Carissa Hughes
Director of Events and Operations at Colorado Association of School Executives- Claim this Profile
Click to upgrade to our gold package
for the full feature experience.
-
English -
Topline Score
Bio
Sara Schultz
Carissa is everything you want in an Events Manager. She is extremely organized and detail oriented, with the added benefit of being an excellent communicator. She’s a strategic thinker who is always thinking outside of the box for the next big idea when it comes to showcasing your brand or product. Carissa is naturally passionate and persuasive which makes her comfortable interacting with all levels of an organization both virtually and in person. She’s a go-getter who will immerse herself into your business and hit the ground running. I enjoyed working with Carissa and hope our career paths cross again!
Katherine Schwappach
I had the pleasure of working alongside Carissa on a multitude of events during her time at Fathom Events. Carissa was someone I always relied on to assist me with client follow-ups, project management and she was quick to get me approval on necessary documents and materials to keep projects moving and to hit deadlines. Carissa caught on very quickly and helped create a number of useful documents and tools to help keep the marketing team organized and on time with events. She was a great asset to our team and consistently went above and beyond and I am sure she will continue to do so at any job she pursues!
Sara Schultz
Carissa is everything you want in an Events Manager. She is extremely organized and detail oriented, with the added benefit of being an excellent communicator. She’s a strategic thinker who is always thinking outside of the box for the next big idea when it comes to showcasing your brand or product. Carissa is naturally passionate and persuasive which makes her comfortable interacting with all levels of an organization both virtually and in person. She’s a go-getter who will immerse herself into your business and hit the ground running. I enjoyed working with Carissa and hope our career paths cross again!
Katherine Schwappach
I had the pleasure of working alongside Carissa on a multitude of events during her time at Fathom Events. Carissa was someone I always relied on to assist me with client follow-ups, project management and she was quick to get me approval on necessary documents and materials to keep projects moving and to hit deadlines. Carissa caught on very quickly and helped create a number of useful documents and tools to help keep the marketing team organized and on time with events. She was a great asset to our team and consistently went above and beyond and I am sure she will continue to do so at any job she pursues!
Sara Schultz
Carissa is everything you want in an Events Manager. She is extremely organized and detail oriented, with the added benefit of being an excellent communicator. She’s a strategic thinker who is always thinking outside of the box for the next big idea when it comes to showcasing your brand or product. Carissa is naturally passionate and persuasive which makes her comfortable interacting with all levels of an organization both virtually and in person. She’s a go-getter who will immerse herself into your business and hit the ground running. I enjoyed working with Carissa and hope our career paths cross again!
Katherine Schwappach
I had the pleasure of working alongside Carissa on a multitude of events during her time at Fathom Events. Carissa was someone I always relied on to assist me with client follow-ups, project management and she was quick to get me approval on necessary documents and materials to keep projects moving and to hit deadlines. Carissa caught on very quickly and helped create a number of useful documents and tools to help keep the marketing team organized and on time with events. She was a great asset to our team and consistently went above and beyond and I am sure she will continue to do so at any job she pursues!
Sara Schultz
Carissa is everything you want in an Events Manager. She is extremely organized and detail oriented, with the added benefit of being an excellent communicator. She’s a strategic thinker who is always thinking outside of the box for the next big idea when it comes to showcasing your brand or product. Carissa is naturally passionate and persuasive which makes her comfortable interacting with all levels of an organization both virtually and in person. She’s a go-getter who will immerse herself into your business and hit the ground running. I enjoyed working with Carissa and hope our career paths cross again!
Katherine Schwappach
I had the pleasure of working alongside Carissa on a multitude of events during her time at Fathom Events. Carissa was someone I always relied on to assist me with client follow-ups, project management and she was quick to get me approval on necessary documents and materials to keep projects moving and to hit deadlines. Carissa caught on very quickly and helped create a number of useful documents and tools to help keep the marketing team organized and on time with events. She was a great asset to our team and consistently went above and beyond and I am sure she will continue to do so at any job she pursues!
