Lany Watkins
Syracuse
Summary
Strategic, detail-driven event leader with 10+ years of experience planning and executing high-impact corporate events, trade shows, and internal programs. Known for managing complex budgets, building strong vendor partnerships, and delivering seamless events that support brand, sales, and recruiting goals. Resourceful Event Manager known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in strategic planning, vendor relations, and budget management to deliver memorable events. Excel in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to ensure seamless event execution.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Manager
Nearmap
10.2021 - 01.2026
- Led strategy, planning, and execution for a high volume of national and regional events, including trade shows, customer events, internal meetings, and executive-level engagements.
- Managed end-to-end event logistics including venue sourcing, contracts, budgets, timelines, shipping, staffing, travel, and on-site execution.
- Oversaw event budgets, forecasting, and spend tracking while identifying cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality.
- Built and maintained strong vendor and venue relationships to improve efficiency, pricing, and execution consistency.
- Partnered cross-functionally with sales, marketing, government, and leadership teams to align event strategy with business objectives.
- Standardized processes, assets, and storage solutions to support a growing event calendar and evolving brand requirements.
- Managed swag strategy, inventory, and fulfillment to support events, sales teams, and internal initiatives.
Event Manager
Pluralsight
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Planned and executed large-scale internal events, celebrations, recruiting events, and company-wide programs for 500-1,200+ attendees.
- Managed event budgets up to $500,000, including forecasting, vendor negotiations, and post-event reconciliation.
- Developed event strategies, proposals, and timelines for recruiting marketing events, conferences, and trade shows.
- Coordinated venues, catering, guest lists, production schedules, and on-site logistics.
- Created and executed social media and marketing plans to promote events and strengthen employer brand.
- Built partnerships with recruiting platforms and organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Managed all swag and promotional inventory including ordering, storage, and distribution.
Office Manager
Pluralsight
Farmington
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed and mentored a team of office coordinators across six U.S. States and European locations.
- Developed onboarding and training programs for new hires.
- Served as the primary point of contact for office operations, events, and employee experience initiatives.
Field Marketing Coordinator
Pluralsight
Farmington
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Supported field marketing and sales events nationwide, including trade shows and regional programs.
- Prepared, monitored, and reconciled event budgets.
- Generated new business through on-site engagement at trade shows.
- Built long-term relationships with vendors, distributors, and internal stakeholders.
- Managed swag and event inventory levels to ensure readiness across locations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Weber State University
Ogden, UT12.2013
Skills
- Event management and coordination
- Corporate and internal events
- Trade shows and conferences
- Budget oversight
- Vendor negotiation
- Marketing strategy
- Project management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Inventory logistics
- Social media promotion
References
Available upon request
Personal Information
Title: Senior Event & Field Marketing Manager
Timeline
Event Manager
Nearmap
10.2021 - 01.2026
Event Manager
Pluralsight
01.2017 - 01.2021
Office Manager
Pluralsight
01.2016 - 01.2017
Field Marketing Coordinator
Pluralsight
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
Weber State University