LIZ SORRENTINO

• Producing two events for the festival which includes securing chef talent, travel, itinerary, stipends, event design, venue liaison, PR and marketing efforts, sponsor integrations, management of outside vendors on catering, rental needs, power specs, signage, insurance, credentials, delivery, load-in/out, and schedule for each event

Manage and organize all ancillary events taking place during the James Beard Awards weekend in Chicago

• Developed overall blueprint for the festival including: concept, programming, individual components, schedule, theme, etc
• Managed project timeline, and all team members
• Managed talent communication (application, letters, itineraries and travel needs)
• Managed production company on vendor RFP process: budget, negotiation and contracts including: venues, staffing, equipment, audio/visual, power, security, sanitation, permit expediting, etc
• Oversaw event marketing, promotional and public relations efforts
• Solicitation of sponsorship and exhibitors for all events; sustain existing sponsors
• Sponsor and vendor contract writing, negotiation, activation, and entitlement fulfillment.

• Client Projects include: Plate Magazine’s Protein Summit, Plate Cooks and Chefs Tables – Chicago & U.S
• Cities
• Multivac’s 25th Anniversary Gala at House of Blues - Chicago, IL
• Handtmann’s Grand Opening & Anniversary – Lake Forest, IL.

• Managed sponsor relationships and placements at high-profile annual events (12 Rising Stars Galas and 3 International Chefs Congresses) which included event planning, brand integration, trade show and culinary demos
• Created and maintained annual marketing budgets and projected sponsorship revenue.

• Directed all aspects of event coordination including including sponsorship, publicity and collateral materials for media dinners, restaurant openings and sporting events
• Created brand awareness through media placements and special events for clients such as: Nike, Jamba Juice, gourmet grocery Fox & Obel and Glaxo Smith Kline (Orange Bowl 2001).