Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Desiree Edwards

Event Project Manager
Fishers,IN

Summary

Diligent project event manager with background in managing complex projects across various industries. Known for successfully leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within scope. Demonstrated ability to manage project lifecycles and implement process improvements. Experienced with planning and executing comprehensive project plans. Utilizes strong leadership and organizational skills to guide teams and ensure project milestones are met. Track record of implementing efficient processes and achieving project goals.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Project Manager

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
03.2024 - Current
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
  • Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
  • Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
  • Managed projects from procurement to commission.
  • Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
  • Improved client relationships, consistently meeting or exceeding project expectations and maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Led cross-functional teams to successful project completions, improving team cohesion and productivity with effective leadership strategies.
  • Oversaw implementation of new project management software, facilitating more efficient workflow and better project tracking.

Senior Event Manager

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
01.2020 - Current
  • Collaborated with sales teams to design engaging product launch events that generated buzz and customer interest.
  • Established strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, ensuring seamless event execution.
  • Secured high-profile speakers and entertainers, elevating event prestige and attracting larger audiences.
  • Designed creative event themes that resonated with target audiences and enhanced brand image.
  • Led cross-functional teams to successfully plan and execute large-scale corporate events.
  • Delivered memorable events by incorporating cutting-edge technology solutions such as virtual reality experiences or interactive displays.
  • Generated repeat business by consistently providing outstanding customer service pre-, during-, and post-event stages.
  • Maintained detailed records of all events including budgets, timelines, vendor contacts for future reference.
  • Oversaw all aspects of event logistics, from registration to post-event follow-up activities.
  • Trained junior team members on best practices in event management, fostering professional growth within the organization.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.

Event Manager

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
01.2016 - Current
  • Managed budgets and ensured contract conditions with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
  • Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
  • Implemented innovative event designs and worked with union employees to fulfill
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Recruited trained, and managed assistant Event Coordinators to assist with event operations and logistics.
  • Coordinated large-scale conferences for industry professionals, resulting in increased networking opportunities.
  • Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling, catering, security and daily scheduling
  • Ensured smooth transitions between program elements at live events through effective stage management techniques.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes in future planning efforts.

Event Coordinator

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
03.2012 - Current
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Merchandising And Marketing

Indiana University, Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
05-1995

Skills

  • Project management
  • Problem-solving
  • Logistics management
  • Excellent communication
  • Time management
  • Strategic planning and Special events planning
  • Relationship building

Accomplishments

  • Planned over 300 events in 13 years.
  • Collaborated with team of 15+ in the development of Superbowl, Big10 Championship, NBA AllStar, College Football Championship, ComicCon, Craft Brewers Association along witha multitude of large scale Business conferences, Trade Shows, and General Education, Professional conventions
  • Supervised teams of 25 or more staff members.

Timeline

Project Manager

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
03.2024 - Current

Senior Event Manager

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
01.2020 - Current

Event Manager

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
01.2016 - Current

Event Coordinator

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
03.2012 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Merchandising And Marketing

Indiana University, Bloomington