Arnelda Broadaway
Director of Special Events
Bowie,MD
Summary
Highly accomplished director of events with a proven track record in developing and executing successful event strategies. Increased attendee satisfaction and achieved revenue growth. Effectively manages event budgets, negotiates contracts, and sources vendors, consistently delivering events within budget and achieving cost savings. Demonstrates strong ability to coordinate logistics for both domestic and international events. Evaluates event success through data analysis.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Special Events
Office of Governor Wes Moore
09.2023 - Current
- In support of the Moore - Miller Administration, work with all Principals, Office of Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, Department of Commerce, Department of Veterans Affairs, Legislative Office, Deputy Chief of Staffs, Agencies, Office of Appointments, Government House and event committees to develop strategy and approach for each event
- Provide project management leadership for each event ensuring all components are successfully executed
- Create and execute stewardship plans for all event sponsors
- Create and maintain event budgets; efficient management of events to ensure that established revenue goals are met while staying within the approved budgets
- Manage event expenses to achieve acceptable cost to raise a dollar
- Strong event committee management skills to ensure accountability and success of each event
- Work closely with other Development team members to ensure a holistic approach for special event sponsors
- Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to develop and implement the marketing, advertising, and social media plans for all events
- Provide monthly reporting to the Chief of Staff and event committees for each event
- Ensure all required licenses and liability/insurance forms are secured in a timely manner
- Provide thorough analysis of each event following the event
- Created briefing materials for Principals to provide information quickly and effectively about events, and attendees
- Working closely with the Executive Protective Unit, the Secret Service encompasses all methods of protecting high-level VIPs, such as corporate executives, celebrities, politicians, and more
- Evaluated past event performance data to identify areas for improvement in future events, resulting in consistently better experiences for attendees.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless planning and coordination of all aspects of special events.
- Boosted fundraising efforts through the successful organization and management of charity galas and auctions.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
Director of Scheduling and Operations
Office of Governor Wes Moore
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Responsible for screening all incoming requests for Governor Wes Moore's appointments and appearances
- Finalizing Governor Wes Moore's official calendar, in consultation with the Chief of Staff
- Adjusts arrangements as scheduling changes occur in real time + long range planning
- Serves as liaison between the Deputy Chief of Staff, Executive Protective Unit and staff personnel
- Provide timely, accurate, and current information to them and other appropriate officials concerning reporting requirements
- Keeps a project calendar and informs staff of deadlines, other important dates, and similar administrative support work
- Develop practical solutions to scheduling conflicts, out-of-town conferences, international visits and other complex and detailed travel
- Assures all requests for meetings with the Governor Wes Moore, such as public engagement, interviews, out-of-town, etc., both written and oral, are complete and on point
- Consults with the supervisor on conflicting issues or logistical problems
- Coordinates the submission of a variety of reports and data (i.e
- Progress, status and fiscal reports) to ensure fulfillment of established requirements of the unit
- Reconciles monthly reports in an automated data management system, when necessary
- Ensures that the appropriate briefing materials, papers, etc., for a particular affair, are available to Governor Wes Moore
- Works with unit staff to assure that documents and information distributed comply with regulations and procedures
- Conducts fact-finding analysis, requiring incumbent to research, analyze, and prepare pertinent data/information incidental to reports, statistical studies, special events, and on-going projects
- Examines and develops a variety of background information for use in presenting factual and statistical data for special projects and/or reports
- Responds to a variety of inquiries and refers other inquiries to appropriate staff personnel or to other organizations, as required
- Resolves a variety of routine issues/problems and refers conflicting issues/problems to the supervisor for resolution
- Generates and tracks surrogate reports and responses
- Manages and controls basic management systems for all incoming action documents within the office, including documents control, report monitoring systems to remind staff of action requirements and timetables, suitable tracking systems, and correspondence review
- Prepares, receives, reviews and verifies office documents
- Composes general correspondence pertaining to administrative matters (e.g., letters, memoranda, reports, etc.)
