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Candy Plank
Senior Event Planner at SE2
Professional Background
Candy Plank is an accomplished and versatile Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) renowned for her remarkable contributions to corporate meeting and event management. With a career that spans multiple sectors and an impressive track record, she has emerged as a key player in the domain of project management and fiscal accountability. Currently, Candy serves as an Event Planner at SE2, LLC, a leading technology and third-party administration company that specializes in the North American life and annuity insurance industry. At SE2, she utilizes her extensive expertise in RFP generation, contract negotiations, budget management, meeting metrics, and indirect report supervision to deliver outstanding event experiences while maximizing operational efficiencies.
In her role at SE2, Candy's efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the company's customer experience and streamlining processes. SE2 is celebrated for optimizing back-office operations, and Candy's projects have been key in supporting over 20 direct clients and representing more than 35 carriers in North America. Her strong skills in strategic planning, problem-solving, communication, and presentation make her a vital asset in managing events that not only meet client expectations but also elevate the company's standing as an industry leader with approximately $100 billion in assets under administration.
Prior to joining SE2, Candy gained rich experience in various roles that further honed her event planning and coordination skills. She worked as a Trade Show Coordinator at the Kansas Hospital Association, where she oversaw logistics and coordination of trade shows that catered to the healthcare sector's needs. Her tenure as a Meeting & Event Coordinator at Collective Brands, Inc., allowed her to integrate her expertise in organizing and managing diverse corporate events, bolstering her reputation as a reliable and efficient event strategist. Moreover, her early career as a Communications Support Associate at Payless ShoeSource provided her with a solid foundation in client communication and relationship management.
Education and Achievements
Candy’s commitment to professional development is evident through her educational pursuits. She studied for her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation through the Convention Industry Council, which reflects her dedication to excellence in the field of event management. In addition, Candy participated in the FastTrac NewVenture Program, further enriching her knowledge and skill set relevant to her career in meeting and event coordination.
Candy’s journey is marked not just by the roles she has held, but also by her unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and teamwork across all projects. She excels in volunteer sourcing and training, ensuring that her teams are well-equipped to deliver top-notch service. With her robust ability to monitor meeting metrics, Candy has been able to provide measurable results and superb customer satisfaction, making each event a success.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Candy Plank has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to manage complex projects and deliver outstanding events while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Her ability to negotiate contracts effectively and generate comprehensive requests for proposals (RFPs) has earned her recognition as a leader in her field. She is not only adept at managing budgets but also at fostering strong rapport with volunteers and indirect reports, ensuring that all facets of an event are finely tuned.
Candy’s contribution to the event planning landscape has significantly impacted her employers and clients, as evidenced by her role at SE2 and previous organizations. Her proactive approach to event planning, combined with her remarkable organizational skills, positions her as a go-to professional in the area of corporate events and meetings. Through her experience, she has cultivated a vast network of industry contacts and resources, which she leverages to optimize the events she manages. These factors coalesce to create an exceptional career characterized by innovation, results, and a deep-seated commitment to achieving excellence in all her endeavors.
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