Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Organizations Service
Awards
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Laura Romaine

New York,NY

Summary

Successful Account Director with experience encouraging client communication to achieve significant growth using proven strategies. Proficient in product monetization and mobilization approaches to boost long-term revenue generation.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Account Director

Augeo
06.2023 - Current
  • Grew the company's Fortune 500 client accounts by introducing new accounts and crafting in-person sales demonstrations with the leadership team
  • Experience owning customer facing communication including leading in-person or virtual customer meetings, product demonstrations, or trainings.
  • Within 3 months of employment, drove additional revenue to account portfolios through sales initiatives and relationship building with client C-Suite teams
  • Responsible for the overall success and development of client relationships, including 60+ of the top Fortune 500 companies, representing over 150 million end users
  • Serves as the leader throughout the sales and execution process
  • Acting as a front-line point of contact, showcasing passion to learn and curate the clients' brand and marketing strategies and then translate them into innovative event strategy, always providing creativity and the ability to "think outside the box." Oversee and execute virtual program oversight, team management, marketing and digital oversight and financial management with the knowledge of all Budget parameters, company objectives, and deadlines are all intertwined in daily activities; Responsible for each assigned account team (approximately 5 - 8 people)
  • Showcase charismatic communications in creating and reinforcing strong partnerships and practice outstanding service to high-value clients, producing organic expansion of services provided to the client
  • Exuded problem-solving skills and the ability to persuade others to accept changes and new ideas
  • Established successful client communication to provide insights and innovation
  • Continuously working with the Augeo leadership team on growth of client portfolios outlined in individual growth plans
  • Energetically represent, craft and implement the Augeo brand in the community and in the industry
  • Build, develop and nurture successful relationships with multiple high-value clients at any one given time by instilling confidence and trust
  • Manage the concept and logistics development for meetings, incentives, virtual events & meetings, special events and marketing campaigns
  • Advise clients and act as a consistent resource; address needs and inquiries, ensuring their questions are answered promptly and appropriately
  • Accountable for reselling current clients and booking new business while leading proposal research and development processes
  • Schedule and lead collaboration meetings with the assigned Augeo account team to develop strategy and ensure consistent service level standards
  • Approve and monitor program specifications, timelines, budget parameters, program profitability, efficiency, and post program wrap up
  • Attend and take an active role in weekly staff management and team meetings and well as regular training/update meetings with members of the Augeo leadership team to report account status
  • Develop vendor partnerships and adeptly control contract negotiations
  • Travel approximately 30 percent of the year

Client Engagement & Events Director

Jade Media Global
12.2022 - 06.2023
  • Oversees the full production of client events from start to finish, including client pre-booking and introduction calls, pre-event and AV tech check calls, ensuring all parties involved are receiving the best service after booking Jade as their keynote speaker
  • Responsible for all client communication, including new client introductions, contract negotiation and payment fulfillment with direct client and/or speaker bureaus
  • Oversees the marketing for the new price increase in Jade's speaker fee ($50K increased to $100K) for hiring Jade Simmons with all speaker bureaus, clients, and Jade Media Global audiences
  • Increased revenue at JMG by establishing new business with my rolodex, in addition to selling JMG's first $100K speaker package with CREW Network and PCMA
  • Build out the first JMG Live Event plan and budget, including suggestions for vendor relationships with registration, AV, hoteliers, CVBs, etc
  • Manages the event logistics team of four (4) people, hosting weekly meetings to ensure all tasks are assigned and completed by the team
  • Works with Yamaha representatives to ensure each event is taken care of with the piano logistics
  • Tools used to project manage are Asana, Slack, and Dubsado
  • Coordinate with the client marketing team(s) on all event collateral, PPT and marketing materials
  • Responsible for new PR relationships, social media, blog and Linkedin promotion of JMG
  • Introduction to CVB relationships for additional exposure
  • Responsible for the planning and execution of internal events and JMG member retreats
  • Work with JMG leadership on growth of events portfolio with future programming locally and globally.

Director of Events

GPCA and LAVCA
06.2022 - 12.2022
  • Carry out all logistics of conference event planning, production, execution, and run-of-day including: project management, vendor/venue sourcing, contracting and management (AV/signage, furniture, on-site registration needs, temps, photographer), contracting and negotiating with vendors, budget management, event supplies and materials procurement
  • Buildout and manage event registration website for each event within CVENT platform: register participants in CVENT, approve payments, manage and finalize participant list; oversee CVENT platform and ensure its functioning and offerings are meeting organizational and participant needs
  • Manage virtual events including sourcing technical providers, pre-recording videos, updating website
  • Coordinate with members and/or sponsors on third-party events
  • Coordinate with the marketing team on event collateral and marketing materials
  • Responsible for the planning and execution of internal events in partnership with leadership, strategy day, holiday dinner + celebrations, team events meetings/dinners and more
  • Work with GPCA leadership on growth of events portfolio with future programming in Singapore, London and more.

