Karri Scheffers
Lucas
Summary
Experienced Events Manager and Community & Marketing Specialist with over 7 years of successful event planning, coordination, and execution across corporate and client events. Skilled in managing end-to-end event logistics, including vendor negotiations, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination. Proven ability to control costs through strategic vendor and supplier relationships while maintaining high standards of event quality. Strong track record of delivering seamless, impactful events that exceed expectations. Committed to providing exceptional service, collaborating across departments, and ensuring high standards in event execution. Valuable asset with expertise in event planning, budgeting, and vendor management. Experienced in organizing and managing various events from inception to completion using strategic planning and effective communication. Demonstrated ability to foster strong vendor relationships and maintain budget control.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Manager & Marketing Specialist – Corporate and Lely Center/Dealerships
Lely North America
Pella, USA
08.2017 - 01.2025
- Lead the development, planning, and execution of 80+ events annually, ranging in size from 25 to 1000 attendees, with budgets from $5,000 to $250,000.
- Oversee all the logistics and management of diverse events, including trade shows, conferences, round tables, webinars, open houses, and internal/external training programs.
- Managed budgets and negotiate contracts with multiple high-quality vendors, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining event quality and satisfaction.
- Spearhead the implementation and management of Cvent Event Management software, enhancing event registration, logistics coordination, and post-event reporting.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and partner with the Marketing team to design email campaigns and promotions aimed at driving event registration and engagement along with ensure successful execution and continuous improvement of corporate and community events and.
- Conducted pre-event and post-event evaluation meeting to gather insights, ensure seamless execution of logistics and driving continuous improvement in event execution.
- Manage all aspects of event design, including trade show booth layouts, promotional item selection, and coordination of vendor services.
- Coordinate offsite events by conducting site visits, ensuring proper vendor alignment, and adhering to deadlines for materials and logistical requirements.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Plan and manage the company’s annual scholarship program for high school and college students.
- Oversee all event merchandise, including designing, sourcing, and distributing employee and retail branded swag.
Senior Executive Administrative Assistant and Event Coordinator
GuideOne Insurance
West Des Moines, USA
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Coordinated and organized large-scale company events, including social gatherings and holiday parties for 500-1000 attendees.
- Negotiated contracts with multiple event vendors to ensure smooth logistics and event execution.
- Managed all travel arrangements for executives, including international flights, accommodations, and documentation (passports, visas).
- Supported senior leadership in meeting preparation, including creating documents, managing calendars, and facilitating communications.
- Assisted in preparing board meeting materials, including legal and confidential documents, and ensured timely distribution.
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication by serving as a liaison between executives and their respective teams or departments.
Administrative Assistant to Marketing and Dealer Training
Vermeer Mfg. Co.
Pella, USA
07.2013 - 08.2016
- Coordinated and organized internal and external company events, including board meetings and social functions, both onsite and offsite.
- Collaborated with vendors to coordinate logistics for trade shows and corporate events, including travel, promotional materials, and event setups.
- Managed the departmental budget, ensuring cost-efficient allocation of resources for events and training programs.
- Supported trade show specialists with event logistics, from booth setup to coordinating event schedules and vendor communications.
- Managed training events and schedules for Vermeer University (VU), ensuring timely execution of courses for internal and external attendees.
Senior Administrative Assistant to Senior Management Team
John Deere Financial
Johnston, USA
07.2011 - 07.2013
- Organized and managed worldwide leadership meetings, handling travel arrangements, event coordination, and budget oversight for 150-200 attendees
- Facilitated successful events, including conferences and workshops, through meticulous planning and site visits, coordination, and execution of logistics and post-event evaluations to ensure continuous improvement of corporate events.
- Worked cross-functionally to support team members with event planning, resource allocation, and budget management
- Kept files and records in content management systems such as Microsoft SharePoint, Excel and other systems.
- Coordinated office activities and public events.
Education
Associate of Business Degree - Business Administration and Administrative Assistant
AIB College of Business
Des Moines, IA09-2002
Skills
- Event Planning & Execution (In-person, Virtual, Hybrid)
- Budget Management & Cost Negotiation
- Vendor Relations & Contract Management
- Cvent Event Management Software
- Marketing Collaboration & Promotion
- Event Logistics & Timeline Management
- Stakeholder Communication & Relationship Building
- Staff & Volunteer Coordination
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Social Media Platforms (for event promotion)
- Trello
- HubSpot Usage
Timeline
Event Manager & Marketing Specialist – Corporate and Lely Center/Dealerships
Lely North America
08.2017 - 01.2025
Senior Executive Administrative Assistant and Event Coordinator
GuideOne Insurance
08.2016 - 08.2017
Administrative Assistant to Marketing and Dealer Training
Vermeer Mfg. Co.
07.2013 - 08.2016
Senior Administrative Assistant to Senior Management Team
John Deere Financial
07.2011 - 07.2013
Associate of Business Degree - Business Administration and Administrative Assistant
AIB College of Business
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