CHERI M. GAINOR
Summary
Self-motivated and results-oriented Event Planner skilled in strategic planning, project management, and cross-functional team leadership, with particular expertise in event management and organizational coordination. Proven track record of improving processes and enhancing productivity while maintaining high standards of quality. Committed to fostering a positive work environment that encourages innovation and professional growth, while also successfully managing high-profile conferences and events.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Contract Event Planner/Seasonal
Historical Journeys 1863
Gettysburg, PA
01.2025 - Current
- Work remotely with owner, booking, planning and organizing private and group events, youth outreach programs, special reenacting events, and presentations with experienced civil war historians within the Gettysburg area.
- Website: https://www.historicaljourneys1863.com
Manager, Meetings and Conventions and Webinar Coordinator
National Association of School Psychologists
Bethesda, MD
05.2014 - 11.2024
- Coordinated the selection process of meeting sites for various professional meetings, including the RFP process, contract review, etc. Designed, maintained, and followed a master timetable of projects and activities for designated meetings.
- Planned, executed and supervised all pre-event and onsite logistics for designated meetings, including oversight and coordination of registration and housing management systems using Cvent services, shipping, catering, presenter confirmations, etc.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to expand and increase revenue for annual convention and expositions and other designated meetings.
- Prepared copy for and, in conjunction with the Manager, Marketing and Directors of Meetings and Conventions and Production, oversaw production of all publications and promotional materials for designated meetings.
- Coordinated and further developed NASP convention sponsorship program. Direct liaison with sponsoring organizations during the contracting and payment processes.
- Assisted in scheduling annual convention over 1,800 educational sessions
- Responsible for all food service and catering for NASP Annual Convention, conferences and designated meetings and events
- Coordinated session recording logistics, including notification of selected presenters, securing release forms, collection of handouts, onsite logistics, etc.
- Assisted in the development of emergency and safety protocols and procedures during meetings and the annual convention.
- Coordinated and managed security services for annual convention and other designated meetings, as required.
- Provided meeting management services for Board of Directors and designated Committee meetings.
- Serve as contact and resource to NASP Leaders and volunteers who request meeting management information, guidance, and assistance.
- Performed other duties and activities within designated time frame as appropriate or requested by Director.
- In addition to the essential skills and experiences, the ability to collaborate with volunteers and staff and demonstrate, diplomacy, and excellent verbal and written communication skills was a priority.
- Developed and monitored budgets for designated meetings and expenditures to control cost and improve profitability.
- Provided financial reports and forecasting as requested. Reviewed, verified, and coded invoices from designated events.
- Managed, planned and implemented virtual professional development event/webinar, including the Online Learning Center, Advance Skills Institute, Leadership Institute, and other online offerings.
- Corresponded with presenters regarding proposal submission, presentation invitation, collection of presenter documents and preparation of presenter honoraria.
- Set up live and on demand sessions in the Online Learning center platform, including webinars and recorded content from ASI and virtual convention.
- Department: Meetings and Conventions Department and Professional Development Department
Event Contractor
Starry Events
MD, VA, DC, PA
01.2011 - 01.2014
Convention Director
The Humane Society of the United States
Gaithersburg, MD
01.2007 - 01.2009
Housing & Registration Manager
The American Diabetes Association
Alexandria, VA
01.2007 - 01.2007
Meeting Planner
American Intellectual Property Law Association
Arlington, VA
01.2006 - 01.2007
Education
Associate of Science - Event Management Program
George Washington University
Washington, DCBusiness Management/Business Law
Anne Arundel Community College
Annapolis, MDSkills
- Planning and organization
- Event planning
- Social media management
- Event marketing
Timeline
Independent Contract Event Planner/Seasonal
Historical Journeys 1863
01.2025 - Current
Manager, Meetings and Conventions and Webinar Coordinator
National Association of School Psychologists
05.2014 - 11.2024
Event Contractor
Starry Events
01.2011 - 01.2014
Convention Director
The Humane Society of the United States
01.2007 - 01.2009
Housing & Registration Manager
The American Diabetes Association
01.2007 - 01.2007
Meeting Planner
American Intellectual Property Law Association
01.2006 - 01.2007
Business Management/Business Law
Anne Arundel Community College
Associate of Science - Event Management Program
George Washington University
EVENT PLANNING EXPERIENCE
- Proficient in planning and managing consecutive events, meetings, conferences webinars, special events ranging from 15 – 18,000 attendees, domestic and international for non-profit, corporate and community organizations.
- Skilled at conceptualization and envision dynamic event themes to generate audience excitement.
- Created both simple and elaborate membership and leadership events, fundraisers, galas, tradeshows, award programs, golf/tennis tournaments and children’s programs.
- Produced tradeshows (50-1000 + booths). Created floor plans that optimize the show floor, increased premium space, booth review and enhanced show experience for attendees.
- Successfully raised over $200k in sponsorship donations and gift procurement.
- Spearheaded event registration for over 18,000 attendees
- Educated, skilled in negotiating, developing and writing requests for proposals and contracts. Created templates that encompassed organizational needs, financial obligations, and cost-saving solutions.
- Managed budgets in the range of $1-2M. Developed registration fees, managed expenses and revenue to achieve budgets net revenue.
- Estimated food consumption. Working with a set budget, select menus with an eye toward quality, variety, availability and popularity of previous dishes.
- Responsible for services with a focus on needs assessment (vendors, speakers, staffing, accommodations, transportation, audio-visual, entertainment, exhibition services)
- Knowledgeable in NetForum, Access, IMIS, Microsoft Office/Outlook, MapYourShow, InReach, Excel, PowerPoint and lead retrieval systems. Administered the implementation of an online registration system Cvent.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Consulted with a network of Convention Visitors Bureaus and Destination Management Consultant s and housing/registration representatives across the country.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients and vendors. Served as main point of contact to surpass expectations.
- Performed and assisted with human resources functions, interviewed, recruited and conducted new employee orientations.
- Positive leader with extensive experience in supervising (2 to 40 employees and volunteers), prioritizing, delegating, controlling workflow, efficiency and quality in a high-volume environment.
- Tactful, diplomatic and experienced in working with people from diverse backgrounds.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- The David Wills House Museum - Living Historian
- Tanglewood Condominium Association - Board President
- Miss Maryland/Miss American Pageant System - Volunteer Event Coordinator
- American Hotel & Motel Association - Trade Show Advisory Committee
- Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Committee - Member