Kelsey Kulbarsh
Bend,OR
Summary
Strategic and execution-focused event leader with 10+ years of experience delivering complex, global customer-facing events that drive measurable business impact. Known for collaborative leadership, adaptability, and relentless focus on achieving targets. Proven ability to inspire and manage cross-functional teams, driving high-impact outcomes in dynamic environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Event Manager
HP Poly
03.2022 - Current
- Plan and execute 10+ customer-facing events annually (100 to 3,000 attendees), generating 5,000+ leads and 250,000+ social media impressions
- Lead global B2B events strategy and execution—including corporate tradeshows, customer summits, and product launches—ensuring alignment across stakeholder to drive results and deliver on KPIs
- Manage end-to-end event logistics from strategic planning and budgeting to vendor management, marketing campaigns, and onsite execution, delivering all elements on time and within budget
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Marketing, Comms, and Field Marketing to develop pre- and post-event campaigns that increase pipeline and maximize brand awareness
- Oversee vendor partnerships (exhibit houses, AV, venues, catering, etc.) to ensure cost efficiency and high-quality delivery
- Manage event registration execution using CVENT, including event website builds, registration forms, attendee communications, reporting, and post-event surveys and data reconciliation
- Lead multiple, simultaneous workstreams to ensure cross-functional alignment on event/GTM objectives, strategy plans, deliverables, marketing initiatives, technical planning and execution
- Produce post-event reports with performance metrics tied to MQL, MGO, and ROI
- Trained team members on event best practices and processes, delegating tasks and fostering a collaborative environment where contributors were empowered to support business objectives and deliverables
Project Manager
Pacific Program Management
Cupertino, CA
04.2021 - 03.2022
- Managed space allocation and occupancy for 2,000+ desks across 8 offices, coordinating 30+ move projects to ensure minimal disruption and high client satisfaction.
- Led program management and implementation of new computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software, standardizing processes and creating workflows and training documents.
- Mentored 4 new hires in Peer-to-Peer Partnership Program to enhance onboarding experience and integration into the team.
Tradeshow and Conference Operations Planner
Emerald Expositions
San Juan Capistrano, CA
08.2018 - 04.2021
- Led registration strategy and onsite operations for 20+ large-scale tradeshows (5,000–45,000 attendees), overseeing full attendee lifecycle from advance registration through onsite check-in and post-event reporting
- Designed and documented registration flows tailored to attendee types (exhibitors, VIPs, press, speakers, general attendees), ensuring clear communication journeys and streamlined badge pickup
- Managed end-to-end registration logistics including pricing structures, staffing plans, training programs, escalation protocols, and contingency planning
- Supervised onsite registration teams of up to 100 staff, reducing wait times and improving attendee satisfaction through process optimization initiatives
- Implemented cost-saving measures and workflow automation improvements that enhanced scalability and operational efficiency
Meeting Planner
Hamilton Group Meeting Planners
Orange, CA
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Led planning and execution of 8 conferences and incentive events (up to 600 attendees), managing housing, AV, F&B, and registration; consistently delivered on time, within budget, and to high client satisfaction
- Managed CVENT registration platforms, overseeing site updates, pace tracking, signage, badge production, and attendee communications to streamline event registration process
- Created RFPs and negotiated vendor contracts, conducting post-event reporting to align services with event goals and budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation
Conference Planning Manager
Chaminade Resort and Spa
Santa Cruz, CA
04.2016 - 09.2017
- Managed 100+ corporate events, including executive retreats, offsites, and banquets for up to 300 attendees
- Coordinated event set-up/teardown, AV and production, F&B, hotel and rooming list management, transportation, staff scheduling, billing, and all logistical details to ensure seamless event execution
- Collaborated with internal departments and third-party vendors to enhance client satisfaction and improve attendee experience
PR and Communications Coordinator / Social Media Manager
Plantronics
Santa Cruz, CA
11.2014 - 11.2015
- Coordinated collaboration among PR team members for event enablement, internal communications, public relations, product launches, and management of company online Newsroom website
- Created, managed, and scheduled content across all social media channels to promote global events, product launches, press releases, and announcements, resulting in 250% increase in Instagram followers
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Accomplishments
- Primary planner for HP Poly’s Tier-1 tradeshows with an annual budget of $1.7M
- Delivered 22% YoY engagement growth and 155% MGO increase ($1.6M in 2 weeks) at ISE 2026
- Spearheaded major product launch of HP Dimension with Google Beam at InfoComm 2025, attracted 2,000+ booth attendees, earned coverage in 60+ publications, and won two Best of Show Awards
Certification
- Enhancing Events with AI, PCMA Event Leadership Institute, 08/24
- Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), Event Industry Council, 02/21
- CVENT Venue Sourcing Certification, CVENT, 07/20
Timeline
Senior Event Manager
HP Poly
03.2022 - Current
Project Manager
Pacific Program Management
04.2021 - 03.2022
Tradeshow and Conference Operations Planner
Emerald Expositions
08.2018 - 04.2021
Meeting Planner
Hamilton Group Meeting Planners
01.2018 - 07.2018
Conference Planning Manager
Chaminade Resort and Spa
04.2016 - 09.2017
PR and Communications Coordinator / Social Media Manager
Plantronics
11.2014 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California, Santa Barbara