Ben Milano

*** ***** ******* ****** * Lindenhurst, NY 11757 * 631-***-**** * abnqr6@r.postjobfree.com

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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

A driven meeting, events and marketing professional with over 15 years of expertise in planning, sourcing, and executing

international, national and regional meetings, trade shows, conferences and corporate events.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Acclaim Meetings (TRAVELSAVERS) – Oyster Bay, N.Y.

September 2008 – Present

Director of Marketing, Meetings and Events

• Lead role in planning, developing and executing complete event and marketing program for the meetings and events division

of this international, business-to-business travel marketing organization with over 3800 travel agents worldwide.

• Primarily responsible for planning and executing highly professional meetings and events for both internal and

external audiences.

• Managed a Preferred Supplier Network which included over 90,000 hotel properties worldwide.

• Developed and managed all internal and external online vehicles, monthly newsletters, client and agent communications,

sales and marketing collateral, developed advertising and branding strategies for the Acclaim division.

• Created and established strong and successful business relationships with suppliers, independent meeting planners, travel

management companies and corporate travel departments with the objective to increase their meetings and events business

while establishing Acclaim as the brand to work with within the MICE industry.

• Created a social networking presence on LinkedIn and Twitter while increasing traffic to the Acclaim website through viral

marketing tactics, a monthly e-newsletter, webinars and external communications via Constant Contact.

Executive Events Corporation

September 2006 – September 2008

Independent Meeting Planner

(Clients include: Henry Schein, Inc., DealerTrack, Inc, Maxwell & Dunne’s Steakhouse)

• Negotiated cost savings of over $85K for several corporate events for Henry Schein, Inc.

• Increased YTD brand awareness at DealerTrack, Inc. by over 50% and demonstrated a marked YTD increase of 50% in trade

show attendance.

• Implement strategies to increase overall awareness of wine and cigar program at Maxwell and Dunne’s Steakhouse resulting

in 170% YTD (2006-vs-2005) sales increase.

• Manage event logistics including: accommodations, transportation, selecting menus (F&B), entertainment and decor while

negotiating and retaining caterers, trades and other service providers.

• Research, prepare and present creative proposals with emphasis on theme, content development and creation.

• Participate in site inspections; develop and build relationships with creative and service providers.

Lipman USA - Syosset, NY

April 2005 - September 2006

Marketing Manager

• Defined advertising content and promotional messages and the communication of goals and objectives via brand

management which led to 20% increase in YTD sales over a 12-month period.

• Managed, coordinated $1.5 million promotional, advertising and trade show budget for this POS terminal manufacturer;

implemented trade marketing and communications for headquarters.

• Administered $500K trade show budget including all event sponsorships and promotional activities for regional and national

shows.

Nikon, Inc. - Melville, NY

April 2004 – January 2005

Corporate Communications Manager

• Negotiated multi-million dollar sponsorship contract with NY Mets including signage, banners and radio spots which led to

65% overall increase in brand awareness.

• Led creation, marketing and implementation of nationwide professional photography workshops to promote product line

which produced 35 % revenue increase.

• Managed US corporate communications through supervising staff of seven and collaborated with three outside agencies

(advertising, special events and public relations) to provide direction to meet objectives of strategic marketing goals.

• Oversaw $2 million national trade show budget exceeding 45+ events per year.

• Executed and negotiated budgets for trade and consumer magazine advertising.

Northrop Grumman IT - Bohemia, NY

May 1999 - April 2004

Marketing Communication Specialist

• Provided leadership for website development, public relations initiatives, trade shows and special events planning while

managing $1.5 million budget.

• Initiated public relations strategies including press releases and press conferences to raise company profile on a national

level. Achieved high profile coverage in NY Times, Wall Street Journal, CNBC and CNN.

• Conceptualized and created marketing materials including brochures, print advertising, CD-ROM and media kits.

EDUCATION

• The New School for Social Research New York, NY

Master of Arts, Media Studies

• New York Institute of Technology Westbury, NY

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Communication Arts

• The French Culinary Institute New York, NY

Wine Certificate

• Currently applying for my CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) certificate.

INDUSTRY TRAINING and ACTIVITY

• Extensive professional training on interacting with the media in different formats including radio, television, print interviews

and press conferences.

• Attended numerous MPI and NBTA seminars and conferences whereby training was provided on various aspects of the

MICE industry including: contract negotiation, site selection and destination management.

• Member of the Executive and Event Committees for MPIGNY

INTERESTS

• Technology, Travel, Food, Wine, Books and Music

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Proficient in Cvent, Starcite, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Constant Contact and ACT!

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