April Haile
Summary
Effective and experienced Director specializing in Event and Project Management, food service contracts, meeting and conference planning, for a variety of entities that include higher education, corporate private sector, non-profit and government agencies. As a demonstrated leader and expert in the hospitality industry, I have a proven track record of offering Stellar customer service by creating outstanding experiences and bringing visions to reality, while meeting deadlines, and exceeding expectations.
I thrive on creating quality public-facing events, excel at building lasting relationships and I am passionate about offering the highest level of customer care.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Conferences and Events
Arizona Western College
10.2010 - Current
- Event production, project management, marketing and communications of events, food service and new concepts, contract & vendor negotiations, and customer support.
- Use excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements and build relationships lasting client relationships and referral network to generate new business opportunities.
- Over-see production of small and large-scale events and effectively communicate throughout all phases of the conception, design, planning, marketing and implementation of projects.
- Build relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services and negotiate vendor contracts on event services and supplies to save on expenses.
- Provide accurate and up-to-date project and event status information to stake holders while actively managing risks and ensuring that all events align with the institution and departmental mission, vision and master plan.
- Manage various aspects including facility utilization, budget planning, strategic marketing strategies, contract administration, and nurturing positive customers relations and positive work culture.
- Strategically plan, produce and provideng creative, high quality projects and identify opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
President/Owner
AtoZ Marketing & Events L.L.C.
07.2003 - 08.2010
- Planned conferences, meetings & events as a certified meeting planner and project manager for corporations, non-profits, private sector and government agencies.
- Created and executed expos and trade shows with attendance over 20,000, managed hundreds of vendors, suppliers, sponsors, exhibitors, and keynote presenters, all with great success.
- Grew annual business sales by 23% by establishing relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Multitasked effectively to handle administrative, operational and customer support, for multiple events and projects.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, logistics, training programs, implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
- Negotiated customer event contracts, agreements, vendor contracts, developed master plan through careful market research and was consistently able to save clients 12% in budget costs.
- Directed and executed activities across multiple professional disciplines and worked effectively with various levels of management, stake holders and business professionals.
Education
BA - Communications and Business
Arizona State University
Skills
- Contract Negotiation
- Staff Development
- Operations Management
- Budget Control
- Project Management
- Financial Reporting
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Organizational Development
- 15 years of Supervisory experience
- 12 years of experience running a large venue, or complex operation
- 12 years of experience in budgetary and fiscal planning
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Certification
- Certification of Excellence in Government Leadership and Small Business Leadership.
- FERPA & TITLE IV
Accomplishments
- Awarded DBE State of Arizona contract as certified planner for; Arizona Dept of Transportation and Arizona Dept of Education.
Affiliations
Member-Chamber of Commerce, Visitor's Bureau, American Business Women's Association
Committee-Sustainability with Sodexo
Chair-Board President of Ironwood Association
Volunteer Big Brothers Big Sisters-created a Learn How to Read program for
low-income schools
Timeline
Director of Conferences and Events
Arizona Western College
10.2010 - Current
President/Owner
AtoZ Marketing & Events L.L.C.
07.2003 - 08.2010
BA - Communications and Business
Arizona State University