Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Katey Wilkinson

Port Huron,MI

Summary

Seasoned travel and event management professional with over 10 years of experience in contract negotiation, supplier management, and strategic planning. Proven track record of negotiating favorable terms with key hotel and travel partners, delivering cost-effective solutions, and ensuring contract compliance. Adept at fostering strong relationships with clients and suppliers, leading large-scale events, and driving exceptional results in both domestic and international markets.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Travel Buyer II

Maritz Global Events
02.2022 - Current
  • Lead the negotiation and contracting process with worldwide hotel partners, destination management organizations (DMOs), and convention centers, ensuring optimal terms, pricing, contract compliance and delivering cost savings.
  • Negotiate concessions, room blocks, and function spaces, securing the best possible pricing and value for clients while maintaining strong supplier relationships
  • Advise and consult with internal teams and clients on contract terms, risk management, and supplier selections, ensuring projects align with both budgetary constraints and client specifications
  • Drive contract renegotiation's and cancellation discussions, protecting both client interests and company needs during unforeseen changes or cancellations

Meeting Event Manager II

Maritz Global Events
12.2018 - 02.2022
  • Directed the complete lifecycle of each project including budget, timeline, registration, website, creative communications, program design, staffing, group travel, accommodation, onsite execution, debriefs, and surveys.
  • Played a key role in negotiating supplier contracts with client-focused solutions, consistently achieving cost savings and maximizing value, while mitigating risk in challenging situations.
  • Led internal and external stakeholder meetings to define business objectives and successfully aligned event logistics.
  • Provided financial forecasting, maintaining oversight of budgets ranging from $20,000 to $3 million and suggesting strategies to meet client goals while minimizing financial and operational risks.

Senior Travel Director

Maritz Global Events
01.2012 - 12.2018
  • Managed complete onsite operations for top-producer sales meetings, incentive travel, product launch meetings, trade shows, & business meetings for a variety of companies to include pharmaceutical, financial, automotive, & technology companies
  • Worked harmoniously with individuals locally and all over the world representing various cultural beliefs, languages, educational-levels, and ages, while promoting a positive, productive, inclusive, and growth-driven environment
  • Devoted 280 days per year to domestic and international onsite operations, which led to valuable resourcefulness, a solution-driven working style and confidence with fast-paced problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Tourism & Management, Minor in Business

Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2012

Skills

  • Contract Negotiation & Management
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Cost Control & Budget Management
  • Vendor & Stakeholder Communication
  • Risk Management & Conflict Resolution
  • Client Relations & Consultation
  • Customer service
  • Strategic sourcing

Timeline

Travel Buyer II

Maritz Global Events
02.2022 - Current

Meeting Event Manager II

Maritz Global Events
12.2018 - 02.2022

Senior Travel Director

Maritz Global Events
01.2012 - 12.2018

Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Tourism & Management, Minor in Business

Grand Valley State University

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Katey Wilkinson