Liz Shipe
Glendale,WI
Summary
Detail-oriented and innovative event professional with over a decade of experience in corporate and nonprofit event planning, client relations, and logistical coordination. Proven success managing end-to-end event execution from venue sourcing and vendor negotiations to on-site logistics and post-event reporting. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, budget oversight, and creating meaningful client experiences. Known for balancing creative vision with operational excellence, while maintaining calm under pressure and exceeding stakeholder expectations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Relationship Manager | Corporate Event Planner | Marketing Lead
Great Lakes Industrial
11.2022 - Current
- Manage client relationships and internal coordination to ensure successful product delivery and service.
- Oversee and implement new marketing campaigns; manage company website, develop social media content and strategy, and execute targeted outreach.
- Maintain CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot) for prospect tracking and lead nurturing.
- Apply consultative sales approach to identify client needs and deliver tailored solutions.
- Managed the company’s largest account portfolio, increasing client growth by 17% or more year-over-year through proactive relationship management and solution-based selling.
- Won 100% of internal sales competitions set by management, consistently exceeding KPIs and setting benchmarks for team performance.
- Increased attendance by 40% at the company’s flagship engineering seminar through targeted outreach and campaign development.
- Maintained CRM data accuracy at 98%, ensuring timely follow-up and improved sales forecasting.-Plan and execute corporate engineering seminars, including venue selection, vendor coordination, catering, A/V logistics, registration oversight, marketing, and on-site event management.
Sales & Catering Manager | Social Media Lead
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
08.2019 - 11.2022
- Managed event budgets, prepared invoices, and reconciled expenses post-event.
- Conducted on-site event supervision, adapting quickly to last-minute changes.
- Directed social media strategy and content creation, increasing audience engagement.
- Streamlined interdepartmental workflows for efficient event delivery.
- Planned and executed corporate meetings, private dinners, and special events for 10–400 guests.
- Oversaw vendor management, menu selection, A/V coordination, and décor for on-site and off-site events.
- Booked 70% of all incoming event inquiries, converting leads through personalized sales follow-ups and on-site walk-throughs.
- Negotiated vendor contracts that saved an average of 10–15% per event on services like A/V, florals, and catering without sacrificing quality.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Developed comprehensive event proposals that clearly outlined deliverables, timelines, budget requirements based on client input.
- Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
Marketing & PR Manager
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
06.2020 - 04.2021
- Supported events and programming through marketing and public relations.
- Enhanced audience engagement through targeted campaigns and digital storytelling.
- Collaborated with creative teams to align events with brand strategy and institutional goals.
- Launched successful digital initiatives (including livestreamed performances, a new social media video campaign and virtual gala) that attracted over 1,500 unique viewers during the height of pandemic restrictions.
- Managed PR for five seasonal productions, generating coverage in major Milwaukee-area publications and online platforms.
- Produced promotional materials for over 30 events, including opening nights, staged readings, and donor receptions—ensuring consistent branding and clear communication.
- Worked cross-functionally with artistic and production teams to align public messaging with evolving creative objectives on short timelines.
Internal Sales and Catering Manager
Milwaukee Art Museum
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Led internal sales and catering operations for one of Milwaukee’s most prestigious cultural institutions, managing a high volume of events across museum spaces while ensuring alignment with brand standards and guest expectations.
- Planned and executed internal meetings, donor events, staff functions, and board gatherings, handling all logistics including space allocation, catering coordination, vendor management, and setup.
- Served as primary liaison between internal departments and the catering team to ensure smooth communication, consistent service, and timely execution across all museum-hosted functions.
- Created custom event proposals based on departmental goals, balancing aesthetic goals with budgetary limitations and operational requirements.
- Maintained detailed records for internal billing, contracts, and vendor payments, ensuring accurate financial reconciliation and reporting.
- Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to support museum-wide initiatives and high-profile events, often managing multiple programs simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Improved event workflow efficiency by identifying process gaps and introducing new systems for internal request tracking and approvals.
Skills
- Corporate & Social Event Planning
- Client Relations
- Budget Management
- Vendor Negotiation
- CRM Tools (Salesforce, Zoho)
- Public Speaking
- Critical thinking
- Onsite Logistics & Execution
- Team leadership
- Marketing Strategy
- Time management
- Website & Social Media Management
- Attention to detail
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Excellent communication
Timeline
Account Relationship Manager | Corporate Event Planner | Marketing Lead
Great Lakes Industrial
11.2022 - Current
Marketing & PR Manager
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
06.2020 - 04.2021
Sales & Catering Manager | Social Media Lead
The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
08.2019 - 11.2022
Internal Sales and Catering Manager
Milwaukee Art Museum
01.2017 - 08.2017
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