SUMMARY

Global Meeting and Event Planning

Accomplished Meetings & Events Manager with strong background in strategic meeting and event planning, communications, conference center management and project management. Possess quantitative and analytic skills in order to effectively formulate and manage budgets and to understand and negotiate win-win contracts. Anticipate and take appropriate action to deal with the forces that impact the market and how they affect company business. Ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines and maintain composure under pressure in a fast-paced corporate environment. Recognized as a detail-oriented, dedicated and forward thinking professional with excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills. Extensive perspective broadening global travel experience, including Asia, Indonesia, South Pacific, Europe, South Africa the Caribbean and North America. Expertise includes:

• Project Management
• Meeting, Incentive, Event Planning
• Purchasing
• Budget Management
• Financials and P&L Statements
• Vendor Negotiations
• Executive Conference Center Operations
• Web Site Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Meetings & Events Manager / Account Manager 2001 – 2009
Confidential Plymouth, MN
Strategically managed the development and delivery of client meetings, events and travel incentives as a method to educate, train, inspire, reward and recognize corporate employees.

• Managed and supported a client delivery team that planned and implemented successful recognition trips, meetings and events for 200 to 3,800 financial executives
• Developed and managed accurate budgets totaling up to $25 million annually. Managed on-target project scope by conducting frequent financial reviews.
• Collaborated with Creative and IT to purchase and implement the most efficient and cost effective print materials and to design highly creative and functional Web sites for domestic and international destinations
• Wrote registration and travel copy for client Web sites and social schedules on destinations such as France, Italy, South Africa, Hawaii, Colorado, California, New York and cruise ships
• Supervised global on-site program logistics and hotel operations delivery, DMC (destination management company) and production staff, including audio visual and event set-up, to ensure flawless execution

Senior Buyer / Senior Business Development Planner 1998 – 2001
Performed destination analysis, supplier search, negotiations and contracting.

• Established, maintained and leveraged excellent domestic and international supplier relationships, building on continuous trust and mutual respect and producing favorable vendor contracts with multiple beneficial concessions and terms and conditions
• Generated client specific contracts, negotiated hotel and DMC concessions and signed contracts on behalf of the client
• Instrumental in the development of standardized corporate contracts that were used as a successful tool to obtain new and maintain existing business
• Continuously researched domestic and international destinations utilizing Internet resources, corporate travel library and supplier relationships, presented recommendations to clients, and selected destinations that best fit attendee demographics

Senior Business Development Planner 1998
Designed and planned innovative incentives, meetings and events proposals and programs by obtaining a thorough understanding of client needs and researching current industry trends.

• Fulfilled and submitted detailed RFP’s (request for proposal) for new and existing client consideration
• Developed client incentive program theme and content and created initial travel agendas for five, six and seven-day travel incentive programs with meeting components
• Generated initial program budgets and cost savings reports that launched program financials
• Obtained competitive supplier bids and selected appropriate suppliers for clients based on supplier reputation, experience, pricing and creativity

Meetings & Special Events Manager 1995 – 1998
Confidential, Minneapolis, MN
Planned and managed client training meetings and corporate marketing programs and developed event concept and theme.

• Created and administered budgets for corporate client trade shows, product displays, landmark events, educational seminars and meetings for up to 1,000 attendees
• Produced and executed precise program timelines and managed on-site operations
• Coordinated ground transportation, group room block, food and beverage management, audio/visual, staging and production, activities, meetings and on-site logistics, including staffing, and reconciled billing for client meetings and events

Director of Banquets / Director of Restaurants 1992 – 1995
Confidential, Florham Park, NJ
Managed banquet department and two restaurants of a Dolce International Conference Center that consistently ranks top ten in the nation.

• Recruited, trained, hired and managed banquet and restaurant staff of 80, including three supervisors and two managers
• Developed and maintained departmental budgets and supervised daily food and beverage banquet events and restaurant operations
• Ensured seamless and successful client meetings and events by developing close and effective working relationships with all internal departments, including conference services, reservations and audio visual

General Manager 1988 – 1991
Confidential Westport, CT
Managed restaurant efficiency, profitability, quality product and service standards, day-to-day operations, business performance and maintained a positive corporate culture.

• Assumed responsibility of a low margin family restaurant and within three months increased sales by three percent as a result of implementing successful marketing and promotions strategies
• Improved overall customer and vendor relations by consistently achieving effective communication and quality service
• Directed two managers, one supervisor and staff of 40, including hiring, training, mentoring and scheduling
• Recognized within the organization for generating and attaining accurate annual budget forecasts

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Speech Communication with emphasis in Broadcasting

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Courses in contract law, strategic negotiations, meetings management, leadership foundations, marketing, audio visuals, budgets and financials, business writing, project management, function space set-up and design. Instructed courses on food and beverage arrangements.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Oracle 11i, EXL Database and Registration Management