Events Director/Manager

Joyce A. Thomas, CMP

Canton, MI 810-***-**** ************@*****.***

linkedin.com/in/joyce-a-thomas

Dynamic Event and Meeting Director/Manager with 15+ years of experience planning and executing events and meetings that meet stringent deadlines and exceed client expectations. Skilled at being able to contain costs and achieve business goals. Adept at developing and maintaining positive customer, vendor, and sponsor relationships building loyalty and enhancing revenue-generating opportunities.

Core Competencies

Strategic Planning Budget Control Forecasting Project Management On-Site Event Management Customer Service Negotiations Volunteer Management Sponsor Solicitation Quality Control

Vendor Management Networking Non-Profit Management Staff Development Relationship Building

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Very Special Event Consultant, LLC Canton, MI Freelance 2020 – Present

Executive Event Director

Plan and execute corporate meetings, medical meetings, trade shows, special events, church events, and national conferences. Arrange travel accommodations, ground transportation, venue selection, onsite management, registration, and logistical support.

Secure locations for local, regional, national, and international events including three national conventions, eight regional meetings, and multiple incentive trips and C-level events.

Produce with stellar execution all aspects of event management including menus, marketing, room set-up, décor, audio visual, billing, guest rooms bookings, event security for large corporate meetings and events from beginning to end by being extremely meticulous with every detail to exceed customers’ expectations.

Executing over 300 meetings and events, managing five event staff and 40 volunteers by successfully partnering with my network of vendors, hotels, and convention bureaus nationwide within budget.

American Express Global Business Travel Remote 2019 – 2020

Meeting & Events Manager

Managed meetings and events through the implementation of strategies, delivery of objectives and execution of logistics, while effectively working with clients. Managed coordination of program planning from post contract execution to final billing for transfer of value reporting, while providing unparalleled levels of customer services on all travel programs.

Completed project timelines, established a workflow schedule with client and suppliers, facilitating prompt and accurate handling of all program details.

Provided stellar leadership to the team and promoted a positive team environment as a positive role model.

Secured locations for local, regional, national, and international events including three national conventions, eight regional meetings, multiple incentive trips and C-level events within and below budget.

Organized, managed and executed all aspects of event management including menus, room set-ups, decor, audio visual, billing, guest rooms bookings, VIP stays and event security for large corporate meetings by successful engaging my network of vendors, hotels, unique venues, convention bureaus, nationwide.

United Negro College Fund, Inc., Detroit, MI 2017 -2019

Development Director

Assisted in meeting a $2.5M annual fundraising goal for unrestricted and restricted funds via corporate sponsors, marketing, grant writing, workplaces, foundations, special events, and organizations. Partnered with the national office on marketing, branding, local advocacy, programming, and events including the National Faith Initiative, Empowerment Tour, 75th Anniversary Gala and Campaign for Emergency Student Aide.

Joyce A. Thomas Page 2.

Increased sponsorship campaigns by engaging first time sponsors for $125K+.

Achieved the highest increased event revenue within the national network.

Streamlined processes and maintained a cost ratio of 10% for two consecutive years.

Maximized sponsorships by 25% by updating marketing materials and revising the fundraising toolkit.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI 2012 – 2014

Meeting Planner

Achieved business objectives by managing events and executing strategies successfully. Built and led top-performing teams delivering high-level consultative services to foundation leadership teams. Arranged high-profile meetings and conferences throughout the United States.

Slashed event costs by 15% and customer attrition fees by 20% through project management and process improvements.

Boosted value by $1M annually by negotiating new two-year vendor contracts incorporating price reductions, concessions, volume discounts, and new services.

Managed a successful three-state bus tour (Jackson Mississippi, Memphis Tennessee, New Orleans Louisiana) for 25 Board of Directors to visit Kellogg grant-funded projects, programs and schools overseeing all logistics including airfare, ground transportation, hotel, and meals over a six-day period within budget.

Received the Great Service Award for delivering outstanding internal and external customer service.

Very Special Event Consultant, Flint, MI 1996 – 2012

Meeting and Events Manager

Collaborated with high-profile clients (Community Foundation of Greater Flint), religious leaders, elected officials, and community leaders to plan and execute meetings, educational events, legislative district events, fundraisers/grant, symposiums, festivals, and national conferences. Ensured events were accomplished based on corporate, industry, regional, national and federal guidelines.

Integrated online registration and event management services for four Department of Justice Regional Conferences throughout the United States with 400-900 attendees per event.

Solicited sponsorships and managed 40 volunteers, communications, logistics for the City of Flint’s Mayor’s Ball with 800 -1,200 attendees for 12 years.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management,

Northwood University, Midland, MI

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP),

Event Industry Council, Alexandria, VA

AFFILIATIONS

Girls With Gifts, Inc.

Event Industry Council

National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)

International Travel Agent Association (ITAA)

Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized (P.O.W.E.R)

Contact this candidate