; all will be accommodated for maximum room occupancy.
- Coordinate with guests one week prior, confirming details and preferences, attendance, décor, F&B, gifts, etc.
- Lead weekly in-person meeting with attraction staff to communicate upcoming event details, providing a clear schedule to coordinate on-site staff and management.
- When necessary, tour the location for families/corporations looking for potential bookings, upselling the space and all party and event possibilities.
- Manage party expectations, up-sells and limitations with guests.
- Manage all room assignments and timing.
- Adjust plans and events based on feedback and needs.
Vendor Coordination:
- Source and negotiate with vendors for catering, decorations, entertainment, and other event services.
- Ensure all vendor contracts are executed properly and within budget.
Staff Management:
- Assign roles and responsibilities to team members to ensure smooth event execution. This position does not require onsite attendance for all parties.
Event Promotion:
- Work with the marketing team to create promotional materials and strategies for upcoming events.
- Utilize social media, email marketing, and community outreach to boost event visibility.
Safety and Compliance:
- Ensure all events comply with health and safety regulations.
- Support maintenance of necessary permits and insurance as needed for events.
- Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws and requirements.
Post-Event Evaluation:
- Conduct debrief meetings to gather feedback from guests and staff.
- Analyze event success and areas for improvement to enhance future events.
Marketing and Sales Management:
- Manage the marketing and selling of birthday parties, groups, and corporate events at Planet Playskool and NERF Action Xperience.
- Engage customers on existing promotions, i.e. benefits of Annual Passes and other potential promotions running currently in store.
Ad Hoc Assignments:
- Perform additional tasks and projects as assigned by management.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Hospitality Management, or a related field is preferred.
- Proven experience in event planning and coordination.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in booking and managing birthday parties and community events.
- Knowledge of local vendors and event service providers.
- Creative problem-solving abilities.
Working Conditions:
- This position may require standing for long periods and lifting heavy items.
