Chris Risheill

Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, Columbus, OH

Strategically direct and spearhead association events, manage programming, oversee technical operations, and devise innovative creative strategies and projects, with a dedicated focus on elevating team performance and achieving collective success.

• Serve as a strategic and collaborative partner to the Executive Director, contributing to the association's overall vision as well as developing essential programs.
• Oversee all aspects of association events, including but not limited to event ideation and vision, contract negotiations, location sourcing, volunteers, branding, onsite staffing, agenda, talent management, communications, marketing, registration, exhibit sales and management, multimedia/AV production, budgeting, app production, F&B, and post-event analysis.
• Revitalized the association's flagship event by introducing a visionary approach, reversing a six-year attendance decline of 46% prior to my tenure. Successfully achieved record-breaking attendance, garnering recognition as the top non-profit event in the nation, and earned acknowledgment for leading the country's best management team (American Business Awards).
• Implemented innovative new vision and strategic action plans resulting in an 86.4% increase in attendance, 118% increase in revenue, and an 84% increase in event net promoter scores(NPS) to a high of 83 NPS. Cut costs, yet increased revenue and customer satisfaction.
• Implemented innovative new vision and strategic action plans resulting in an 86.4% increase in attendance, 118% increase in revenue, and an 84% increase in event net promoter scores(NPS) to a high of 83 NPS. Cut costs, yet increased revenue and customer satisfaction.

Effectively led the formulation and implementation of innovative strategies, culminating in unprecedented success in customer event experiences, propelling the association to new heights. Initiated, cultivated, and amplified communications across various channels, including social media, video production, and multimedia. Systematically measured and analyzed customer trends, preferences, and needs to create future association programs, services, and messaging strategies.

• Oversaw all facets of media production, encompassing script writing, graphics, video production/editing, talent management, and branding.
• Led and worked collaboratively with an energetic team, frequently employing innovative thinking and creative strategies to offer guidance and direction in executing events and experiences. Achieved buzzworthy outcomes, notably the successful orchestration of the largest annual conference in the association's 50-year history and increasing average NPS by 33%.
• Cultivated and managed partnerships with esteemed entities such as the America’s Promise Alliance, Microsoft, Target, Amazon, TOMS, Special Olympics, NASA, National Geographic, U.S. Government and other top brands.
• Oversaw all facets of media production, encompassing script writing, graphics, video production/editing, talent management, and branding.
• Spearheaded the management of technical operations and technical planning, achieving a remarkable 300% increase in digital viewership within a one-year timeframe.

Managed event, marketing, and revenue generation. Directed sponsorships, advertising, event websites, exhibit design, and multimedia.

• Achieved a remarkable 90% increase in event attendance over a span of 4 years.
• Demonstrated advanced competencies in writing, directing, and successfully executing multiple marketing, advertising, and multimedia campaigns.
• Surpassed sales records by generating $6 million in revenue, concurrently implementing cost-cutting measures for streamlined efficiency.
• Developed and implemented strategic plans to maximize organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability. Managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines were met.

Orchestrated and oversaw every facet of event development and management, talent relations, marketing, fundraising, and sponsorships, ensuring seamless execution and successful outcomes.

• Directed operational aspects of events with high-profile attendees and talent, ensuring seamless execution, resulting in national media attention.
• Led a cross-functional team in the planning and execution of events, fostering an environment of creativity and continuous improvement.
• Act as a liaison to government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate partners, fostering strong collaborative relationships.

Led the formulation and execution of comprehensive communications and marketing plans for all events, ensuring strategic development and successful implementation.

• I worked with a dynamic and diverse team to manage creative and logistical operations for events with an attendance exceeding 28,000 people.
• Coordinated development and production of all outbound marketing messages and materials.
• Managed key aspects of special events, including public relations, media coordination, and talent relations, ensuring seamless execution.