Sales Marketing

PR O F E S S I O N A L NA R R A T I V E

I am a talented, results-producing, seasoned marketing professional with a proven record of

accomplishments in leading comprehensive marketing strategies in support of business goals and

objectives. I have experience in Event Management, Marketing and Business Development, Seminar,

Conference and Exhibition Management and Sales. Steering the execution of marketing programs I’ve

demonstrated success through driving growth in targeted markets in key projects. I have solid and

consistent leadership skills. I am able to build, guide and work with top-performing marketing teams. I

am adept at communicating with management, vendors and internal departments to coordinate overall

marketing and sales efforts.

P RO F ESS I O NA L

EXPERIEN

CE

MANAGER, SALES & MARKET ING

T HE COURTYARD BY MAR IOTT, FREDER ICKSBURG H ISTOR IC D ISTR ICT

May, 2011 – May, 2013

Lead the sales effort of a nationally branded property in Fredericksburg, Va. Responsible for

developing business from various markets to ensure group bookings for profitable hotel and food

and beverage operations; maintain existing accounts, supervise activities of sales coordinator and

execute marketing strategies to maximize revenue potentials.

H ighlighted Success Stories:

Doubled local corporate accounts

Significantly increased hotel’s “presence” in community by actively participating in networking

events, community projects and membership in Chamber of Commerce and other area business

organizations

T HE BLANCHARD COMPANY, OWNER, January, 2006 – May, 2011

Event Marketing and Management Company

Ceased operation of company to take Courtyard by Mar r iott position

…Continued…

SHARON LANE BLANC HARD Page Two

Professional Experience Continued

Managed and marketed a National Educational Conference for a Non-Profit Law Enforcement

Association; responsible for Exhibition program and sales as well as operation of the Educational

Conference; engaged speakers, educators, vendors, negotiated all contracts with venue and

vendors; managed on-site operations and all marketing efforts. Market Research for new

companies coming in to the United States,

met with government officials and prospective clients, managed targeted marketing efforts.

M anaged, organized and marketed regional, national and local events, seminars and conferences.

H ighlighted Success Stories:

Developed a successful annual conference program for a national association

Doubled participation and growth of annual conference program in second year

Increased sponsorship and advertising revenue by 50% in 2nd year of directing conference

D I RECTOR OF MARKET ING, January, 2004 – November, 2005

N ATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS (NATaT), Washington, D.C.

Reason for leaving: NATaT ceased operations and closed their offices

Responsible for operational and financial performance of Association’s National Conference; Develop

marketing plans to direct growth of annual program; Direct exposition program for annual conference;

Define strategy, develop, execute, and manage comprehensive marketing plan designed to penetrate and

g row targeted markets. Communicate with members, management, internal departments, and vendors to

coordinate overall marketing effort in accordance with association goals for national conference and

membership development. Plan and carry out regional market research and analyses. Manage association

marketing budget.

H ighlighted Success Stories:

T ripled growth of conference exhibition program in first year of employment

Increased conference sponsorship and advertising revenue by 60% in 2nd year of directing

conference

Significantly increased conference attendance and association membership

ADM I N ISTRATOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, December, 1999-2004

CROWELL & MORING L LP, Washington, D.C.

A dminister Business Development Events and Marketing Services: work with attorneys and Chair of

p ractice groups to develop events and programs designed to increase practice visibility; prepare direct

market research analyses for prospective clients, cross-selling existing clients and target markets: act as

l iaison to practice groups, working directly with practice group Chairs; edit and organize “corporate

overviews”; manage fi rm’s development of client target lists and cross-selling opportunities; manage

development and execution of RFPs for Practice Groups; Administer Business Development and Cross-

Selling Attorney/Partner Training, coordinate related public relations strategies, direct marketing and

support staff, Administer Conference and Exhibit Program: manage logistics and program development,

act as liaison to practice groups; manage the development of agendas and speaker/panel organization, act

as on-site event manager and negotiate/execute vendor and venue contracts. Assist in preparation and

maintenance of marketing budgets.

H ighlighted Success Stories:

Increased attendance and participation in fi rm conferences and special events by 60% in fi rst year

of employment; maintained a steady increase thereafter

Successfully maintained and increased client base by designing and implementing strategic

customer-retention projects and cross-selling strategies

ED U CA T I O N &

P R O F ESS I O N A L

AF F I L IAT IO NS

V irginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, School of Ar t, Major: Communication Arts & Design

The Payments Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 1999

National Association of Female Executives (NAFE)

American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)

Connected I nternational Meeting Professionals Association (C I MPA)

Legal Marketing Association (LMA)

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