Cvent
Kate Waldron
Director, Events, Strategy & Community
Methuen,MA
Summary
A seasoned events management professional known for adept critical thinking, leadership, and solution-oriented capabilities. Valued for a results-driven approach, excelling in planning and executing diverse conferences and events. Skilled in fostering teamwork, inspiring others, and building strong customer relations. Thrives in managerial and analytical roles, utilizing autonomous decision-making to drive organizational success. Committed to fostering open communication, staying updated on event trends, and mentoring teams to excel as problem solvers and team players.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Manager, Conferences, Events & Community Engagement
EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES
09.2021 - 05.2024
- Set event goals and objectives in consultation with senior management for more than 150 conferences and events
- Assessed and evaluated existing event strategies and identified opportunities for performance improvement to maximize opportunity costs, ROI and increase leads
- Negotiated favorable contracts and managed critical relationships with industry partners, vendors and venues
- Created new processes for tracking speaking opportunities across global conferences & events
- Planned and tracked event timelines with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating across teams including Sales, Marketing, Product Management and administrative functions as needed
- Coordinated with Stakeholders on prospective event themes, venues, branding/materials and accompanying specifications
- Encouraged, proposed, and advocated innovative ideas to provide unique experiences for all participants
- Created evaluation processes, identifying, and evaluating event performance (individual and organizational participant performance; sponsorship ROI; supplier performance, etc.)
- Oversaw overall management of multiple benevolent awards and grants including application site, communication plan, winning submissions, working closely with judges and stakeholders
- Oversaw and maximized fiscal requirements as well as departmental budget by managing, monitoring, and assisting with budget preparation and record keeping.
- Managed team of two and across multiple teams and departments
- Fostered culture of innovation by encouraging idea sharing among employees.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
Senior Conferences & Events Manager
EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES
02.2016 - 09.2021
- Managed 15+ Tier 1 tradeshows and conferences
- Coordinated services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security
- Design and implement efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships
- Direct administrative details such as financial operations, dissemination of promotional materials, and responses to inquiries
- Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved
- Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers.
- Managed budgets effectively, optimizing allocation of resources to maximize event impact.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to attendees, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Ensured smooth event transition with thorough pre-event walkthroughs and detailed day-of coordination efforts.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, securing optimal pricing and service quality for events.
Conferences & Events Manager
EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES
04.2014 - 02.2016
- Coordinated services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security
- Meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets, or to review administrative procedures and event progress
- Review event bills for accuracy, and approve payment
- Plan and develop programs, agendas, budgets, and services according to participant requirements
- Negotiated contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers
- Maintained records of event aspects, including financial details
- Organized registration of event participants
- Hired, trained, and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.
- Managed budgets effectively, optimizing allocation of resources to maximize event impact.
Event Manager
NTH DEGREE
06.2012 - 03.2014
- Responsible for venue and city research for event placement of 4 major tradeshow and exhibitions
- Managed overall event timelines and agenda’s across multiple events
- Responsible for management of Housing Vendor, communications between vendor and client, weekly reporting
- Created and executed multiple RFP processes for new vendors
- Creation and review of Food & Beverage menu’s
- Created and managed schedules for staff, temporary staffing and security.
Senior Meeting Planner
PRI-MED, MC COMMUNICATIONS
12.2008 - 11.2011
- Responsible for budgets totaling near $6M including building budget guidelines, updating forecasts, soft and hard closes for 20+ shows
- Communicated with two largest vendors, Audio Visual and Audience Response, on logistics, evaluations and invoice reconciliation
- Managed all aspects of pre-planning, onsite management, and post meeting details of 10-14 regional continuing medical education (CME) programs with 400-650+ attendees, exhibitors, and speakers, adhering to strict work flow timelines
- Work cross-functionally with internal groups including, Client Services, Speaker Management and Compliance on event details and onsite management
- Supervised team of 1+ direct reports
- Created meeting management documents and templates for Meeting Operations team
- Implemented new vendor of Audience Response Systems into current company, defined needs leading to more streamlined processes throughout company
- Analyzed budgets and put into process cost saving measures and ideas for additional revenue
- Extensive domestic travel, 25%.
- Oversaw registration processes, providing seamless check-in experiences for attendees and efficiently managing waitlists when necessary.
- Liaised with speakers, securing top industry thought leaders to provide valuable content and discussions during meetings or conferences.
Meeting Planner
PRI-MED, MC COMMUNICATIONS
01.2007 - 12.2008
Conference Operations Coordinator
PLATTS, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
02.2005 - 01.2007
Special Events Coordinator
CROWNE PLAZA RESORT & GOLF CLUB
05.2004 - 02.2005
Education
B.S. Business Administration -
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA05.2004
Skills
- Cross-Functional Communication and Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Logistics operations management
- Budget Oversight
- Decision-Making
- Scheduling and Coordinating
- Customer Relationship Management
- Process Improvement
- Vendor Negotiations
- Lead Generation
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
Microsoft
Adobe
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Interests
My kids
Reading
Adventure
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
RemoteHybridOn-SiteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceWork from home optionCareer advancementCompany CultureQuote
I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.
Oprah Winfrey
Timeline
Principal Manager, Conferences, Events & Community Engagement
EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES
09.2021 - 05.2024
Senior Conferences & Events Manager
EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES
02.2016 - 09.2021
Conferences & Events Manager
EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES
04.2014 - 02.2016
Event Manager
NTH DEGREE
06.2012 - 03.2014
Senior Meeting Planner
PRI-MED, MC COMMUNICATIONS
12.2008 - 11.2011
Meeting Planner
PRI-MED, MC COMMUNICATIONS
01.2007 - 12.2008
Conference Operations Coordinator
PLATTS, A DIVISION OF THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES
02.2005 - 01.2007
Special Events Coordinator
CROWNE PLAZA RESORT & GOLF CLUB
05.2004 - 02.2005
B.S. Business Administration -
Merrimack College
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