Credentials
-
International Association of Venue Managers: Trained Crowd Manager
-
Experience
-
Colorado Association of School Executives
-
United States
-
Non-profit Organizations
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Director of Events and Operations
-
Nov 2018 - Present
The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) is a professional membership association working with K-12 public school leaders across the state of Colorado. The mission of CASE is to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking to deliver on the promise of public education. Responsible for the consistent and effective implementation and execution of events, including the annual Winter Leadership Conference, CASE Convention and Superintendents Conference, as well as smaller workshops and seminars. Create and update event year-to-year budget comparisons in conjunction with the Director of Professional Learning. Serve as the primary contact for event venues, show management providers and vendors. Negotiate contracts and determine/create the MOU for services. Create and maintain all event Master Room Lists, which includes lodging details for staff, presenters, VIPs and other guests. Manage the invoice and payment process, including identifying the General Ledger coding, with all event vendors, venues and contractors. Support the financial operations of the association, including defined functions in both accounts receivable and accounts payable, supporting the Director of Finance. Act as the onsite liaison for all events, including working with the CASE staff, venue and contractors and attend all pre-and post-event meetings. Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the CASE office including monthly, quarterly, and annual operations-related tasks. Serve as the key contact for the groups for whom CASE acts as a fiscal agent, including in any events planned by the group. Oversee the coordination of insurance requirements, including reviewing and renewing and maintaining current Certificates of Liability Insurance from venues and/or vendors. Serve as the internal staff coordinator for limited Human Resource functions, hiring process, onboarding of new employees, Workers Compensation documentation, etc. Show less
-
-
-
-
Artists Relations
-
May 2011 - May 2019
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Recruited by founders of annual HomeGrown Music and Arts Festival to assist in various aspects of the event. My strong organizational skills and extensive event planning experience aid in creating a successful festival for performers and public. This has grown to a 2 festival offering annually. Participate annually in this role. - Advance all aspects of the festivals with all acts/tour managers. Liaison between festivals' production managers/stage managers and all acts. - Coordinate travel and transportation for all applicable acts - Serve as main day-of-festival contact for tour managers and acts. - Compose the festivals' communication (previously, press releases; currently festival packets). Show less
-
-
-
Pontoon Solutions
-
United States
-
Human Resources Services
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Manager of Marketing Events
-
Apr 2017 - Oct 2018
Pontoon's total talent solutions bring you better people, faster. Proudly part of The Adecco Group – world’s leading provider of workforce solutions – the Pontoon team supports our clients across the globe in over 100 countries. As the Manager of Marketing Events I was responsible for all events and campaigns from concept to fulfillment; delivering on time, within budget and to a consistently high quality. Taking a global and proactive approach, I engaged with leadership and subject matter experts to maximize opportunities to build the Pontoon brand, generate qualified leads and nurtured existing client relationships. - Developed and managed integrated physical and digital events and campaigns to include –sponsored conferences, client and supplier events, webinars, executive roundtable events and corporate summits and programs. - Created and executed Pontoon's event marketing strategy to align and support the overarching global marketing plan. - Fully owned the strategy of events, from targeting audiences, understanding the competitive landscape and developing and implementing the corresponding event plan. - Developed audience acquisition plans and executed promotional campaigns to drive attendance to events. - Managed budgets, participated in vendor contract negotiations and establish measurable objectives and success criteria, including pre-event promotions and post-event evaluations and ROI analysis. Show less
-
-
-
Fathom Events
-
United States
-
Entertainment Providers
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Senior Marketing Manager
-
Jun 2015 - Nov 2016
Oversee all aspects of multi-channel marketing campaigns for 40+ annual one night cinema special events and consult on up to 100 additional cinema events managed by members of the marketing team. Play a key role in all aspects of event marketing campaigns including client relationships, promotional activities, managing third party vendors and agencies, collateral development and PR strategy. Clients include but are not limited to: Artists Den, BBC America, Cirque du Soleil, Eagle Rock Entertainment, Lincoln Center, Mattel, National Theatre, Nerdist Industries, Universal, Warner Bros. Records and more. - Create targeted multi-channel marketing programs designed to maximize ticket sales. - Develop value propositions aimed at targeted demographics and messaging to differentiate each unique event. - Analyze marketing plans and budgets to ensure tactics, including media buys and digital optimization strategies, are executed in a timely manner and within budget. - Oversee the creative development process of assets and promotional materials for each event - Manage and collaborate with client marketing teams on leveraging owned and partner assets to create robust marketing campaigns and ensure various logistical deadlines are met. - Review, edit and approve each assigned event's SEO, PPC & SEM promotional campaign efforts including keyword analysis and content development. - Responsible for creation and/or review of branded messaging including email, newsletter, press release, and website and social media content. - Liaise and communicate business processes related to marketing activities across all departments, including programming, operations, and business affairs and outside partners/vendors. - Communicate campaign progress to executive team – including any strategic wins or shortfalls. - Work with the entire marketing team to create cross-promotional and awareness opportunities for events. Show less
-
-
-
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
-
United States
-
Spectator Sports
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Meetings and Special Events Manager
-
Mar 2013 - Feb 2015
