Jessica Morse
Washington
Summary
Results-oriented Event Leader with a unique background spanning association management and business entrepreneurship. Combines deep expertise in contract negotiation, site selection, and registration logistics with a strong eye for cost-efficiency and process improvement. Successfully directs a portfolio of 12+ annual events, ensuring seamless execution from initial concept to post-conference analysis. Adept at managing complex vendor relationships and delivering premium attendee experiences under tight deadlines.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Meetings and Events
American Feed Industry Association
09.2023 - Current
- Strategic Portfolio Management: Direct the comprehensive planning and execution of AFIA’s flagship events.
- Budget Authority: Own the departmental P&L, developing and administering budgets ranging from $50k to $1M+. Collaborate with the CFO to forecast annual spend, consistently delivering events that exceed budget revenue by 5-10%.
- Trade Show Leadership: Serve on the management team for the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), driving logistics and programming for one of the industry's largest global trade shows.
- Revenue & Sponsorships: Oversee sponsorship program development for all association meetings, successfully securing $300,000+ in annual funding.
- Digital Strategy: Direct the marketing and technical execution of the association’s online educational programs and webinars.
- Committee Leadership: Act as the primary staff liaison for the Purchasing and Ingredients Suppliers Committee, cultivating member relationships and translating member feedback into actionable program improvements.
Events Manager
Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States
03.2023 - 09.2023
- High-Volume Execution: Orchestrated logistics for 50+ annual events, managing a rigorous calendar of 3–8 local events per month alongside 3 major off-site summits.
- Event Tech Management: Led the technical build-out of Cvent registration websites, apps, and attendee hubs, significantly improving the user experience for the annual conference.
- Logistics Oversight: Managed comprehensive logistics including catering, transportation, staffing, and décor. Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure favorable pricing and terms.
- Stakeholder Support: Provided white-glove event support for in-house committee meetings, staff retreats, and VIP visits.
Owner
Lucy Berry Bakeshop
08.2017 - 03.2023
- Business Growth: Founded and managed a boutique bakery, implementing a targeted marketing strategy that increased the client base by 200% within one year.
- Financial Operations: Managed all budgeting, cost-analysis, and pricing models to ensure operational cost-effectiveness and profitability.
- Strategic Partnerships: Negotiated partnerships with local catering and events companies to expand business reach and drive revenue growth.
- Digital Presence: Designed and launched a business website with an integrated point-of-sale system to streamline orders and improve customer accessibility.
Meeting and Events Manager
American Feed Industry Association
07.2015 - 05.2017
- Financial Management: Managed budgets ranging from $30,000 to $750,000, delivering detailed post-event financial analysis to the controller for accurate reconciliation of net profits.
- Registration Logistics: Oversaw registration technology and onsite support for multiple annual events, utilizing CRM tools to manage attendee databases and segment marketing.
- Vendor Relations: Collaborated with the team to select vendors and negotiate contracts, ensuring high-quality service delivery within budget constraints.
Meeting and Events Manager
The Society of Wine Educators
09.2012 - 09.2015
- Conference Execution: Executed all logistics for the annual conference hosting 500+ attendees, serving as the key decision-maker for site selection and vendor contracts.
- Fundraising: Defined fundraising strategy and grew sponsorship opportunities to offset conference costs.
- Regional Planning: Planned and organized 6 regional one-day conferences annually for members across the United States.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of St. Thomas
Houston, TX05-2005
Skills
Core Competencies: Budgeting & Forecasting ($1M), Contract Negotiation, Vendor Management, Sponsor Relations, Trade Show Logistics, Hybrid/Virtual Events, Team Management
Certification
Full Stack Coding, Northwestern University, September - December 2022
Timeline
Director of Meetings and Events
American Feed Industry Association
09.2023 - Current
Events Manager
Distilled Spirits Council Of The United States
03.2023 - 09.2023
Owner
Lucy Berry Bakeshop
08.2017 - 03.2023
Meeting and Events Manager
American Feed Industry Association
07.2015 - 05.2017
Meeting and Events Manager
The Society of Wine Educators
09.2012 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of St. Thomas