Event Specialist (18-Month Contract)

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating with the national Client Relations & Marketing team, legal professionals and other stakeholders to develop memorable, unique client events and experiences, including seminars, receptions, dinners and special events, and providing support for tradeshows, conferences, galas and sponsorships
• Executing events and seminars end-to-end, including, but not limited to, planning, budget management, logistics, tracking, creative components, event onsite support, and post-event reporting ensuring logistics are executed seamlessly
• Acting as a lead for virtual and hybrid seminars including managing planning meetings and rehearsals, liaising with webcast providers, and providing technical and live webcast support
• Supporting Blakes Diversity and Inclusions focused affinity group events (Black@Blakes, EastAsian@Blakes, SouthAsian@Blakes, Pride@Blakes, Women@Blakes, Indigenous@Blakes, Chai@Blakes)
• Sourcing, negotiating, coordinating and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, restaurants and venues 
• Working with the Creative Services and MarTech teams to draft various print and electronic materials and coordinating the process for electronic invitations and communications
• Keeping up to date on industry trends with an eye for implementing new ideas/experiences and improving the event management process 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or equivalent or a college diploma with a focus in marketing and/or events
• Minimum of five years of corporate event experience 

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to interact professionally and confidently with legal professionals
• Ability to adhere to multiple deadlines, juggle multiple events and prioritize tasks accordingly in a fast-paced, busy work environment
• Effective problem-solving skills and judgment  
• Ability to take initiative, ownership of tasks, establish priorities and be accountable/responsible 
• Flexibility with hours of work is required – events take place before and after normal working hours and occasionally on weekends
• Experience with software such as Interaction and Wrike is considered an asset
• Strong working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Word, CMS 

Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures. The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.

While our experienced team will select and interview successful candidates, Blakes may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist with shortlisting, screening, and evaluating applications.