Ashley Schlilaty
Edmonds,WA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Event Management Leader with 11+ years of experience delivering large-scale, high-impact corporate events and global conferences. Proven track record of leading complex programs with budgets exceeding $100M and audiences of 50,000+ attendees. Expert in strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership, and stakeholder management across enterprise organizations. Known for driving operational excellence, improving processes, and building high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-visibility environments. Recognized for combining big-picture strategy with meticulous execution to deliver seamless, engaging, and results-driven event experiences.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Event Management
Opus Agency
03.2026 - Current
- Serve as AWS account lead, overseeing a portfolio of Tier 1 events and internal programs
- Lead and manage a 70-person cross-functional team responsible for end-to-end event execution
- Direct account strategy, operational planning, and team performance, ensuring alignment with client goals
- Drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives across the account to optimize execution at scale
- Oversee team structure, resourcing, and performance management, including 8 direct reports
- Champion team culture, morale, and retention across a high-performing, fast-paced environment
Associate Director
Opus Agency
Remote
03.2025 - 03.2026
- Program lead for AWS re:Invent (60,000+ attendees), one of the largest global tech conferences
- Managed a $160M budget, ensuring strategic allocation and financial oversight
- Led 80+ internal team members across 30 workstreams, driving alignment and execution across all event functions
- Oversaw multi-phase program lifecycle, including 4 large-scale site visits (100–150 attendees each) and 2-week onsite execution
- Acted as central conduit between AWS stakeholders and vendor partners, ensuring program cohesion and clear communication
- Streamlined cross-functional processes, improving efficiency and collaboration across internal and external teams
- Managed and mentored 4 direct reports, supporting professional growth and performance
Senior Event Manager
Opus Agency
01.2022 - 03.2025
- Led planning and execution of 25+ large-scale corporate events, with budgets ranging from $5M–$32M
- Built and maintained strong relationships with enterprise clients, stakeholders, and vendors
- Directed all event logistics including site selection, contract negotiation, and vendor management
- Developed comprehensive event timelines, production schedules, and operational plans
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and on-time delivery
- Conducted post-event analysis and implemented continuous improvement strategies
Director of Premium Services
T-Mobile Park
12.2019 - 01.2022
- Led premium hospitality and event execution across a major league stadium, supporting 2,000+ guest experiences
- Oversaw operations for 5 VIP dining venues, ensuring elevated service standards
- Managed a team of 200+ staff, including culinary, service, and operations teams
- Collaborated with sales teams to enhance client experience and support revenue growth initiatives
- Executed large-scale events including concerts, corporate functions, and private experiences
Conference Event Manager
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
05.2015 - 12.2019
- Managed 200+ events annually, ranging from intimate meetings to large-scale conferences (5–500 attendees)
- Served as primary point of contact for high-profile clients including Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon
- Oversaw full event lifecycle including contracting, planning, vendor coordination, and execution
- Delivered consistently high-quality experiences while managing multiple concurrent events
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Washington
Seattle, WASkills
- Event Strategy & Execution
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Budget & Financial Management
- Stakeholder & Client Management
- Vendor Negotiation & Partnerships
- Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
- Onsite Execution & Logistics
- Team Development & Mentorship
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Attention to Detail
Timeline
Director of Event Management
Opus Agency
03.2026 - Current
Associate Director
Opus Agency
03.2025 - 03.2026
Senior Event Manager
Opus Agency
01.2022 - 03.2025
Director of Premium Services
T-Mobile Park
12.2019 - 01.2022
Conference Event Manager
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
05.2015 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Washington