Meetings Manager

NTCA
08.2021 - 06.2022
  • Negotiate and contract for, plan and execute various association meetings and conferences of approximately 15-20 conferences per year, ranging from 20-3,000 attendees
  • Lead in evaluating hotel properties for future meetings and contracting future meeting properties
  • Budget for future meetings, averaging ≤$2.1 million, including negotiation of all expenses with hotels and vendors
  • Develop meeting logistical requirements for the hotel convention services department
  • Work on logistical meeting details, including handling VIP requests for various meetings
  • Provide on-site logistical management of meetings
  • Review hotel bills for accuracy and allocate all charges to the proper department
  • Oversee and manage housing needs for various association meetings as needed
  • Work closely with the Finance department on budgets and department's expenditures, as needed
  • Responsible for and works closely with other Meetings department staff on logistics/projects related to multiple association meetings and conferences
  • Responsible for offsite events and tours for various association meetings
  • Prepares and reviews promotional and website content (including app content) for various association meetings
  • Contributes to and edits promotional materials and master schedule for various association meetings
  • Serve as primary contact with affiliates for their meeting needs
  • Work closely with the Director of Meetings and Meetings Manager in the development of long and short-range plans, strategic endeavors and budgets
  • Work with member engagement staff on EXPO-related logistics as needed
  • Works collaboratively across the division and the organization to actively assist where needed and seeks out ways to add value to the organization
  • For example, collaborating closely with the program and sponsor departments offering resources such as the Convention Visitors Bureaus to offer unique opportunities to sponsors, speakers, and attendees
  • Managing event calendar(s) for all meetings (15-20 per year), leading internal department coordination to ensure timely planning and flawless execution of event logistics in the lead up to events.

Director of Events & Catering Sales

Hamilton Hotel|The Schuyler|Via Sophia Restaurant
02.2020 - 06.2021
  • Spearheaded the opening of a brand new 18,000 square foot event space under renovation for a year+, leading event and catering sales during the COVID-19 Pandemic, producing over $560,000 in space rental and F&B sales contracted prior to opening
  • Introduced new local and national relationships to the property, creating new accounts in Delphi (Salesforce database), creating retainment plans for each account through LinkedIn, Alignable, and additional platforms free to EOS Hospitality
  • Developed new processes and home base for The Schuyler/Via Sophia by introducing DocuSign, Microsoft Teams, and re-building a shared drive for all staff to access, including creative packages for wedding and corporate clients
  • Created new catering and menus and beverage packages (including zero proof packages), working directly with the Executive Chef and Area Director of Food & Beverage, and worked closely with the marketing team to design the catering menus to match the brand of The Schuyler, including wedding packages
  • Lead the Sales Team on daily standup meetings and BEO meetings with Executive Chef + culinary team for upcoming events
  • Created new Standards of Procedures document, Vendor Form, vendor contracts, and a sales "cheat sheet" for all new staff to reference on Microsoft Teams and Shared Drive
  • Established new relationships with local caterers to partner at The Schuyler, introducing their additional clientele to the event space
  • Provide daily in-person and virtual site tours of the entire property to include Hotel Lobby, Via Sophia Restaurant, Society Luxe Microbar, Specialty Suites and 18,000 square foot renovated event spaces
  • Lead a DC Magazine promotional photoshoot entitled "DC Black September" featuring Hamilton Hotel
  • Created a "Founding Females" photoshoot including DC-based female leaders photoshoot that was publicized in several media outlets to include Washingtonian
  • Provided Concierge services to all hotel guests, creating a local scene list for the front desk to share with all guests
  • Provided monthly action plans and month-end reports to corporate tracking updated space and F&B revenue projections/forecasts.

Event Director

Pike Productions
09.2018 - 01.2020
  • Serves as the lead for the company's largest revenue generator as the exclusive audiovisual provider at District Winery, managing 20-50 corporate and social events per month, improving the audiovisual experience by implementing a new communication process for both the client and District Winery Event staff
  • Lead weekly sales meetings to review upcoming jobs
  • Established new relationship with Artemis Real Estate Partners to bid as the exclusive audiovisual company at Hyatt Place West End in DC
  • Established repeat business with Susan Gage Caterers, ranked as Washington DC's top caterer by the Washington Post
  • Improved client experience by implementing monthly technician training and creating AV tech confirmations pre-event and post event survey feedback
  • Managed approximately 200 events in the first year which included: preparing proposals in a timely manner, develop and manage related project deliverables, negotiate contracts, budgets, status reports; acts as liaison between technicians and clients, participates in client walk-throughs to ensure accurate project completion; manage electronic copies of client files, works with production team on innovative design for events, and ensure all event invoices are paid in full
  • Schedule and attend design, pre-production, productions and post event debrief meetings
  • Sells event production services including audio support, video, lighting, DJs, musicians, while maintaining accounts through CRM database
  • Schedule DJs and other entertainment services for events; coordinates with HR for DJ/talent payroll.

