KELLY MARTIN
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
Experienced Event Manager with over 20 years of expertise in designing and delivering exceptional events for nonprofits, private groups, and corporations. Adept at managing end-to-end event logistics, including budgeting, vendor coordination, and team leadership, with a proven ability to achieve strategic objectives. Demonstrated success in increasing revenue through innovative fundraising events, enhancing community engagement, and building lasting partnerships with stakeholders. Passionate about crafting impactful experiences that align with organizational visions, drive results, and exceed client expectations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Manager
Humane Society Of Utah
11.2023 - Current
- Planned and executed major fundraising events as well as other small events and fundraising campaigns throughout the year.
- Managed event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, budgets, and volunteer teams, ensuring seamless operations.
- Collaborated with teams and partners to create effective marketing strategies, boosting community engagement and attendance.
- Oversaw the design of event materials to align with the Humane Society’s mission and branding.
- Cultivated relationships with donors and sponsors, securing funding for key programs and initiatives.
- Analyzed event performance to optimize future planning and fundraising strategies.
Event Manager
CHOICE Humanitarian
01.2014 - 11.2023
- Managed all logistics and operations for major annual fundraisers, as well as other small events and fundraising campaigns throughout the year.
- Cultivated relationships with corporate and private investors, fostering long-term partnerships to support organizational fundraising goals
- Established the CHOICE Humanitarian Open, a premier charity golf tournament that has successfully raised up to $150K annually for the past decade
- Managed the annual CHOICE Humanitarian Gala, hosting 600 attendees and generating up to $450K annually through sponsorships, table sales, live and silent auctions, and donation appeals
- Led corporate and private groups of 20–40 on international trips to Kenya, Nepal, Guatemala, and Ecuador, managing logistics and overseeing community projects
Business Owner
Right-Hand Gal, LLC
01.2006 - 01.2023
- Led all operations for business and events, including location sourcing, contract negotiation, menu and entertainment coordination, and managing onsite staff during events
- Consulted with clients to assess needs and determine techniques for delivering exceptional service while maintaining costs controls
- Established partnerships with local vendors, fostering strong relationships to ensure reliable, high-quality service, seamless execution, and competitive pricing
- Contracted with destination management companies from 2006-2010 as freelancer, assisting with event coordination for groups coming into Park City
Meetings & Conventions Manager
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Managed private and corporate events at four-diamond hotel with 24,000+ square feet of function space
- Coordinated group room blocks and negotiated rates in accordance with contract terms to secure business
- Built and maintained strong relationships with internal teams, clients, and vendors, ensuring seamless collaboration with customers and suppliers
- Coordinated 30+ events annually for major companies like Pfizer and Outdoor Retailers, with attendance ranging from 10 to 2,000 participants
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Log Haven Restaurant
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Oversaw daily operations for award-winning fine dining restaurant, including managing events and private parties
- Planned and coordinated on- and off-site catering and banquet functions, ensuring exceptional service
- Trained, supervised, and scheduled staff, fostering a high-performance team and maintaining efficient operations
- Coordinated two weeks of events during the 2002 Olympic Games, managing logistics and building relationships with sponsors
- Launched the "Excellence in Service" training program to enhance staff performance and guest experience
Skills
- Event Planning & Execution
- Budget Development & Oversight
- Vendor Sourcing & Management
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Fundraising & Revenue Generation
- Contract Negotiation & Management
- Strategic Marketing & Event Promotion
- Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination
- Operational Logistics & Risk Management
- Client Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Effective Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Timeline
Event Manager
Humane Society Of Utah
11.2023 - Current
Event Manager
CHOICE Humanitarian
01.2014 - 11.2023
Business Owner
Right-Hand Gal, LLC
01.2006 - 01.2023
Meetings & Conventions Manager
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
01.2002 - 01.2006
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Log Haven Restaurant
01.2000 - 01.2002
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