Greater Chicago Area
Engaging and educating through innovative events, attracting new business and driving client acquisition. PROJECT MANAGEMENT / STRATEGIC DESIGN / EXECUTIVE PRESENCE PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Strategic and creative marketing / event management professional successfully collaborating with executive leadership, marketing, and business development to design, organize, and manage the entire event life cycle to address business needs and support business objectives.
Generated sales of event rental equipment & services to existing customer base as well as prospecting and growing accounts in my assigned geographical area.
A multi-faceted position working within The Merchandise Mart on the Men’s, Women’s and Bridal trade shows as well as with Mart Fashion Productions, providing fashion shows for charities and organizations. •Create traditional, non-traditional, big, and small fashion-industry and charitable events from inception to production. Meet attendance and revenue targets. •Manage & coordinate all facets of a high visibility fashion productions, identifying appropriate “talent” to meet and exceed sponsorship expectations. i.e., stylists, choreographers, soundmen, display & backstage crews. •Manage an average team of fifty contractors per event to ensure seamless execution. Excel within fast-paced, high energy environments. •Establish, manage & achieve budgets for events including fashion shows, charity meetings & events. Perform event reporting and assessment to provide ROI analysis. •Sponsorship sales & coordination by leveraging industry knowledge and network to assist in funding events. Dynamic, motivating, and entrepreneurial minded with drive to hit goals and deadlines. •Create & increase trade show revenue through events and visual display opportunities. •Secure, plan and execute charity fashion shows within the city of Chicago and surrounding areas, working with a wide range of organizations such as hospitals, social agencies, professional organizations, public venues and museums. Incorporate best practices to strategically position The Merchandise Mart as an industry leader. •Collaborate with Charity Board members to establish a vision and financial objective by leverage industry contacts for donation of time, resources, money and commitment of attendance. •Continually study industry trends to be able to translate the ideas into understandable and marketable trade and consumer fashion show segments.
Assisted in the design of women’s apparel while working within the confines of the specific brand image Prepared flat sketches and computer spec package, researched and prepared color and trend boards