Karen Knutzen
Omaha,NE
Summary
Dynamic event coordinator with a proven track record at BioSteel US, excelling in budget management and logistics planning. Expertly negotiated contracts and developed engaging marketing strategies, resulting in successful trade events. Strong team collaboration and project management skills drive impactful outcomes, enhancing brand visibility and client relationships.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract-Event Manager
TurtleTree
Woodland, California
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Served as primary contact for inquiries related to events.
- Organized venues, budgets, guest lists, catering, and timelines for successful events.
- Collaborated with Brand and Design Team to create booth designs that effectively communicated brand mission.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of event materials.
- Developed promotional materials in partnership with marketing teams to enhance event visibility.
- Monitored event budgets to ensure accuracy and efficiency in expenditures.
- Planned travel arrangements for speakers or VIPs attending events.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to gather feedback for continuous improvement.
COORDINATOR, TRADE EVENTS
BIOSTEEL US
North York, ONTARIO
04.2022 - 02.2023
- Worked with supervisors or project managers to develop schedules, monitor deadlines and coordinate resources.
- Monitored budget expenditures on a regular basis in order to stay within allocated resources.
- Planned and coordinated events, meetings, and conferences with stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
- Assisted in developing marketing campaigns designed to reach target audiences more effectively.
- Created detailed event plans and timelines to ensure a smooth event.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure best pricing for services rendered.
- Organized and managed multiple events simultaneously, while adhering to deadlines.
- Developed processes and procedures surrounding the planning of future events.
- Developed engaging marketing strategies for various events.
- Provided on-site support during events to ensure smooth operations.
- Collaborated with internal teams to develop creative concepts for events.
- Maintained accurate records of event budgets and expenses.
- Supported development of social media presence to extend promotional reach.
COORDINATOR, TRADE EVENTS
CANOPY GROWTH US
Smith Falls, ONTARIO
07.2021 - 04.2022
- Oversaw the design, production, and distribution of promotional materials associated with each trade show event.
- Coordinated and managed logistics for trade show events, including shipping, booth setup, and registration.
- Managed onsite staff at each event by providing clear instructions on tasks that needed to be completed.
- Collaborated on goals and marketing objectives to capitalize in sales opportunities.
- Created and maintained event expenditures and budgets to stay within requirements.
- Coordinated logistics such as catering, transportation, venue setup and teardown, security staff and audio-visual equipment rentals.
- Organized pre-event meetings with relevant personnel involved in executing a successful outcome thus avoiding any last minute surprises or issues onsite during an actual event day.
- Developed calendar, tracking tasks to achieve event objectives.
- Managed event planning and execution using strong attention to detail and communication skills.
- Analyzed data from previous events in order to improve future ones.
SALES EVENTS COORDINATOR
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
Denver, COLORADO
08.2017 - 11.2020
- Worked with Director of Sales and Marketing on event roadmap development, project scope and brand experience.
- Prepare SWOT analysis, risk mitigation strategies and post event evaluation used to increase profit.
- Drive product innovation and new product sales through samples, education and virtual learning.
- Created and implemented a cohesive brand across all event segments.
- Developed tradeshow and conference event materials, hotel bookings, display tools, and key samples.
- Booked and managed booths set up, aligned events with brands, hired vendors, and ordered swag as giveaways.
- Created detailed buffets and tracked expenses associated with events.
- Tracked invoice accuracy, budgets, and contract fulfillment to ensure solid decision-making.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR/CO-OWNER
DOGWATCH OF COLORADO
Englewood, COLORADO
05.2003 - 06.2018
- Coordinated booth at local events and tradeshows resulting in increased brand awareness and sales revenue.
- Managed invoicing, A/P and A/R, payroll and prepared presentations, proposals, correspondence, and reports.
- Built and managed strong relationships with prospects and clients.
- Scheduled installations, facilitated product training, and handled customer concerns.
- Set up and implement business systems, procedures, and processes.
- Educated clients on product information and pricing, often leading to additional purchases.
INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE
BELIEVE KIDS
Centennial, COLORADO
10.2010 - 07.2017
- Planned, scheduled, and budget fundraiser events, including limousines, game trucks, restaurants, and prizes.
- Closed 33% of leads generated through event leads and tenacious cold calling efforts.
- Established quick rapport, nurtured strong client relationships, and generated new business.
- Strengthened relations through exceptional account follow-up and customer service.
- Provided product education, heightening clients' product knowledge and generating up- and cross-selling opportunities.
- Supported the fulfillment process, entered orders, and tracked the delivery of products.
Skills
- Budget management and development
- Event planning and production
- Crisis management
- Contract negotiation
- Vendor relations
- Brand management
- Project management
- Logistics planning
- Cost estimation
- Time management
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Spreadsheet expertise
- Customer service and support
- Sales and marketing strategies
- Team collaboration
- Reporting and analytics
Personal Information
Title: Event Manager
Timeline
Contract-Event Manager
TurtleTree
06.2023 - 06.2024
COORDINATOR, TRADE EVENTS
BIOSTEEL US
04.2022 - 02.2023
COORDINATOR, TRADE EVENTS
CANOPY GROWTH US
07.2021 - 04.2022
SALES EVENTS COORDINATOR
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
08.2017 - 11.2020
INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE
BELIEVE KIDS
10.2010 - 07.2017
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR/CO-OWNER
DOGWATCH OF COLORADO
05.2003 - 06.2018