CARA POOLE
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Experienced working in fast paced organizations with specialization in implementing strategic revenue generating activities to support goals of an organization. Possess strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring seamless execution and positive participant feedback. Known for creative problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively under pressure, contributing to successful event outcomes. Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation and relationship management, leading to cost-effective event solutions and enhanced attendee experiences.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Events
Lambda Chi Alpha
Carmel, IN
06.2023 - Current
- Increased event revenue by 20% in 1 year
- Manage up to 30 onsite support team members during major events to ensure objectives are achieved
- Organize and manage at least 4 events simultaneously, ensuring that all deadlines met from venue sourcing to post event reconciliation
- Lead a cross functional team of up to 12 to ensure smooth transition of information and work flows between departments
- Identify ways to improve operational efficiency by streamlining processes and introducing new technologies and decrease overall event expenses by 12%
- Create budgets for each event, monitor expenses, and prepare board level financial summaries
- Analyze industry trends to identify new opportunities and areas of improvement in the events department
- Create and develop an events department for the organization by applying industry knowledge and personal expertise to customize meetings to industry standards
Customer Experience Manager
6Connex, Inc.
Remote
04.2022 - 06.2023
- Managed a $2.5 book of business mainly including Enterprise level Fortune 500 clients (J&J, BlackRock, Abbott, Thermo Fisher, Deloitte)
- Developed and maintained an event engagement framework that supported client ROI and increased client satisfaction in being able to help report to stakeholders the success of programs
- Drove L3 customer escalations to resolution by engaging directly with clients and executive teams
- Collaborated with 3 enterprise customer support team members and leveraged data analytics to identify areas of improvement and accountability
- Partnered with Sales team to design & deliver customized service offerings to increase revenue by 16%
- Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development
Senior Virtual Project Manager
6Connex Inc.
Remote
09.2020 - 04.2022
- Served as primary client point-of-contact to evaluate & determine project timelines in order to delegate tasks to internal & client team based on project-specific initiatives
- Assessed project risks and devise mitigation actions encompassing close attention to service level agreements
- Delivered a high level of customer service to global enterprise clients to extend relationship by maintaining a deep understanding of the platform
Digital & Physical Events Manager
FS-ISAC
Reston, VA (Remote)
12.2018 - 09.2020
- Coordinated, managed and streamlined webinar program that hosted 40 webinars annually with an average attendance of 1,000 viewers and netting over $500,000 annually
- Pivoted physical event to virtual in 5 weeks with 110% growth in attendance and 99% satisfaction rate in attendees
- Responsible for strategic plan and profitability of 4 global summits ranging in 200-3000 attendees, 25 monthly global region meetings and digital events with a yearly events budget of over $15 million
- Developed and maintained cross functional operations and timelines to ensure project deadlines met
Sales and Marketing Associate
FS-ISAC
Reston, VA (Remote)
02.2016 - 12.2017
- Lead account management, strategy, targeting and campaign development for global pipelines by developing multi- pronged and comprehensive marketing strategy with a focus in EMEA, APJ, and South America
- Generate membership revenue totaling $950,000 in first 12 months
- Generate sponsorship revenue for 4 global conferences annually totaling $5 million
Events and Marketing Field Manager
Upland Brewing Co
Bloomington, IN
05.2015 - 02.2016
- Planned from beginning to end 4 annual signature events ranging in attendance from 200 - 2000 attendees
- Coordinated weekly festivals, including volunteers, supplies, legal paperwork, etc.
Meeting Planner
Professional Development Group, II Inc
Bloomington, IN
02.2013 - 05.2015
- Managed conferences ranging from 20 people - 1000 people
- Selected sites and negotiated over 40 contracts both nationally and internationally
- Served as a liaison with over 100 vendors that were an integral part to success of show.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Tourism, Hospitality, And Event Management
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN2015
Skills
- Self driven
- Timeline & operations management
- Handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Critical thinking
- Event planning and execution
- Contract Negotiation
- Budget Forecasting
- Cross-departmental Alignment
Timeline
Director of Events
Lambda Chi Alpha
06.2023 - Current
Customer Experience Manager
6Connex, Inc.
04.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Virtual Project Manager
6Connex Inc.
09.2020 - 04.2022
Digital & Physical Events Manager
FS-ISAC
12.2018 - 09.2020
Sales and Marketing Associate
FS-ISAC
02.2016 - 12.2017
Events and Marketing Field Manager
Upland Brewing Co
05.2015 - 02.2016
Meeting Planner
Professional Development Group, II Inc
02.2013 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Tourism, Hospitality, And Event Management
Indiana University
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