Experience

Planning Partners International

• South Africa
• Architecture and Planning
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Sourcing and Business Development

  • Jan 2011 - Present

  Ensure perfect and consistent delivery of our core sourcing services in line with standard operating procedures: inquiry process, research, RFP creation process, budgets, confirmation, contract review/contract compliance and venue negotiation. Skillfully influence senior managers and functional colleagues to secure very high levels of commitment to the respective goals of the client. 1 Solely responsible for sending and managing all of the company RFPs for all meetings and events; 20% domestic and 80% international. 2 Lead competitive vendor selection process and facilitate timely issue resolution and decisions 3 Able to manage multiple projects at the same time 4 Organize and maintain hotel availability reports for sales and operations associates 5 Proposal writing 6 Conducts site inspection visits domestically and internationally 7 Ensure ownership and accountability for key activities and milestones/timelines 8 Strong negotiation, planning and execution skills 9 Attends multiple industry events/tradeshows yearly; IMEX, EIBTM, SMU etc. 10 Demonstrates a very positive team impact, ‘making things happen’ with enthusiasm and a positive disposition Show less



CARLSON MARKETING WORLDWIDE

• Meeting and Event Planner

  • Mar 2005 - Jun 2008

  Meeting and Event Planner Coordinated and organized corporate meetings and incentive trips for Fortune 500 automotive company. Responsible for all event delivery elements (participant sign ups, registration website set-up, event communications, mailings, vendor contracts, budgets, client invoicing, corporate gifts) utilizing established processes and procedures to achieve client satisfaction. Utilized participant management database for sign-ups, enrollment and reporting. Planned and managed events, overseeing all event deliverables including: -14 waves of an international product launch/training program with a total of 1,400+ participants and budgets totaling over $3 million. -Travel program manager for worldwide automotive dealer incentive program with extensive program rules, procedures, and budget parameters. -Facilitated monthly training programs for top financial and software accounts. Developed and maintained multiple timelines, budgets and service agreements with all vendors. Procured and managed supplier partners (hotels, event production, destination management companies, entertainment companies, corporate merchandise, etc) to ensure service quality. Adhered to client deposit terms, specialized conditions of client contract, and billing guidelines to ensure financial accountability for programs. Traveled on-site for assigned programs while acting as the business lead, overseeing budget management, conducting meetings (pre-con, accounting, daily updates, etc.) to brief travel staff for each event, and collaborating with on-site Lead Travel Director. Negotiated measurable event savings on behalf of the client for each program. Show less



RADISSON PLAZA HOTEL

• United States
• Telecommunications

• Catering Coordinator

  • Apr 2001 - Mar 2005

  Liaison between client and Director of Catering and Catering Sales Managers, assisted in successfully executing corporate meetings, weddings and social events in an upscale luxury hotel with up to 500 guests per event. Detailed client space requirements per meeting or event type. Discussed and directed menu options and decisions. Reviewed and confirmed AV needs. Performed on-site assistance for all clients as needed. Produced and routed all event orders for internal departmental operations. Qualified and facilitated all sales inquiries and leads. Assisted clients with billing issues. Created spreadsheets for maintaining forecasting and budgeting. Created specialty menu cards and invitations for high-end social events. Show less



WILDWOOD WEALTH MANAGEMENT

• United States
• Events Services

• Seminar Coordinator

  • Jan 2000 - Jan 2001

  Managed all aspects of coordinating financial education seminars and workshops for a start-up financial company. Responsible for site scouting and selection of venues in various targeted areas including hotels, country clubs and restaurants for monthly events. Managed client list procurement, invitation creation, and mass mailings. Coordinated vendor relations to include menu management, AV requirements, billing, etc. for all events. Hosted on-site follow-up workshops and prepared all marketing materials and collateral. Followed up sales leads with potential clients and handled database management. Show less