Jennifer Watkins
Austin,TX
Summary
Experienced Event Manager with a track record of orchestrating successful events and adept in crisis resolution. Proven ability to enhance attendee engagement and deliver impactful experiences. Committed to innovation and excellence in event planning, aiming to elevate brand presence through memorable experiences.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, Event Planning
BNSF Railway
Fort Worth, TX
07.2012 - 11.2021
- Facilitated end-to-end event operations tailored to executive-level requirements for industry conferences, trade exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.
- Formulated complex logistics arrangements to enhance customer event experiences.
- Functioned as liaison to facilitate all marketing events with C-level management team.
- Managed annual budgeting and forecasting, optimizing resource allocation.
- Achieved desirable vendor agreements via diligent contract discussions.
- Drove marketing efforts for events through coordinated team efforts and strategic promotions, evolving the BNSF brand.
- Crafted persuasive content via direct mail pieces, invitations, and supporting event documents.
- Fostered excellent team member performance through use of strategic and motivational coaching and training.
Senior Planner, Medical Education
Alcon Laboratories, Inc./Novartis
Fort Worth, TX
04.2012 - 07.2012
- Oversaw project management for corporate surgical education activities including Advisory Board Meetings and Product Launches.
- Planned travel arrangements for speakers or VIPs attending the event.
- Developed relationships with vendors to facilitate quality service at competitive rates while maintaining financial responsibility within budgets.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to align event objectives with corporate branding and marketing strategies.
- Supervised event expenditures and analyzed return on investment.
Planner, Global Meetings & Events
Alcon Laboratories, Inc./Novartis
Fort Worth, TX
06.2010 - 04.2012
- Directed comprehensive project management for yearly large-scale conferences in accordance with corporate, industry, federal, and international guidelines.
- Facilitated seamless interdepartmental communication with executives for complex, cross-functional initiatives.
- Conducted budget analysis for approximately 60 annual events, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Leveraged digital platforms for gathering information on yearly spending by healthcare professionals, budgeting activities, customer profiles, and vendor management.
- Ensured efficient negotiation and procurement of vendors and facilities through strategic cost management.
- Evaluated and authorized contracts, agreements, and show orders in line with delegated authority.
- Strengthened professional relationships to advance attendee satisfaction and overall experience.
- Coordinated with diverse teams to produce precise and engaging promotional materials for various event communications.
Conference and Meeting Planner
Tenet Healthcare
Dallas, TX
12.2009 - 06.2010
- Managed all phases of conferences, meetings, and events.
- Complete project management, including budget, logistics, and onsite arrangements.
- Optimized management processes by introducing strategic policy improvements.
- Introduced an efficient tool enhancing logistical coordination and reporting across the entire organization.
- Oversaw Tenet Conference Center operations ensuring 'white glove' standards in maintenance and service delivery.
- Managed schedule of all organizational gatherings in a centralized system.
- Proposed transformative solutions for facility optimization with a focus on modernizing technical assets and design elements.
- Evaluated and curated menu options, audio/visual arrangements, and décor elements.
- Cultivated enduring relationships with key vendors and managed all staff for each event.
- Renegotiated agreements with vendors to optimize terms and reduce expenses.
- Streamlined collaboration between multiple business units to ensure effective event execution.
Contract Event Planner
BNSF Railway
Fort Worth, TX
08.2004 - 07.2009
- Delivered comprehensive management of conferences, trade shows, meetings, and events from strategic planning to execution.
- Facilitated consistent communication with top-tier leadership to ensure that goals were met.
- Contributed to the administration of a $5M budget allocated to approximately 70 yearly events.
- Allocated marketing event funds strategically with measurable criteria for financial effectiveness.
- Oversaw comprehensive travel planning, including the complexities of multi-modal transportation.
- Crafted a strategic vision to enhance customer retention and acquisition at all events, and boost event participation.
- Developed direct mail pieces, invitations, and supplementary documents.
- Evaluated A/V specifications, curated menu choices and aligned venue theme.
- Streamlined communication channels to support events involving various departments.
- Captured critical data to support the sales team.
- Oversaw contractor management and built positive vendor relationships.
- Supported management of fundraising initiative for City of Fort Worth's Mayor's Office.
Education
Bachelor Degree - International Business/Spanish
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas01.2003
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Event Technology Proficiency: Cvent, StarCite, Concur, Salesforce and Upside
- On-Site Implementation Management
- Crisis Resolution
- Stakeholder Relations
- Registration management
- Entertainment and event staff management
- Transportation and Logistics Planning
- Budget management and event billing
- Vendor and contract negotiations
- Cross-functional teams leadership
- Proficient Schedule Coordination
- Brand Strategy Implementation
Certification
- Professional designation awarded by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) that signifies a high level of expertise in meeting and event management, particularly focused on business leadership and strategic planning within the events industry
Timeline
Manager, Event Planning
BNSF Railway
07.2012 - 11.2021
Senior Planner, Medical Education
Alcon Laboratories, Inc./Novartis
04.2012 - 07.2012
Planner, Global Meetings & Events
Alcon Laboratories, Inc./Novartis
06.2010 - 04.2012
Conference and Meeting Planner
Tenet Healthcare
12.2009 - 06.2010
Contract Event Planner
BNSF Railway
08.2004 - 07.2009
Bachelor Degree - International Business/Spanish
The University of Texas at Arlington