- Coordinates corrective action with the appropriate official or office when errors are identified
- Reviews all correspondence and documents prepared for the supervisor's signature for grammatical accuracy, procedural conformity, format compliance, and provision of supporting documents
- On own initiative, returns to originator correspondence or document which is considered improper for signature of the supervisor
- Performs an on-going review of administrative work being done to ensure that business needs are being met
- Identifies unusual problem areas and makes appropriate recommendations for resolution
- Responsible for gathering system information that affect procedural develops or amendments, as they relate to increasing the efficiency of the office
- Participates in the development of administrative policies and procedures for the office to facilitate accomplishment on a timely basis
- Maintains an awareness of current events and daily requirements in which the office is involved
- Exercises flexibility in performing a myriad of administrative and procedural duties being responsible for performing or directing the performance of the overflow area of work
- May be required to attend meetings and conferences, as scheduled
- Performs other related duties as assigned for First Family
Event Planner
National Governors Association (NGA)
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Proficiency in event management software and virtual event platforms
- (CVENT, Egencia, Social Tables)
- Managed event budgets ranging from $30,000 to $600,00, consistently delivering events within budget and achieving cost savings of up to 20%
- Effectively engineered event and technology logistics for countless meetings servicing more than 200 + attendees catering to Governors, Government Officials and external stakeholders
- Coordinated event logistics such as venue selection, catering, transportation, equipment rental, and virtual platform setup
- Manage relationships with vendors, including negotiating contracts, ensuring timely delivery of services, and maintaining quality control
- Worked with the Membership team to develop event materials, manage event registrations, and implement marketing strategies to increase attendance and engagement
- Worked closely with internal stakeholders in developing and managing event budgets, ensuring events are delivered within financial constraints
- Provided on-site and virtual support during events, including attendee registration, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring smooth event operations
- Collected and analyzed feedback from event participants, prepared post-event reports, and suggested improvements for future events
- Ensured all events comply with legal, health, and safety requirements and report on event outcomes to Center for Best Practices
- Gained strong expertise in client relations, with frequent phone, email, and in-person communication at all stages of the event planning process
- Expertly managed various event details such as venue, lodging, expenses, and food and beverage services
Director of Sales
Generator Hotel
04.2020 - 09.2021
- Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve sales targets
- Designated programs to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Monitored supply and demand, competitor offers and costs to determine and adjust selling prices
- Forecasted and created annual sales quotas for regions and territories to determine sales objectives
- Analyzing market trends and results to determine annual unit and gross-profit plans
Senior Group Sales Manager
Dupont Circle Hotel
01.2019 - 04.2020
- Responsible for maximizing revenue from DC/West Coast and International Markets
- Key Account Executive for World Bank
- Single Point of contact for Hospitality Performance Network (HPN)
- Planning and directing the hiring and training of new Sales Representatives
- Preparing sales market budgets and projections and approving expenditures
- Tracking and analyzing sales statistics based on key quantitative metrics
- Handling and resolving customer complaints regarding a product or service
- Setting discount rates and determining price schedules
- Advising distributors and dealers on policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Making data-informed decisions to drive performance and resource allocation
- Developing and maintaining relationships with key clients
- Setting sales quotas and goals
- Overseeing and directing performance of the sales team
- Identifying emerging markets to find new sales opportunities
- Defining and executing territory sales plans
Senior Sales Manager
InterContinental Wharf Hotel
02.2017 - 01.2019
- Pre-Opening Team
- Responsible for maximizing revenue West Coast/SE Market Segments
- Top Performing Sales Manager
Area Associate Director of Sales
Modus Hotels
10.2014 - 02.2017
- Area Associate Director of Sales for The Normandy Hotel, One Washington Circle Hotel, and Hive Hotel
- Solely responsible for all sales revenue to include Group, Business Travel, and Diplomat
- Managed a team of four
- I successfully optimized the hotel's budget by doubling sales revenue, room nights in pace reporting of the same time last year
- Assisted Area General Managers in the establishment of annual sales goals, business plans, P&L
- By understanding our market mix I accurately provided the Director of Revenue with forecasting
