Carl Wright
Decatur,GA
Summary
Motivated Event Operations Manager bringing over 25 years of experience delivering small to large-scale events on-time and within stringent budgets. Talented at developing real relationships, identifying potential problems, promptly mitigating obstacles and actively resolving conflicts to ensure client satisfaction and positive attendee experience. Background managing occasions from small, private affairs to extremely large corporate conferences.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Operations Manager
Selig Enterprises
Atlanta, GA
04.2022 - 06.2025
- Led and supervised 50-100 personnel during large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional attendee experiences.
- Handled client questions and concerns across multiple communication channels, delivering prompt and personalized customer service to foster strong client relationships.
- Created comprehensive event timelines aligned with scope of work, coordinating cross-departmental efforts for efficient planning and execution.
- Reserved event spaces, equipment, and personnel, negotiating with vendors and venues to secure optimal resources within budget constraints.
- Managed all phases of event production from concept to completion, maintaining strict adherence to client requirements through effective delegation, prioritization, and oversight.
- Cultivated real relationships with vendors, negotiating quality service at competitive rates while ensuring financial responsibility and budget adherence.
- Conducted site inspections and guided potential clients through facility tours, showcasing available spaces, amenities, and activity options to secure bookings.
- Coordinated payments and settlements with vendors, venues, staff, and contracted service providers to ensure timely and accurate financial transactions.
- Designed and implemented creative event attractions and activities, leveraging internal capabilities or outsourcing to trusted vendors to enhance attendee engagement.
- Recruited, trained, coached, and mentored team members to uphold company service standards, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Delegated tasks effectively, setting clear priorities and goals for staff to meet strict deadlines and quality standards.
- Provided leadership and mentorship to new hires, imparting knowledge of company programs, policies, and customer service protocols.
- Monitored inventory levels, managing stock and placing replenishment orders for event supplies and merchandise to ensure readiness for upcoming events.
Department Supervisor and MOD
Lowes Home Improvment
Lilburn, Georgia
02.2020 - 02.2021
- Assisted in budget preparation by providing cost estimates for projects.
- Created reports summarizing daily operations for upper-level management review.
- Evaluated current systems and identified opportunities for streamlining processes.
- Increased sales by 17% during first month as Department Supervisor.
- Trained and Coached 25 team members.
- Lead a 25 person customer service team, which increased customer satisfaction by 33%.
- 2020 Sales Award for Outstanding First Half.
- Exceeded Sales Plan every week/ quarter/ half in 2020.
Event Director
Corporate Events Unlimited
Austell, GA
01.2003 - 01.2020
- Led end-to-end planning and execution of diverse corporate and community events, ensuring seamless operations.
- Managed large teams (50+ staff, 100+ volunteers) during major events, optimizing logistics and setup.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure high-quality AV and F&B services aligned with event goals.
- Developed comprehensive logistics plans, including crowd control and safety protocols.
- Built strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, driving repeat business and event success.
Supervisor- Marketing & Promotions
Logistical Events and Promo for Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta, GA
02.2008 - 01.2018
- Led a high-performing team of 22 staff members to execute flawless game day operations, delivering an exceptional fan experience.
- Spearheaded branding efforts for major events, including Falcons Training Camp and HBO's Hard Knocks, overseeing the setup, execution, and breakdown of marketing activations such as Falcons Landing pre-game events, Grill with the Falcons, Golf Tournaments, and the Annual Coach’s Clinic—enhancing brand visibility and community engagement.
- Managed brand representation for sponsors during key game moments, maximizing promotional impact.
- Coordinated VIP escort services, ensuring smooth and discreet transitions for players from vehicles to locker rooms.
- Served as the primary driver and safety coordinator for all company vehicles, including the Falcons merchandise trailer, supporting various events, appearances, and promotional campaigns.
Education
Bachelors Degree - Exercise Science
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA06-2027
Skills
- Event Planning & Logistics Management
- Leadership & Team Collaboration
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Project & Schedule Management
- Budgeting & Expense Control
- Branding & Customer Satisfaction
Honors And Awards
- 2023 Atlanta's Best Adaptive Reuse Project (The Works ATL)
- 2023 Doing Right Award for overseeing Atlanta Hawks Season Ticket Holders Event (Selig Enterprises)
- 2020 Sales Award for Outstanding First Half at Lowe’s
- Allie Awards Winner - Best Corporate Event (Under $75K)
- Allie Awards Winner - Best Corporate Event (Under $100k)
- Allie Awards Winner - Best Tradeshow
- Allie Awards Winner - Best Corporate Event (Over $20K)
- ILEA Esprit Awards Winner
Community Service
- Recording Engineer, Liberty Baptist Church Music Ministry
- Homeless Ministry Volunteer, Liberty Baptist Church
- Youth Mentor, guiding aspiring authors on self-publishing techniques
- Volunteer, Hands On Atlanta
Special Skills
- Teams
- Teamup
- Outlook
- Zoho
Timeline
Event Operations Manager
Selig Enterprises
04.2022 - 06.2025
Department Supervisor and MOD
Lowes Home Improvment
02.2020 - 02.2021
Supervisor- Marketing & Promotions
Logistical Events and Promo for Atlanta Falcons
02.2008 - 01.2018
Event Director
Corporate Events Unlimited
01.2003 - 01.2020
Bachelors Degree - Exercise Science
Georgia State University