Leslie G. Murray
Summary
Accomplished event strategist with a proven track record of leading high-impact conferences and experiences for global audiences. Expertise in strategic planning, event design, logistics/operations, and cross-functional collaboration. Skilled in forging partnerships, managing large budgets, and driving attendee engagement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director, Conferences, Meetings & Virtual Events
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Washington, DC
07.2021 - Current
- Spearheaded the strategic planning and execution of NAFSA's signature annual conferences, navigating pandemic disruptions and successfully delivering two virtual, one hybrid, and a record-breaking 75th anniversary event in 2023.
- Founded and chair a cross-functional strategic leadership team, optimizing event design and operational excellence.
- Oversee a $12M event budget, achieving year-over-year cost control while contributing to 60% of the organization’s annual revenue.
- Lead end-to-end event production, including show flow, asset management, speaker coordination, and vendor partnerships.
- Guide association leadership on industry trends, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial targets.
- Manage site selection for future events, leading the RFP, city vetting, and board approval process.
- Collaborate on housing, registration, risk management, security, and emergency planning with venues, security consultants, and partners.
- Ensure sponsor branding and fulfillment for key strategic partnerships.
- Support event marketing and content creation across digital and social channels.
- Lead a high-performing logistics team including full-time staff and contract planners.
Director, Conferences and Meetings
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Washington, DC
01.2011 - 06.2021
- Directed logistics and partner relations for a 10,000-attendee international conference, overseeing exhibitor management and sponsor activations.
- Contributed to 50% growth in conference attendance over six years, improving engagement and satisfaction scores to record highs.
- Successfully managed a multimillion-dollar budget, delivering cost savings and profitability annually.
- Led recruitment and on-site coordination for 200+ volunteers, fostering community engagement.
- Implemented modern conference technology platforms to enhance attendee experience and operational efficiency.
- Produced high-profile events featuring global figures including Kofi Annan, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, and Caroline Kennedy.
- Mentored and developed a team of direct reports, nurturing leadership growth and performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Vermont
Skills
- Strategic event design and execution
- Stakeholder engagement
- Risk management
- Vendor partnerships
- Project and vendor management
- Marketing and communications strategy
- Operational expertise
- Budgeting and financial oversight
- Contract negotiation
- Event technology and production
- Volunteer management
Career Highlights
- Delivered NAFSA's first-ever virtual and hybrid conferences during the pandemic, successfully restoring pre-pandemic attendance levels by 03/2023.
- Directed conferences generating $12M annually, contributing 60% of the association's overall revenue.
- Increased conference attendance by 50% over six years while improving attendee satisfaction to a record 90%.
- Produced large-scale events featuring world leaders such as Kofi Annan, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, and Caroline Kennedy.
- Oversaw implementation of modern event technologies to streamline operations and elevate the attendee experience.
- Built and led high-performing cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
Certification
- Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), Convention Industry Council, 01/2011
- Digital Event Strategist (DES), PCMA, 01/2020
- Crisis Management and Risk Assessment for Events Certificate (inaugural class), PCMA, 01/2025
Early Career Experience
Consultant, Meeting Insites International, Falls Church, VA
Director of Programs, Federal Bar Association, Washington, DC
Conference Manager, Hotel Jerome, Aspen, CO
Timeline
Senior Director, Conferences, Meetings & Virtual Events
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
07.2021 - Current
Director, Conferences and Meetings
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
01.2011 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Vermont
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