Erin Bedell
Director of Meetings and Operations
La Grange,IL
Summary
Passionate meeting and event professional with a proven track record and a keen understanding of how to deliver an exceptional and engaging experience. Demonstrated history of work ranging in budget and size. Strong project manager and effective communicator whose interpersonal skills establish and maintain positive working relationships. Adept at managing all aspects of event planning with the ability to succeed in an evolving industry.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Meetings and Operations
Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association
01.2021 - Current
- Managed budgets for multiple meetings simultaneously, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and financial compliance.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in improved contract negotiations and favorable pricing.
- Maximized 150k annual event sponsorship revenue by cultivating strong partnerships with industry leaders and presenting beneficial opportunities.
- Oversaw all aspects of on-site event logistics, including registration, room setup, AV support, catering coordination, speaker management, and volunteer supervision.
- Utilized cutting edge event technology to enhance the attendee experience.
- Established clear communication channels among board members, committees, and vendors to ensure successful execution of events.
- Collaborated with internal team to align meeting objectives with organizational goals and strategic plan.
- Evaluated post-event performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes for future success.
Meeting and Event Planner
Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association
10.2017 - 01.2021
- Produced concept plans and timelines for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Coordinated with participating vendors during event planning.
- Acquired contracts and agreements to finalize negotiations and obtain approval signatures.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
Marketing Communications Associate
Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating
06.2013 - 10.2017
- Conceptualized and coordinated high-quality corporate events. Developed and adhered to budget, sourcing, negotiated contracts, and managed all on-site logistics.
- Accomplished marketing objectives through digital efforts such as email marketing, social media platforms, and website content.
- Analyzed reports and implement recommendations for change to increase effectiveness and remain current on email marketing best practices.
- Played an integral role in launching successful projects by coordinating tasks among team members while adhering closely to established timelines and budgets.
- Developed comprehensive marketing campaigns that effectively reached target audiences, driving brand awareness and increasing revenues.
- Created content for television commercials, radio and print promotional materials.
- Sourced and directed vendors for design, photography and print needs.
Communications Coordinator
Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating
07.2008 - 06.2013
- Developed content for operations, marketing and public relations needs.
- Assisted with planning, production and execution of email blasts, digital signage boards, special event flyers and social media campaigns.
- Organized contests for marketing purposes including procuring prize donations, sponsorships, recruiting contestants, and coordinating media involvement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.2008
Skills
- In-Person and virtual Meeting Facilitation
- Critical thinking and adaptability
- Project management
- Vendor and contract negotiations
- Cloud-based document coordination and database management
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, iMIS, Elevate Learning Management System, Cvent, EventMobi, Hootsuite
Affiliations
- Meeting Professionals International
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