LESLIE GILFILLAN
Vero Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic event management professional with a proven track record of orchestrating successful events from concept to execution. Expertise in event planning, vendor coordination, and budget management ensures seamless operations and exceptional outcomes. A strong advocate for team collaboration, consistently driving results while adapting to evolving project needs. Known for reliability and resourcefulness, infusing creativity and organization into every initiative to exceed expectations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Event Sales
Cohera Formerly CSI DMC
California
09.2021 - 01.2026
- Facilitated mentorship for sales team, event managers, and creative services professionals to drive strategic initiatives.
- Oversaw the planning and execution of a major event with a budget surpassing $3 million, while simultaneously coordinating additional client events with budgets over $1 million within a six-month period.
- Led cross-functional teams of event stakeholders and vendors.
- Developed and executed comprehensive event strategies to enhance attendee engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline event planning processes.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure seamless execution of logistics and services.
- Oversaw budgeting and resource allocation for multiple concurrent events.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to evaluate event success and drive improvements.
- Led a team of event coordinators, providing mentorship and guidance on best practices.
- Analyzed market trends to inform innovative event concepts and themes.
- Established partnerships with local businesses to enhance sponsorship opportunities and community involvement.
- Skillfully negotiated contracts with venues and suppliers for favorable terms that benefited both parties involved in the event planning process.
- Cultivated lasting relationships with key industry partners, expanding the company''s network of reliable service providers.
- Enhanced event experiences by meticulously planning and executing high-profile corporate gatherings.
- Developed comprehensive event proposals tailored to specific client needs, demonstrating a deep understanding of their objectives and priorities.
- Recruited as first Sales Executive for the new California office to convert all leads into California to sold successful events.
Vice President, Global Meetings & Incentives
JNR Incorporated
Irvine, CA
06.2017 - 06.2019
- Managed high-performing Event Operations team (Meeting Planners, Registration Coordinators, Air Travel Agents, On-Site Event Staff) who plan and operate over seventy-five events annually.
- Developed, forecasted, tracked, and reconciled project budgets of $5m+.
- Created Preferred Supplier Contracts which resulted in cost-savings and risk management.
- Sourced all hotels, resorts, and off-site venues that strategically align with client brand objectives and within budget.
- Strategized with event stakeholders to develop, coordinate, and implement travel program protocols.
- Increased company profit margins by implementing cost-saving initiatives.
- Planning and execution of domestic and international high-profile meetings, conferences, and incentive trips from 50 – 3,000+ attendees.
- Led cross-functional teams of event stakeholders and vendors, including marketing, production, creative, project management and operations.
- Managed strategic marketing event communication campaigns that support stakeholder engagement objectives, drove measurable results by tracking and evaluating MROI.
Senior Account Executive
Maritz Travel – A Maritz Global Events Company
Irvine, CA
10.2009 - 02.2017
- Planned and operated domestic and international events for 50 – 10,000 people to include: sales conferences, new product launch meetings, multi-destination high-touch incentive trips and large-scale complex conventions.
- Implemented Strategic Meetings Management Programs for new clients.
- Responsible for planning all details, such as, recommending destinations, sourcing hotel/resorts, off-site venues, negotiating/contracting hotels/venues, airline contracts and planning exceptional onsite guest experiences (theme events throughout).
- Managed room blocks, meeting space, activities, food, and beverage selection all while staying on budget and exceeding expectations.
Director/VP Strategic Meetings & Events
Ambassadors
Newport Beach, CA
08.2000 - 02.2009
- Third-Party Events Company
- Managed team of Global Sourcing and Planning Event Managers responsible for site selection/recommendation/pre-planning, operations and coordination for all client meetings and events.
Education
No Degree - Management
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CASkills
- Leadership through mentorship
- Solution-oriented approach
- Mentor and manage high-performing events team
- Event design expertise
- Skilled project manager
- Strong presentation skills
- Proficient in high-touch service
- Effective communicator with strategic insights
- Fair and tenacious negotiator
- Effective financial stewardship
- End-to-end program execution
- CRM management
Websites
Timeline
Director of Event Sales
Cohera Formerly CSI DMC
09.2021 - 01.2026
Vice President, Global Meetings & Incentives
JNR Incorporated
06.2017 - 06.2019
Senior Account Executive
Maritz Travel – A Maritz Global Events Company
10.2009 - 02.2017
Director/VP Strategic Meetings & Events
Ambassadors
08.2000 - 02.2009
No Degree - Management
Saddleback College