Conference Event Planner

About the Organization

Blue Water Thinking operates with a strong focus on creating value, encouraging ongoing improvement, staying closely aligned with customer needs, and working collaboratively. The company supports federal clients as they work toward agency objectives.

Founded by a highly decorated 28-year U.S. Army veteran, the organization brings a deep understanding of the needs of service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.

By combining military leadership experience with consulting expertise across the public and private sectors, the company uses a unified team approach to deliver practical solutions, strategic thinking, and determination to support transformational client needs.

Its culture is built around integrity, respect, professionalism, stewardship, and service. The team values human connection, teamwork, humility, and loyalty to one another, to clients, and to partners. The company’s approach to success emphasizes building quality work, supporting employees, keeping clients satisfied, maintaining a strong work ethic and reputation, forming long-term partnerships, enjoying the work, and contributing back whenever possible.

Role Overview

The Conference Event Planner will be responsible for organizing and delivering meetings, conferences, and special events in support of the Veterans Health Administration. This position suits someone with a strong background in event planning, project coordination, and working with multiple stakeholders. The role covers full event lifecycle management, including scheduling, venue setup, vendor oversight, budgeting, communications, and on-site delivery, with the goal of creating a smooth attendee experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage events, workshops, and summits tied to Strategic Sprints held at VA facilities.
• Oversee event logistics, including registration, virtual and in-person arrangements, content preparation, breakout sessions, agendas, and attendee participation activities.
• Prepare post-event assessments and recommendations.
• Develop logistics coordination plans and vendor management documentation.
• Produce conference registration materials.
• Coordinate all conference-related activities with the VA team and advisory group across pre-planning, planning, execution, and post-event phases.
• Handle on-site logistics and travel coordination.
• Support the technology team and coordinate with VA OIT when needed for use of the conference application.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least 6 years of experience in conference planning.
• Experience managing federal government events in both in-person and virtual formats.
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certification is required; Certified Government Meeting Planner (CGMP) is preferred if CMP is not held.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future without employer sponsorship.
• Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the necessary federal Public Trust clearance.

Compensation

The compensation package is influenced by several factors, including location, the candidate’s mix of experience, knowledge, skills, and competencies, along with contract affordability and organizational needs. The expected salary range is $60,000 to $80,000.

Benefits

The company provides a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, federal holidays, and a matching 401(k) plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Water Thinking, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring, training, compensation, and advancement decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Application Instructions

• Submit a resume in Word document format, and ensure that dates are included in every section, including experience, education, and certifications.
• Complete the provided form to the best of your knowledge.