KATE SARK
Daytona Beach,Florida
Summary
Seasoned Event Operations and Venue Management Leader with expertise in large-scale events and facility modernization. Leads teams of 30+ employees in executing conventions, trade shows, and concerts while overseeing budgets and capital projects. Experienced in box office management, event logistics, safety, and crisis response.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director – Ocean Center at OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER, Daytona Beach, FL
OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER
01.2024 - 10.2026
- Contributed as a member of the executive leadership team, translating organizational objectives into operational strategies and coordinating resources and priorities across multiple departments.
- Directed venue operations, ensuring seamless integration of facility management, event operations, housekeeping, safety and security, and show services.
- Oversaw operational delivery for conventions, trade shows, concerts, entertainment, and other large-scale events.
- Led cross-functional teams of more than 30 employees, including five direct reports.
- Orchestrated event logistics to ensure efficient setup, load-in/load-out operations, staffing, labor allocation, vendor coordination, and facility readiness.
- Partnered with event clients, promoters, production teams, and internal departments to align operational requirements and deliver successful events.
- Directed event safety and security planning, emergency response, contingency planning, and crowd management.
- Coordinated transportation, parking, and traffic-flow considerations to support event access, logistics, and guest experience.
- Managed departmental budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning.
- Led major capital improvement projects, coordinating planning, procurement, contractors, and implementation.
- Led facility modernization initiatives, enhancing guest experience through arena seating replacement, facility-wide Wi-Fi upgrades, electrical infrastructure improvements, and security enhancements.
Marketing & Communications Manager / Box Office Manager at OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER, Daytona Beach, FL
OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Directed venue marketing, advertising, and public relations initiatives supporting facility events and clients.
- Managed media buys, advertising placement, and promotional campaigns.
- Coordinated marketing and communications efforts with event clients and internal departments to ensure alignment and maximize event promotion.
- Managed media buys and advertising placements to effectively promote events and increase ticket sales.
- Advanced event communications and public relations initiatives to engage audiences and elevate venue visibility.
Senior Marketing Specialist at VOLUSIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Daytona Beach, FL
VOLUSIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
07.2016 - 12.2022
- Planned and executed Daytona Beach Half Marathon for three consecutive years, overseeing all logistics and ensuring successful event delivery.
- Directed the mobilization and operations of a large-scale outdoor COVID-19 testing and vaccination site at the Volusia County Fairgrounds.
- Coordinated with county departments, external stakeholders, and media to support public-facing initiatives and emergency communications.
- Coordinated collaboration among county departments, external stakeholders, and media to enhance public-facing initiatives and streamline emergency communications.
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing and public relations initiatives to elevate visibility of county departments and community programs.
Senior Marketing Specialist at FLORIDA HOSPITAL MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, Daytona Beach, FL
FLORIDA HOSPITAL MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER
10.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed and implemented strategic, year-round marketing campaigns supporting hospital service lines.
- Executed marketing initiatives across multiple regions in collaboration with affiliated hospitals.
- Managed advertising buys and media placement to optimize reach and engagement.
- Led community outreach and public relations initiatives to strengthen community relationships.
Account Executive at BENEDICT ADVERTISING, Daytona Beach, FL
BENEDICT ADVERTISING
05.2011 - 09.2014
- Collaborated with Subway restaurant markets to develop and implement targeted local advertising plans, enhancing brand visibility.
- Coordinated with corporate headquarters to maintain national brand standards and messaging.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to enhance community engagement.
- Compiled and presented detailed reports at board meetings, informing strategic decisions.
- Planned and coordinated outdoor Oyster Festival on Manatee Island, managing all aspects of event logistics and execution.
Education
Master of Arts - Mass Communication
University of Florida
GainesvilleBachelor of Science - Telecommunications
University of Florida
Gainesvilleundefined
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
Skills
- Venue & Event Operations
- Load-in/out operations
- Vendor coordination
- Labor management
- Event Safety & Security
- Crowd Management & Emergency Preparedness
- Crowd management
- Traffic coordination
- Client & Promoter Relations
- Financial management
- Facility Management
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Emergency Response Planning
- Process improvement
Timeline
Assistant Director – Ocean Center at OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER, Daytona Beach, FL
OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER
01.2024 - 10.2026
Marketing & Communications Manager / Box Office Manager at OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER, Daytona Beach, FL
OCEAN CENTER CONVENTION CENTER
01.2022 - 12.2023
Senior Marketing Specialist at VOLUSIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Daytona Beach, FL
VOLUSIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT
07.2016 - 12.2022
Senior Marketing Specialist at FLORIDA HOSPITAL MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, Daytona Beach, FL
FLORIDA HOSPITAL MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER
10.2014 - 06.2016
Account Executive at BENEDICT ADVERTISING, Daytona Beach, FL
BENEDICT ADVERTISING
05.2011 - 09.2014
undefined
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
Bachelor of Science - Telecommunications
University of Florida
Master of Arts - Mass Communication
University of Florida