Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Kelly Kofahl

Brighton,MI

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented professional with 8+ years expertise in managing complex meetings and events across diverse industries. Proven track record of leadership in overseeing large-scale conferences, trade shows, and incentive programs with meticulous attention to detail and budgetary oversight including budgets up to $27,000,000 with 6,500 attendees. Licensed attorney skilled in cross-functional communication, contract negotiation, and vendor management. Adept at driving process improvements and building teams to achieve strategic objectives and enhance client satisfaction.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Manager, Meetings & Events

ITA Group, Inc.
01.2024 - 05.2024
  • Led a team of five event managers, overseeing a diverse portfolio including incentives, conferences, meetings, and trade shows
  • Managed an annual high-profile 6,500 attendee user tech conference and trade show, coordinating 25 internal team members and partner supplier teams
  • Successfully managed a $27,000,000 annual conference budget, consistently achieving service level agreement targets of +/- 3% annually
  • Negotiated and managed contracts with key suppliers such as destination management companies, hotels, convention centers, and production companies
  • Implemented strategic process improvements and communication plans across multiple work streams
  • Proficiency in different software applications including Asana, Trello, CVENT, RainFocus, Daptiv and using generative AI like ChatGPT to create efficiencies.

Senior Event Manager

ITA Group, Inc.
10.2022 - 01.2024
  • Orchestrated a 6,500 attendee user tech conference and trade show, overseeing all aspects including sourcing, registration, production, content, sponsorships, technology, VIP management, and F&B
  • Managed and mentored a team of 25 internal staff and coordinated with partner supplier teams and onsite execution staff
  • Led successful negotiations, drafted contracts, and managed relationships with diverse supplier partners
  • Spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives resulting in enhanced operational efficiencies and client satisfaction.

Event Manager

World Ninja League, Inc.
01.2018 - 08.2022
  • Managed end-to-end execution of multiple 5,000+ attendee multi-day events, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and profitability targets
  • Provided comprehensive event performance reporting and leveraged survey data and KPI analysis for future event optimization
  • Developed and implemented a collaborative planning process for remote teams to streamline operations and improve communication
  • Oversaw VIP logistics, event site preparation, and designed a virtual training program for event staff
  • Implemented targeted field marketing strategies that significantly increased event ROI by 20%, utilizing a mix of B2B partnerships with sponsor organizations and direct B2C engagement tactics through digital campaigns and social media outreach.

Regional Manager

World Ninja League, Inc.
01.2018 - 08.2022
  • Established internal infrastructure including SOPs, contracts, and processes, ensuring consistency across all business operations
  • Managed over 80 licensed annual events hosted by 45 independent facilities, overseeing contract management and regulatory compliance
  • Developed and implemented facility compliance protocols, including violation tracking and disciplinary actions.

Event and Operations Manager

Iron Grip, LLC
01.2016 - 01.2021
  • Planned and executed annual 200+ attendee licensed events, managing attendee registrations and coordinating merchandise sales
  • Developed HR processes for staff recruitment, training, and performance management
  • Ensured compliance with event regulations and licensing requirements.

Education

J.D. -

Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Lansing, MI
08.2009

Bachelor's Degree -

Oakland University
Auburn Hills, MI
05.2005

Skills

  • Brand Awareness
  • Creative Direction
  • Event Marketing
  • Cross-functional communication
  • Contract and vendor management
  • M-Suite/G-Suite software
  • Leadership and team development
  • Process improvement
  • Budget creation and tracking
  • Strategic vision and follow through

Certification

Michigan Bar License, State Bar of Michigan

Timeline

Manager, Meetings & Events

ITA Group, Inc.
01.2024 - 05.2024

Senior Event Manager

ITA Group, Inc.
10.2022 - 01.2024

Regional Manager

World Ninja League, Inc.
01.2018 - 08.2022

Event Manager

World Ninja League, Inc.
01.2018 - 08.2022

Event and Operations Manager

Iron Grip, LLC
01.2016 - 01.2021

J.D. -

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Bachelor's Degree -

Oakland University

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Kelly Kofahl