LEIGH CHERNER
Kensington,MD
Summary
Seasoned Event Planning Professional with 18 years of experience managing high-profile corporate and executive events for VIPs, including heads of state and A-list clientele. Expert in organizing complex programs with a focus on detail and quality. Led cross-functional teams to optimize processes and deliver exceptional experiences.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Director, International Congress Strategy
American College of Cardiology
04.2023 - Current
- Leads cross-functional strategy for ACC’s presence at 50+ global cardiovascular congresses annually, aligning efforts across international affairs, marketing, education, and business development.
- Manages planning and logistics for ACC symposia, webinars, faculty participation, and international leadership travel.
- Coordinates 35+ high-level leadership and bilateral meetings annually at ACC and ESC conferences.
- Plans and executes international corporate and social events, including the International President’s Dinners, Steering Committee Dinners, President's Receptions and Assembly of International Governor's Meetings.
- Oversees development and maintenance of systems tracking global event participation, speakers, topics, travel, and outcomes.
- Serves as liaison to local cardiovascular societies, strengthening global partnerships and brand visibility.
- Ensures cohesive branding across global events through coordination with marketing and chapter teams.
- Develops and implement communications strategies (newsletters, social media, press releases) in collaboration with internal teams.
- Provides comprehensive logistical support for ACC leadership, including travel, briefings, visas, and dossiers.
- Continuously improves operational systems to streamline global event execution and engagement
- Operates daily in a highly visible and collaborative role with the C-Suite and Presidential Team functioning with professionalism and anticipatory service.
Manager, Meetings, Events & Logistics
American College of Cardiology
02.2020 - 03.2023
- Managed RFPs, site selection, contract negotiations, and hotel room blocks for staff, faculty, VIPs, and vendors to ensure successful event execution.
- Led logistics for internal and external ACC events, overseeing end-to-end planning, execution, and onsite management.
- Coordinated registration via Cvent, housing lists, ground transportation, and offsite dinners to enhance participant experience.
- Served as main point of contact for external participants and vendors; led pre-conference meetings.
- Developed and monitored event budgets, estimates, and final billing to maintain financial accountability.
- Collaborated with Travel Management, AV, and other internal teams to align event logistics
- Researched and implemented tools to enhance event planning (e.g., registration, signage, F&B, social media, and floor plans).
Manager, Conference Center
American College of Cardiology
05.2017 - 01.2020
- Led operations for a full-service conference center, executing over 100 meetings annually, and managing scheduling, logistics, vendors, and budgets.
- Acted as a subject matter expert for clients, delivering strategic planning, contract negotiation, and high-touch service for VIP events.
- Enhanced space utilization and client experience by implementing reporting, process improvements, and leading cross-functional initiatives.
Senior Manager, Meetings & Special Events
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C
Washington D.C
01.2013 - 05.2017
- Led delivery of high-profile corporate events, galas, and social functions for heads of state, A-list celebrities, and ultra-high-profile VIPs, including the President of the United States.
- Directed all event logistics and experience design, driving flawless execution, elevated guest experience, and consistent service excellence.
- Served as primary client liaison, providing discreet, white-glove service while coordinating with hotel departments, vendors, and security teams to ensure seamless event execution.
- Established strong vendor partnerships, enhanced revenue through strategic upselling and forecasting, and facilitated hiring and development of Meetings & Special Events team.
Manager, Events
Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel
Washington D.C
06.2011 - 01.2013
- Oversaw 177 events annually, generating $3M+ in hotel revenue.
- Managed large-scale corporate events for an 807-room convention hotel with 70,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space, serving as primary client liaison from contract through execution.
- Collaborated with cross-functional hotel teams (Sales, F&B, A/V, Facilities) to ensure seamless delivery of high-quality events.
- Managed affiliate program for three citywide conventions, contracting and coordinating space for 50 concurrent programs.
Manager, Events
Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center
Gaithersburg
01.2010 - 06.2011
- Managed planning and logistics of functions in the hotel's meeting and events space, including contract review, menu planning, agenda setting, billing, conducting site inspections, and communication with clients and hotel staff.
Assistant, Large Group Sales
Marriott International, Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Office
01.2009 - 07.2010
- Collaborated with sales managers to select meeting spaces that met customer needs and optimized hotel revenue.
- Developed sales agreements and tailored proposals for client presentations.
- Supported 35 of Marriott’s largest Full-service and Convention hotels in the DC & Baltimore metropolitan areas.
- Facilitated efficient operations by managing administrative functions. to a team of sales managers.
Assistant, Leisure Sales
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
11.2007 - 07.2009
- Increased transient room revenue through effective selling and up-selling of upgraded room categories, dining, and activities.
- Generated new business by qualifying potential customers through targeted telephone outreach and local sales calls.
- Established and maintained relationships with travel agents and wholesalers worldwide.
- Managed VIP lists, arranged amenities, and designed custom marketing materials to enhance guest experiences.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration in Marketing
THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
Boulder, CO05.2007
Skills
- Event logistics
- Attention to detail
- Cross-functional strategy
- Multitasking Abilities
- Organizational skills
- Situational awareness
- Anticipating needs
- Proactive
- Budget management
- Customer relationship management
- Vendor negotiation
- Process improvement
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Event planning
- Travel coordination
- Analytical and critical thinking
Certification
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Convention Industry Council
- Cvent Certified
Timeline
Associate Director, International Congress Strategy
American College of Cardiology
04.2023 - Current
Manager, Meetings, Events & Logistics
American College of Cardiology
02.2020 - 03.2023
Manager, Conference Center
American College of Cardiology
05.2017 - 01.2020
Senior Manager, Meetings & Special Events
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C
01.2013 - 05.2017
Manager, Events
Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel
06.2011 - 01.2013
Manager, Events
Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center
01.2010 - 06.2011
Assistant, Large Group Sales
Marriott International, Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Office
01.2009 - 07.2010
Assistant, Leisure Sales
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
11.2007 - 07.2009
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration in Marketing
THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO