Event Manager

GINGER WHATLEY

*** ******* ***** *******, ******* 30327 ****************@*****.*** 404-***-**** QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY

Event Planning & Coordination / Marketing & Advertising / Program Design & Administration Accomplished business developer, marketing leader, and event manager with proven record of achievement delivering dynamic events for diverse audiences. Superior business strategist with expertise in meeting event-related business, revenue, and participation goals. Adept at building event environments in alignment with brand, message, and vision; leverage top-notch budget administration and cost-control strategies. Core Competencies:

• Event Planning Strategies

• Recruiting & Staff Management

• Vendor Negotiations

• Resource Management

• Logistics & Orchestration

• Budget Administration

• Relationship Development

• Client Services

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

OPUS AGENCY, Remote/Seattle, WA

Event Manager, 2019 to Present

Manages events in their entirety and serves as event lead or project manager on multiple medium to large scale events, simultaneously for clients. Leads and supervises Opus Agency employees (Event Coordinators, Event Assistants, interns, and members of Registration department) on projects and ensure that planning schedules are met, budgets are balanced, correct Opus processes are being implemented, and that client needs are anticipated and exceeded. Selected Contributions:

• Prioritize many timelines and deliverables to ensure goals are met with brand-focused solutions.

• Compile creative options and present to the client based on their needs.

• Build relationships with other service lines and outside vendors to ensure cohesiveness for the client/brand.

KABBAGE, Atlanta, Georgia

Events Consultant, 2018 to 2019

Orchestrate all aspects of event planning, coordination, and management to drive sales for financial services provider, customizing events to align with target audiences and budget requirements; travel extensively to provide on-site event leadership. Spearhead comprehensive event logistics and vendor selection, including contract negotiation; partner with creative / marketing teams on event deliverables and milestones. Selected Contributions:

• Deliver event demand generation strategies, developing content and social media campaigns.

• Leverage project planning and management expertise to seamlessly deliver high-caliber events; perform in-depth post-event performance metric and ROI analysis. N3, Atlanta, Georgia

Event Manager, 2014 to 2018

Managed end-to-end planning from proposal to execution for tradeshows and related events. Held responsibility for budgets, schedules, and logistics, consistently exceeding expectations; supervised event management team. Developed event-specific promotions and marketing strategies, including graphics and marketing collateral, in alignment with brand strategies. Forecast and administered event-specific budgets. Selected Contributions:

• Served as principal point of contact in event planning and coordination, among customers, suppliers, vendors, and venues; selected partners / suppliers and lead contract negotiation.

• Proactively pursued event-related promotional / partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

• Routinely travelled to venues to lead pre-event setup and provide real-time management for live events.

QL2, Atlanta, Georgia

Account Manager, 2012 to 2014

Delivered outstanding client service across the end-to-end solution delivery and management life cycle, playing instrumental role in client retention and account development; served as key business consultant and solution strategist. Ensured swift resolution and closure of all support issues, as well as comprehensive documentation of issue resolution details and CRM activities. Selected Contributions:

• Held responsibility for $2.5M+ account portfolio, managing 60+ high-profile clients.

• Collaborated extensively with Sales Executives to identify and pursue business opportunities.

• Maintained monthly client contact schedule and account-specific account review schedule. PRICE INDUSTRIES, Suwanee, Georgia

Event Manager, 2011 to 2012

Oversaw planning and coordination of training and special events for clients of multimillion-dollar manufacturer, managing a nationwide team and $1M+ operating budget. Led event project planning, budget estimation, site / venue selection, scheduling, and communications; ensured availability of required technology and infrastructure. Served as onsite point-of-contact for live events. Selected Contributions:

• Played instrumental role in new client acquisition and business development.

• Spearheaded delivery of high-caliber multimedia content to sales and marketing teams.

• Negotiated and managed all venue, vendor, and supplier contracts. CREATIVE LOAFING ATLANTA NEWSPAPER, Atlanta, Georgia Director, Audience & Brand Development, 2010 to 2011 Managed audience growth and retention, as well as distribution, for weekly newspaper; created multi- channel advertising / marketing programs to increase brand visibility and awareness, including Web, social media, street, and community campaigns. Led Audience Development / Marketing team, defining all marketing strategies, sales programs, promotional tactics, and reader loyalty / retention programs. Co- administered circulation, distribution, labor, and marketing budgets in alignment with circulation and projections. Selected Contributions:

• Managed distribution function and delivery team, closely controlling operational costs; evaluated cost-savings options and negotiated outsourcing agreement with an established delivery organization.

• Analyzed distribution and selected delivery sites; assessed market trends to ensure competitive advantage.

• Grew social media presence, created concepts with viral potential, and optimized traffic generation.

• Identified high-traffic metropolitan areas for outdoor advertising and distribution.

• Liaised among local government agencies and community organizations to forge creative partnerships.

ATLANTA FALCONS RADIO NETWORK/ATLANTA BRAVES RADIO NETWORK, Atlanta, Georgia Director – Radio Marketing, Promotions & Sales, 2005 to 2010 Partnering with Atlanta Braves / Falcons Sales and Marketing Teams, developed network advertising business and provided client services; led customer acquisition, service, and retention. Integral management team member forging business growth and marketing strategies focused on customer needs and communication to ensure excellence across all customer-facing activities. Managed promotional team. Selected Contributions:

• Planned, developed, and managed client events and trips, including travel, logistics, lodging, and hospitality for 100+ clients and on-air personalities to Atlanta Braves spring training.

• Distributed hundreds of game tickets for each Atlanta Braves and Falcons home game; managed 2 suites at Turner Field for home games, serving as hostess, coordinating catering, and administering catering budget.

• Orchestrated 100+ annual Atlanta Falcons Radio Network events—budgeting, logistics, staffing, promotion.

• Developed and produced commercials for 10+ radio properties; launched branded social media sites.

• Managed the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network Website and daily content updates.

Additional experience Sales Coordinator with WGST Radio (Atlanta, Georgia), Executive Producer with Georgia News Network High School Scoreboard (Atlanta, Georgia), and Promotions Coordinator with WFXG-TV / Fox 54 (Augusta, Georgia).

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, Athens, Georgia Dean’s List; Member, Cinematic Arts Program

Contact this candidate