Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jilien Harvey

Summary

Experienced with comprehensive event management, including planning, logistics, and execution. Utilizes strong leadership and organizational skills to ensure smooth operations and team efficiency. Track record of delivering high-impact events nationally and internationally through strategic planning and collaborative efforts.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Championship Special Events Leader

PGA of America
10.2022 - 07.2025

- Oversaw a dedicated three-person team in the end-to-end execution of high-profile national and international events that support iconic golf championships and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the PGA's brand standards and championship vision.

- Specialized in designing and delivering premium experiences for fans, partners, athletes, and VIP stakeholders, including C-suite executives, board members, and celebrities, enhancing engagement and satisfaction at the highest level of the sport.

- Developed and implemented strategic food and beverage programs in collaboration with athletes and dieticians, leveraging highly cultivated food and beverage knowledge to elevate player and VIP hospitality.

- Managed hotel site selection and national contracting, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring seamless accommodations for event participants and stakeholders.

- Led complex event budgeting processes with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility and operational excellence, successfully delivering events within budget constraints while maximizing value.

- Created and executed programming for press conferences and media events, ensuring effective communication and engagement with media representatives and enhancing event visibility.

- Planned and coordinated production elements, including entertainment, talent procurement, and thematic development, to elevate the overall event experience and create a cohesive atmosphere.

- Cultivated cross-functional collaboration to craft intimate sponsor moments and large-scale championship activations, showcasing a passion for purposeful planning and unforgettable experiences.

- Ensured meticulous attention to detail throughout all phases of event planning and execution, reinforcing the PGA's commitment to excellence and enhancing the overall event experience.

Design Build Institute of America

Design Build Institute of America
12.2017 - 05.2019

- Led the planning and execution of three national conferences annually, accommodating between 1,200 and 2,500 attendees, while ensuring a high-quality experience that aligns with organizational goals.

- Oversaw a comprehensive budget totaling $3 million for all three conferences, contributing to over 40% of the association's annual budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.

- Developed and prepared essential meeting tools, including budgets, timelines, pace reports, program outlines, online registration forms, and detailed meeting operation specification manuals to streamline planning processes.

- Managed all onsite logistical requirements, interfacing with vendors and venues to coordinate food and beverage services, convention center operations, audio-visual production, exhibit management, and hotel accommodations.

- Led hotel and city site selection processes, utilizing RFP bid knowledge to assess and negotiate contracts with hotels and venues, ensuring optimal locations that meet the needs of attendees and sponsors.

- Served as the staff liaison for the conference planning committee, collaborating with Board Members, Senior Leadership, and DBIA staff to ensure alignment and successful execution of conference objectives.

- Designed and managed the trade show floor layout, optimizing space utilization and attendee flow to maximize interaction between exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees.

- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors and stakeholders to enhance event quality and drive successful outcomes, while addressing and resolving any challenges that arose during the planning and execution phases.

Event Manager

Eshow
05.2014 - 12.2017

- Built and maintained online event tools utilizing eShow technology and software, enhancing user experience and streamlining event management processes for clients.

- Developed comprehensive project management timelines for clients and internal programming staff, ensuring effective communication and execution of event logistics for key clients, including RIMS, ASAE, AAJ, and RCMA.

- Traveled onsite to over 20 conferences and events annually, managing the onsite registration process, which included setup, training staff, troubleshooting technology issues, and overseeing equipment management.

- Managed onsite services, including badge printing, staff hotel accommodations, shipping and equipment orders, and coordinating internet and audio-visual needs with venue personnel.

- Coordinated a range of client needs utilizing eShow software, including registration, exhibitor and sponsor management, mobile app deployment, and abstract and speaker management to ensure seamless event execution.

Program Assistant

The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law
01.2013 - 03.2014

- Collaborated directly with the Dean of Students and the President's office to uphold the university's reputation, ensuring that all OSU-sanctioned events met high standards of quality and effectively represented the institution's values.

- Coordinated the annual alumni Reunion/Homecoming weekend, overseeing all aspects of event planning including volunteer management, guest list cultivation and updates, online registration and invitation creation, vendor contract negotiations, and post-event alumni communication to ensure a seamless experience.

- Assisted in the creation of event marketing materials and promotional strategies, contributing to increased participation and visibility of alumni events.

Events Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota
08.2010 - 08.2012

- Planned and executed high-impact donor events, including galas and regional gatherings, to cultivate relationships and enhance engagement with current and prospective donors, resulting in increased contributions and support for organizational initiatives.

- Collaborated with the Development team to create targeted marketing strategies and promotional materials, increasing event attendance and donor participation through effective outreach and communication.

- Coordinated all logistical aspects of events, including venue selection, catering, audio-visual production, and transportation, to create seamless and memorable experiences for attendees.

Meetings Coordinator

JCAHPO
04.2009 - 08.2010

- Coordinated multiple events annually, including a national conference for over 3,000 attendees and 20 regional workshops ranging from 30 to 100 participants each, ensuring all logistical details were meticulously managed for optimal attendee experience.

- Oversaw onsite audio-visual requirements and speaker logistics, facilitating seamless presentations and workshops that effectively showcased medical devices and educational content.

- Collaborated with medical professionals to set up workshops, ensuring that all necessary medical devices and materials were available and functioning properly for hands-on training sessions.

Special Events and Project Manager

The Honnigford Group
03.2007 - 10.2008

- Managed special projects related to association growth and member services, including the development of new training materials and resources that support ongoing education and professional development.

- Collaborated with subject matter experts to design and deliver educational content, including certification courses and training programs, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.

Hotel Sales Experience

Hilton, Marriott, Starwood and Radisson Brands
06.2000 - 06.2006

- Prepared and negotiated group sales contracts, ensuring clarity and compliance with hotel policies while maximizing revenue opportunities and client satisfaction.

- Prospected and solicited new clients and future accounts through targeted outreach and networking, successfully expanding the hotel's client base and increasing market share.

- Developed and executed client entertainment strategies to foster relationships and enhance customer loyalty, resulting in repeat business and referrals.

- Managed fiscal responsibilities, including tracking sales performance and revenue generation, to meet and exceed annual sales targets and contribute to overall hotel profitability.

Education

Hospitality/Tourism Management

Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
05-2000

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Critical thinking
  • Team leadership
  • Relationship building
  • Microsoft office
  • Events logistics management
  • Strategic planning
  • Pricing negotiation
  • Operations oversight
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Vendor and contract negotiations
  • Event budgeting

Timeline

Championship Special Events Leader

PGA of America
10.2022 - 07.2025

Design Build Institute of America

Design Build Institute of America
12.2017 - 05.2019

Event Manager

Eshow
05.2014 - 12.2017

Program Assistant

The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law
01.2013 - 03.2014

Events Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota
08.2010 - 08.2012

Meetings Coordinator

JCAHPO
04.2009 - 08.2010

Special Events and Project Manager

The Honnigford Group
03.2007 - 10.2008

Hotel Sales Experience

Hilton, Marriott, Starwood and Radisson Brands
06.2000 - 06.2006

Hospitality/Tourism Management

Purdue University