Ashley Abernethy
Zionsville,IN
Summary
Results-driven, detail-oriented event manager passionate about executing exceptional events that achieve established goals or vision. Natural leader with 10+ years expertise delivering exceptional skills in communications, budgeting and coordinating a wide variety of both small-scale and large-scale events. Strong communicator and negotiator able to foster relationships with key stakeholders and vendors.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Event Planner-Medical Affairs
GILEAD SCIENCES
10.2018 - Current
- Manage logistics for events [advisory programs, pre/post conference debriefs, large scale internal conferences and congress], including venue selection, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
- Evaluate existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Demonstrate strong leadership by convening core work group meetings, fostering partnerships among stakeholders cross-functionally, and managing senior leadership expectations resulting in aligned event strategies and cohesive planning.
- Attend professional conferences and events to stay up to date with industry trends and planning standards.
- Foster collaborative working environment among team members, promoting open communication channels for efficient problem-solving during events planning process.
Attendee Experience Associate (Contract)
MKTG
11.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed attendee experience from invitation to post-meeting surveys.
- Played integral role in technical support by coordinating among team members, database management for high profile tech companies while adhering closely to established timelines.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for 4000+ person housing lists.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Analyzed customer data to identify trends and anticipate customer needs.
Meeting & Event Planner
SELF-EMPLOYEED
11.2016 - 10.2018
- Increased client satisfaction by effectively coordinating all aspects of event planning, including venue selection, catering, and entertainment.
- Received positive feedback from clients on well-executed events which led to increased number of referrals within their network.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions for 2-5 programs monthly.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
Sr Meeting Planner
CWT MEETINGS & EVENTS
08.2016 - 10.2016
- Developed creative themes and related activities to engage attendees for internal events.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets to meet all deadlines.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets, resulting in 10-20% savings.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Project Manager (previously Project Executive)
ASHFIELD MEETINGS & EVENTS
09.2011 - 08.2016
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining cost effectiveness of 10% savings per program.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to clients.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Cal State Fullerton
Fullerton01.2009
Skills
- Menu Planning
- Event Budgeting
- Accommodation Organization
- Green Event Planning
- Partnership Development
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Vendor Relationship Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Cvent
- Asana
Timeline
Sr Event Planner-Medical Affairs
GILEAD SCIENCES
10.2018 - Current
Attendee Experience Associate (Contract)
MKTG
11.2017 - 06.2018
Meeting & Event Planner
SELF-EMPLOYEED
11.2016 - 10.2018
Sr Meeting Planner
CWT MEETINGS & EVENTS
08.2016 - 10.2016
Project Manager (previously Project Executive)
ASHFIELD MEETINGS & EVENTS
09.2011 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Cal State Fullerton