- Developed and execute sales action plans to close on targeted accounts and or business within a market segment
- Updated management on market fluctuations and competitive changes in product ownership or strategies
- Recommend shifts in sales action plans in response to these fluctuations or changes
Senior Business Travel, Diplomatic Sales Manager
Embassy Row Hotel
01.2014 - 10.2014
- Soley responsible for all sales revenue including Business Travel, and Diplomat
- I successfully optimized the hotel's budget by doubling sales revenue, room nights in pace reporting of the same time last year
- Soley responsible for providing the Director of Revenue with forecasting
- Developed and execute sales action plans to close on targeted accounts and or business within a market segment
- Updated management on market fluctuations and competitive changes in product ownership or strategies
- Recommend shifts in sales action plans in response to these fluctuations or changes
- Exceptional prospecting, negotiation, and relationship building skills
- Knowledge of market trends, competition and key customers of the hotels in the market
- Experience with Agency360, Lanyon, & Marriott BT systems
- Established rapport and trust with clients and internal stakeholders
- Responsible for the account development of foreign government business and royal family travel typically facilitated through their embassies in Washington, DC or through luxury travel agencies
- Maximize room revenue, occupancy and average rate along with ancillary F&B revenues
- Served as the primary point of contact for the Hotel to all foreign embassies, consulates, governments, and royalty at all revenue points including transient rooms, group rooms, and banquets
- Conducted weekly sales calls to Embassy contacts to uncover new business
- Formulated the annual trade show floor plan and brand positioning for the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) trade show which resulted in ten new clients
Senior Executive Meeting Manager
Fontainebleau Resort
03.2008 - 01.2014
- Part of the Pre-Opening team
- Planned all event details for extensive programs in over 150,000 sq
- Ft
- Of space, including a performance by Lady Gaga on New Year's Eve
- Orchestrated the VIP entrance at Victoria's Secret Annual Fashion Show and ensured a seamless experience for VIP guests
- Partnered with Miami CVB and managed all event details, including convention center logistics, transportation, and special guests for 15-20 events annually
- Coordinated meetings and receptions to include live-broadcasted Super Bowl events for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) HUBLOT, NASCAR, BMW, Kellogg, Kraft, I Heart Radio, Atlantic Records, CAA, Dwade Foundation, NIKE, American Bankers Association and Pfizer Pharmaceutical
- Cultivated a team of 5; through my mentorship, a team member was nominated as 'Employee of the Quarter' and another team member was promoted
- Orchestrated VIP Events, and videos for LIV Nightclub (consistently worked with Producer Harold 'Hype' Williams
Education
High School Diploma -
Suitland High School
Suitland, MD06-1991
Skills
- Planning
- Managing People
- Managing Projects
- Organization
- Communication
- Network Savvy
- Tradeshows & Exhibits
- Guest Services
- Event Management
- Brand Awareness
- Onsite Execution
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Transportation Coordination
- Volunteer Management
- Post-event Analysis
- Entertainment Booking
- Vendor negotiation
- Budgeting expertise
- Venue Selection
- Registration management
- Food and Beverage Planning
- Event Marketing
- Travel Arrangements
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Event design
- Problem-Solving
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Creativity and Adaptability
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Clear Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Team Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Team Leadership and Motivation
- Relationship Building
- Microsoft Office
- Task Prioritization
- Self Motivation
- Events logistics management
- Crowd Control
Websites
Awards
The Top 50 Women Leaders of Maryland, 2024
Timeline
Director of Special Events
Office of Governor Wes Moore
09.2023 - Current
Director of Scheduling and Operations
Office of Governor Wes Moore
01.2023 - 09.2023
Event Planner
National Governors Association (NGA)
09.2021 - 01.2023
Director of Sales
Generator Hotel
04.2020 - 09.2021
Senior Group Sales Manager
Dupont Circle Hotel
01.2019 - 04.2020
Senior Sales Manager
InterContinental Wharf Hotel
02.2017 - 01.2019
Area Associate Director of Sales
Modus Hotels
10.2014 - 02.2017
Senior Business Travel, Diplomatic Sales Manager
Embassy Row Hotel
01.2014 - 10.2014
Senior Executive Meeting Manager
Fontainebleau Resort
03.2008 - 01.2014
High School Diploma -
Suitland High School
Similar Profiles
Jeanne ColvinJeanne Colvin
Director of Constituent Services and Special Projects Manager at Office of Washington State Governor Jay InsleeDirector of Constituent Services and Special Projects Manager at Office of Washington State Governor Jay Inslee
Caroll M OrtizCaroll M Ortiz
Executive Receptionist at Office of the GovernorExecutive Receptionist at Office of the Governor
Christian ContrerasChristian Contreras
College Corps Fellow at Dorris Dann Kids Campus at Office Of The Governor, State Of CaliforniaCollege Corps Fellow at Dorris Dann Kids Campus at Office Of The Governor, State Of California