Lea Barron
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Committed professional who provides excellent customer service and works to carry out events to highest of standards. Knowledgeable and experienced in creative event planning, budgeting, vendor management and event promotion and marketing. Adept at problem-solving.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Owner
Barron Event Planning and Management
01.2001 - Current
- Full Event/Meeting Planning & Management Servies
- Interfaced with clients to understand event objectives.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Elevated guest satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and professionally during events.
- Assessed overall event success continuously by tracking key performance indicators and utilizing data-driven insights for continuous improvement in planning and executing future events.
- Negotiated and worked with venues and vendors to carry out event objectives.
- Analyzed post-event feedback, implementing improvements based on insights gained for future success rates of the events organized.
- Developed planning strategies while creating and maintaining best practices for budgets, project plans, event timelines, and presentations.
- Ensured smooth event operations through diligent coordination with vendors and staff members.
- Cultivated strong relationships with sponsors and partners, fostering long-term support for events.
- Led onsite execution of events, overseeing setup, breakdown, troubleshooting any issues as they arose while maintaining composure under pressure for a professional outcome every time.
Sr. Event Planner
Polaris Industries
03.2022 - 02.2024
- Developed creative event concepts that exceeded client expectations and garnered positive feedback from attendees.
- Spearheaded venue selection process, negotiating favorable terms while remaining within budget constraints.
- Managed budgets of up to $10 million, ensuring optimal resource allocation and financial success for each event.
- Closely monitored industry trends to maintain cutting-edge knowledge on best practices in event planning and design techniques.
- Developed comprehensive contingency plans to address potential issues quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions to event proceedings.
- Implemented innovative marketing strategies to boost event attendance and overall visibility in target markets.
- Utilized project management tools to track progress against timelines and ensure timely completion of all tasks leading up to an event.
- Conducted thorough post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement new strategies moving forward.
- Served as the primary point of contact for all event stakeholders, providing clear communication and updates throughout the planning process.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop promotional materials that captured the essence of each event while adhering to brand guidelines.
Director of Events
Make-A-Wish Minnesota
11.2014 - 01.2018
- Manage and grow the foundation's two major internal fundraising events
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive branding across all aspects of event production.
- Led post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes for future success.
- Generated significant cost savings through efficient budget management and effective vendor negotiation tactics.
- Streamlined event logistics by implementing innovative project management strategies to ensure seamless execution.
- Managed complex timelines and resource allocation for multiple concurrent projects without compromising quality or efficiency.
- Deftly navigated unforeseen challenges or obstacles during live events while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement within the team, fostering professional growth and heightened performance standards.
- Established clear objectives and goals for each event, drove execution toward goals and measured and monitored results to track impact.
- Developed and maintained year-round calendar of events, raised brand awareness and drove organic engagement with consumers and partners.
Associate Director of Benefit Events
Children's Hospitals and Clinics Foundation
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Responsible for the overall management and direction of Children's Signature Events, 3rd Party events and Benefit Events Team.
- Led teams of up to 7 personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
- Directly manage and support the team of Development Associates, Assistant and Interns in the Benefit Events Department.
- Develop and create new events that support various divisions in the hospital and clinics.
- Evaluate existing events to maximize fund raising efforts.
- Consult with existing committees to help them process outcomes for their events and work through conflicting ideas and directions for the events outcome.
- Collaborate with marketing communications to create effective communication pieces and timeline to promote the event to the target audience and media.
- Work with Development Associates to continuously improve the outcome of the events from participation and dollars raised.
- Work with various departments in the foundation to develop or refine existing process that no long work due to the rapid growth of the foundation.
- Vendor contract negotiation including vendor evaluation process.
- Responsible for all signature events and event department budgets through development and monitoring.
Manager of Special Events
Macalester College
10.2008 - 01.2013
- Plan and coordinate the production of the college events both on campus, off campus and outside the Twin Cities sponsored by the Board of trustees, the President's office and the Advancement Office.
- Manage budget and logistics for production of the event and board meetings
- Work with Presidents office, members of the executive team and Board of Trustees to plan quarterly board meetings and develop agendas, meeting materials and PPT decks and distribute pre meeting information and mailings
- Oversee the design and production of invitations and work with staff in Advancement services and College Relations to produce and mail invitations and track RSVPs.
- Work with campus-wide committees to plan and produce annual campus events including Founders Day, Commencement, Reunion, dedications, chair lectures, new faculty dinners, etc
- Responsible for coordinating logistics, catering, room assignments, room arrangements, physical plant set-ups and decorating.
- Collaborate with departments to plan other large one-time events such as academic conferences and meetings, as requested
- Work with academic department event planning committees to manage expectations, coordinate logistics and provide consultation and support for events, as requested.
- Supervise the coordinator of special events and the team of student event employees.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications emphasis in Advertising/Marketing
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MinnesotaSkills
- On-site Execution
- Guest Management
- Registration management
- Audio-Visual Management
- Events logistics management
- Event Setup and Breakdown
- Staff Management
- Budget Management/Development
- Expense Tracking
- Contract negotiation skills
- Critical Thinking
- Microsoft Office
Current Career Level
Experienced - Director of Events
Target Location
Remote
Minneapolis/Saint Paul Minnesota
Current Opportunity
I am looking for a full-time position in event planning. I want this opportunity to be a situation which will allow me to become a valuable partner and mentor in addition to providing the organization with leadership, event knowledge, and creative alternatives in event planning.
Timeline
Sr. Event Planner
Polaris Industries
03.2022 - 02.2024
Director of Events
Make-A-Wish Minnesota
11.2014 - 01.2018
Associate Director of Benefit Events
Children's Hospitals and Clinics Foundation
01.2013 - 01.2014
Manager of Special Events
Macalester College
10.2008 - 01.2013
Co-Owner
Barron Event Planning and Management
01.2001 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications emphasis in Advertising/Marketing
St. Cloud State University
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