Booked, contracted, planned and executed private and special events, including pre-game events, VIP concert events, corporate and non-profit functions, for Pepsi Center and Paramount Theatre. Completed a full review of department functions, implemented new policies, procedures and rate structure, resulting in an increase in gross revenue of 73% in first year. - Oversaw duties of Meetings and Events Department including supervision of event staff and event functions of the department. Liaised with all departments involved in event functions including Security, Event Staff, Production, Operations and Catering. - Responsible for all aspects of over 150 private events for Pepsi Center and Paramount Theatre per year: booking/scheduling, contracts, execution of events and invoicing/settlement. - Completed a full update of department including marketing/sales collateral, rental rates, insurance policies, contract details, invoicing policies and developed new website: www.ksedenvervenues.com. - Maintained advertising listings and relationships with multiple organizations such as Visit Denver and Cvent. - Managed meetings, corporate parties and arena functions for all internal departments including group ticket sales, premium sales, partnership marketing and community relations. - Utilized graphic design software (Adobe Suite) for marketing collateral, website maintenance, photo editing and CAD designs. - Winner- 2014 Best Meetings and Events Venue (Non-Hotel)- Colorado Meetings + Events Magazine. Show less
-
-
-
American Airlines Center
-
United States
-
Entertainment Providers
-
200 - 300 Employee
-
Manager of Premium Services
-
Dec 2010 - Jul 2012
Utilized marketing, sales and service background to support sales team’s efforts in acquiring and retaining clients in arena’s premium offerings. Highlight: Supported all arena efforts of premium service leading up to and celebrating Dallas Maverick’s 2011 NBA Championship season. - Oversaw all account maintenance, event services and operation activities for luxury suite and premium seating clients. - Responsible for creating various forms of communication pieces (announcements, letters, newsletters, etc.), marketing tools (print advertisement and sales literature) and maintained social media outlets for Premium Sales and Service Department. - Served as a liaison between Premium Services Department and tenants of American Airlines Center: Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Vigilantes and various third parties (concerts and other events). - Managed, scheduled, trained and deployed concierge staff for all events at American Airlines Center. - Developed and executed “added value” events for premium clients including: Mavs Family Night, Stars Open Skate and Platinum Premier Championship Banner and Trophy Celebration. - Certification: International Association of Venue Managers: Trained Crowd Manager Show less
-
-
-
PXP SOLUTIONS LLC
-
Retail Apparel and Fashion
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Account Executive
-
Mar 2010 - Dec 2010
Many years, and vast number of contacts, in the music industry aided in the ability to open a new, untouched market and revenue source for PXP. Received accolades for developing a strong, new client base and implementing a social media component to the business. -Oversaw all aspects of projects for clients- budgets, creative and production -- Entertainment/Fashion Industry emphasis); managing up to 15 active projects at a time. -Maintained current client base as well as attracted new business to company through various avenues utilizing sharp interpersonal skills: referrals, networking events, trade shows and creation and managing of company’s social networks. -Conveyed excellent knowledge of top trends in apparel options and complex/advance printing techniques. Show less
-
-
-
Universal Music Group Distribution
-
Dallas, TX
-
Artists Development Representative
-
Aug 2006 - Jan 2010
Supported and drove sales of UMGD product through 10-state-region. Responsible for breaking several acts out of region through innovated and thorough marketing efforts. - Created and developed marketing plans and promotions through retail, lifestyle and alternative outlets focused on increasing physical and digital product and tour sales throughout Central Region (AR, NM, OK, LA, MS, TX, MN, ND, SD and NE ). - Responsible for developing creative used by IGA field staff nationally. - Acted as the lead information source and field contact of Interscope/Geffen/A&M/Octone label group for UMGD in the region. - Functioned as UMGD’s point person for artists touring Southwest region and facilitated interviews, promo opportunities and meet and greets. Traveled throughout the region extensively. - Reported directly to UMGD’s LA office through weekly reports and conference calls. - Awards: Selected and completed Universal College of Marketing and Sales- 2009. Show less
-
-
-
-
Promotions/Marketing Coordinator
-
Jul 2004 - Aug 2006
- Developed and implemented marketing and promotional strategies for G2 Records’ roster of artists. - Oversaw all tour details for G2 artists. Highlight: Southeast Asia and Full US tours for One Up. - Created and managed all communication for G2, including Press Release creation and maintaining web and social media communication for artist roster. - Developed and implemented marketing and promotional strategies for G2 Records’ roster of artists. - Oversaw all tour details for G2 artists. Highlight: Southeast Asia and Full US tours for One Up. - Created and managed all communication for G2, including Press Release creation and maintaining web and social media communication for artist roster.
-
-
-
Amusement Management International
-
Dallas, TX
-
Marketing Manager/ Event Coordinator
-
Mar 2004 - Jul 2004
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies for Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park. - Developed and implemented marketing strategies for AMI’s portable operations. - Recruited and supported groups and special events at Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park. - Maximized publicity opportunities for both business operations (portable and park) through the creation of digital communication and press releases. - Developed and implemented marketing strategies for Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park. - Developed and implemented marketing strategies for AMI’s portable operations. - Recruited and supported groups and special events at Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park. - Maximized publicity opportunities for both business operations (portable and park) through the creation of digital communication and press releases.
-
-
-
Sony Music Distribution
-
Dallas, TX
-
College Marketing Representative
-
Aug 2002 - Jan 2004
- Marketed developing artists for Sony to retail, radio, press and lifestyle accounts in North Texas region. - Communicated with college radio and press throughout North Texas and Oklahoma with goals of getting artists added to stations, reviewed by press and setting up promotions with accounts. - Created point of purchase displays and promotions with retail stores throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area. - Set up promotional opportunities, interviews and meet and greets for artists touring DFW area. - Reported directly to Sony’s New York office through bi-weekly reports and conference calls. - Received multiple awards and national recognition for numerous successful marketing campaigns. Show less
-
-
Education
-
Southern Methodist University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Broadcast Journalism -
Texas Lutheran University
Community