Sr. Director, Event Logistics

Scoop News Group
04.2018 - 08.2018
  • Conducted site visits, negotiated with and secured event venues; executes agreements and process vendor payments, ensuring timeliness and adherence to budget
  • Developed and managed project timelines; provides regular updates to the management team; collaborates with marketing and sales teams to carry out full event production
  • Managed event logistics, working closely with vendors including caterers, security, photographer, videographer, AV, and decorators
  • Assisted with onsite event execution, from set-up through teardown, as event host and the point of contact for vendors and sponsors
  • Managed event registration for events, ranging from 500 - 5,000 attendees through the registration database (Eventbrite), monitor online registrations, compile weekly and final registration reports, reconcile registration data post-event, respond to registration-related questions, manage on-site registration
  • Responsible for webinars to include hosting introductory calls with clients, managing the webinar console (On24), assisting in speaker outreach, and overseeing marketing timeline.

Meetings Manager

NTCA
12.2014 - 05.2017
  • Responsible for the development and execution of ten conferences a year, ranging from 100-2,500 attendees; includes site selection, contract and vendor negotiations, ≥$60K budget management, marketing, banqueting, audio visual, on-site registration, and post-meeting financial reconciliation and reporting to include registration and hotel pick up history
  • Creates and oversees five regional conference budgets
  • Serves as main contact for the 2,500-attendee annual meeting registration and exhibit hall of 140 exhibitors; includes exhibitor correspondence, logistics; manages third-party decorator (Freeman) and ten-member exhibit subcommittee
  • Collaborates with departments while managing Member Services Assistants to map out consistent conference(s) marketing timeline for marketing materials, website, mobile app, and online registration
  • Serves as staff liaison with association travel agency (MacNair), local hotel blocks and transportation for each conference.

Meeting Planner

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
02.2013 - 11.2014
  • Assists with managing 85+ meetings a year, ranging from 20-400 attendees; assists with site visits and contract negotiations; manages all logistics, including banqueting, A/V and travel arrangements; creates and revises room layouts for each event; processes and records all event finances; served as main contact with vendors and 100+ staff on CDC approved meetings and lead hotel decision making process.

Meetings Manager

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
09.2010 - 02.2013
  • Responsible for coordinating five 2012 Regional Conferences with approximately 300 attendees per conference
  • Responsible for organizing the 2011 Biennial Conference Exhibit Hall, including all exhibitor correspondence.

Conference Intern

American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries
01.2010 - 06.2010
  • Assist with conference registration, which includes preparing conference shipments, and submitting confirmation letters through iMIS database.

Intern

Department of Commerce
03.2008 - 08.2008
  • Supported the development and implementation of a "Cultural & Heritage Symposium" (held in November 2008).

Education

Bachelor of Science, Tourism & Events Management -

George Mason University
05.2010

Skills

  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Verbal Communication
  • Advertising Strategies
  • Strategic Development
  • CRM Software Proficiency
  • Business Development
  • Account Acquisition
  • Salesforce Software

Organizations Service

  • Special Event Sites Marketing Alliance (SESMA), Venue Speaker Panelist, October 2020
  • Best Buddies, May 2017 - Present
  • Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), September 2011 - Present
  • 2016-2017 PCMA Advocacy Task Force, October 2016 - October 2017
  • Street Sense, Silent Auction Co-Chair, January 2013 - October 2013

Awards

  • Connect Association 40 Under 40, May 2017
  • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), May 2014
  • Staff Service Award, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), June 2012 (first year of award)
  • 2008 Mayor's Service Award Standards of Excellence for Community Service at George Mason University

Certification

CMP - Certified Meeting Professional

Timeline

Account Director

Augeo
06.2023 - Current

Client Engagement & Events Director

Jade Media Global
12.2022 - 06.2023

Director of Events

GPCA and LAVCA
06.2022 - 12.2022

Meetings Manager

NTCA
08.2021 - 06.2022

Director of Events & Catering Sales

Hamilton Hotel|The Schuyler|Via Sophia Restaurant
02.2020 - 06.2021

Event Director

Pike Productions
09.2018 - 01.2020

Sr. Director, Event Logistics

Scoop News Group
04.2018 - 08.2018

Meetings Manager

NTCA
12.2014 - 05.2017

Meeting Planner

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
02.2013 - 11.2014

Meetings Manager

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
09.2010 - 02.2013

Conference Intern

American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries
01.2010 - 06.2010

Intern

Department of Commerce
03.2008 - 08.2008

Bachelor of Science, Tourism & Events Management -

George Mason University

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Laura Romaine