Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Edward Vargo

Atlanta,GA

Summary

Project Management Professional with emphasis on events planning and management; executing trade shows; managing tight budgets; and partnering with vendors to ensure the success of large scale corporate events. Proven in establishing a collaborative team environment with virtual and international teams and building strong networks within the trade show and event industry. Recognized for flexibility, working under non-negotiable deadlines and developing solutions to ensure the success of events.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Trade Show Associate

Southwire
09.2024 - Current
    • Manage and execute national trade show program, up to 125 shows annually
    • Coordinate and manage on-site trade show activities (set-up/tear-down, staffing, leads, meeting schedules, and shipping)
    • Coordinate and manage all pre-show and post-show logistics (registration, hotels arrangements, booth shipments and payments)
    • Ensure that corporate brand messaging was uniform throughout trade show and marketing programs

Senior Event Manager

Manhattan Associates, Inc.
12.2021 - 07.2024
  • Plan, manage and execute events across North America, develop overall event strategy for internal meetings/events, sponsorships, and in-person and virtual trade shows
  • Provide overall direction and project management of MOMENTUM (annual 3-day user conference) including site selection, budget preparation, vendor management, evening events, activities, sessions, and overall run of show
  • Manage and execute the annual sales incentive event, President's Club
  • Partner with Sales and deliver all logistical support and budget management for annual and mid-year sales conferences
  • Collaborate with Sales, Corporate and Product Management, and Finance to ensure event plans and strategies are aligned and integrated
  • Manage and lead event collaboration teams which may include direct reports, cross-functional committees, and vendor/partners
  • Develop and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) related to events activities on a quarterly and annual basis. Conduct in-depth post event debriefs inclusive of ROI results, key takeaways and suggested improvements for future events
  • Collaborate with Programs team and Creative Services to identify promotional opportunities, enhance corporate present and participate in the creation of themes and brand standards

Events Manager

Siemens
10.2016 - 10.2020
  • Developed project plans and tactics for regional and national trade shows and events linked to corporate marketing strategy. Provided strategic consultation with stakeholders regarding event logistics
  • Scheduled planning meetings with business unit stakeholders and setting clear deadlines and milestones
  • Tracked and analyzed the performance of event activities, linked to clear business metrics
  • Managed and tracked event budget, including expenses and reconciliation of budgets
  • Directed and support onsite execution and management of events and trade shows
  • Managed supplemental meetings, events, and sponsorships in conjunction with shows.
  • Managed vendor relationships and adhered to corporate guidelines for contract negotiation, review and approval
  • Coordinated required contracts and financial arrangements; process required payments
  • Managed logistics, including: AV, shipping, printing, services, accommodations, and any needs to facilitate event success
  • Provided post event analysis, budget recaps, internal and client feedback and incorporate learning into future event plans
  • Established and tracked project timelines and deliverables, organized calls with internal and external stakeholders to provide project deliverable and budget updates
  • Sourced and managed promotional items for key marketing initiatives
  • Created and managed registration sites using Cvent

Senior Events Manager

NCR Corporation
01.2010 - 10.2016
  • Develop resource plan for regional and global events including major trade shows, corporate sponsorships, internal meetings and special events. Negotiated and managed booth space contracts. Negotiated and managed relationship with trade show exhibit house
  • Worked closely with industry communication partners, business unit leaders, marketing teams, and the creative team to ensure effective event execution
  • Ensured the corporate brand is represented accurately and messaging is appropriate for the event and aligned with the position as a global market leader
  • Managed event budget and timelines, payments as well as reporting of spend related to each event
  • Coordinated the employee participation and presentations at all events including booth duty schedules, attendee lists, travel arrangements, attendee management
  • Negotiated purchasing of materials tied to events, including accommodation, production, promotional items, graphics, collateral and corresponding materials
  • Worked with Lines of Business to leverage opportunities and cost savings for shows when possible
  • Developed strong, collaborative relationships with key internal clients including Creative Services, Marketing Communications, Public Relations and various NCR business units
  • Coordinated all aspects of Lob's meetings and events including venue, décor, themes, invitations, entertainment, menus, promotional items, etc
  • Prepared and presented post show reports to show ROI and includes budget summary, leads, and recommendations for future participation
  • Worked with in-house multi-media department for filming of events, meetings and show demonstrations

Manager, Event Marketing

InComm
02.2001 - 01.2010
  • Managed and executed national trade show program with up to 90 shows annually
  • Coordinated and managed on-site trade show activities (set-up/ear-down, staffing, sales and press communications, leads, meeting schedules, and shipping)
  • Coordinated and managed all pre-and post-show logistics (registration, hotels arrangements, payments)
  • Ensure that corporate brand messaging was uniform throughout trade show and marketing programs
  • Managed all budget activity related to event marketing program ($3.5M)
  • Managed all off-site trade show booths and graphics for future shows
  • Developed B2B corporate marketing collateral including content, layout, design and creative direction
  • Managed B2B trade publication advertising program, negotiate rates and placement with publications
  • Produced PowerPoint presentations and RFP's resulting in new client business
  • Developed and executed strategic marketing plan with Executive Management and Internal/External sales team
  • Defined trade show objectives and developed practical ROI procedures. Successfully increased ROI by 20%
  • Produced successful Partner Conference that increased attendance YOY by 40% while reducing costs by 20%

Education

Bachelor of Science - Communication Media

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA

Skills

  • Budget Management
  • Project Management
  • Brand Marketing/Standards
  • Site/Venue Selection
  • Design & Messaging
  • Sponsorships / Promotions
  • Food and Beverage Selection
  • Vendor/Supplier Management
  • Audio Visual (A/V)
  • Contracts/Negotiation
  • Speaker Selection
  • Cvent Registration Sites

Certification

  • Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation, January 2020
  • Digital Event Specialist (DES) candidate for designation, December 2025
  • Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) - Candidate for designation
  • Georgia Real Estate License, November 2020
  • Member of MPI (Georgia Chapter) and PCMA (Southeast Chapter)

Timeline

Trade Show Associate

Southwire
09.2024 - Current

Senior Event Manager

Manhattan Associates, Inc.
12.2021 - 07.2024

Events Manager

Siemens
10.2016 - 10.2020

Senior Events Manager

NCR Corporation
01.2010 - 10.2016

Manager, Event Marketing

InComm
02.2001 - 01.2010

Bachelor of Science - Communication Media

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

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Edward Vargo