Karen M. Allison

Working as an independent contractor for various associations and companies. Providing onsite support, logistics management, budget management, speaker support, committee meeting preparation, hotel block management and all aspects of meeting planning.

• Non-Profit Professional Association Manage all aspects of meetings and events including budgeting, site selection, contract negotiation, securing vendors, logistics and payment of invoices.
• Recognized for ability to build relationships with key personnel both internally and externally.
• Define vision of meetings and events with input from the Board of Directors and committee.
• Oversee execution to ensure goals and vision are met.
• Work closely with Communications Department in creation of marketing materials to ensure messaging and consistency and look and feel across all event components.
• Leverage corporate partnerships to secure complimentary/discounted supplies and equipment for hands-on workshops.
• Ensure proper recognition of sponsors at events.
• Ensure proper execution of corporate sponsors' brand and logo guidelines on all materials for various meeting activities and events.
• Manage and assist in development of Meeting Services Coordinator.
• Provide on-site management of permanent and temporary employees.

• Coordinated and oversaw registration of meeting attendees, including on-line, pre- and on-site registration.
• Managed all speaker requirements for annual meeting (approximately 130 speakers).
• Managed audio/visual suppliers to coordinate all on-site needs, involving several concurrent sessions and events.
• Coordinated all in-house committee meetings, including securing hotel arrangements, sending meeting notice to all attendees, finalizing catering and restaurant reservations, coordinating conference room set and audio/visual requirements.