Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Melissa Jones

Roswell,GA

Summary

Results-driven Event Planning and Project Management professional with a proven track record of executing high-profile events for major organizations such as CDC, AT&T, PwC, and Coca-Cola. Expertise in contract negotiation, budget management, and event marketing ensures successful project outcomes. Strong leadership and meticulous attention to detail facilitate seamless event execution from inception to completion. Committed to delivering impactful experiences that align with organizational goals and enhance attendee satisfaction.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Meeting Planner (Contractor)

National Network of Public Health Institutes
11.2018 - Current
  • Managed comprehensive event planning, including site selection, vendor negotiations, and post-event reporting.
  • Coordinated speaker bios and session descriptions for high-profile conferences.
  • Developed and managed event budgets to ensure cost-effective solutions.
  • Optimized travel logistics for attendees while maintaining event quality standards.
  • Created detailed meeting agendas and schedules in collaboration with clients.
  • Planned logistics for large-scale corporate meetings, managing vendor contracts and travel arrangements.

Project Manager & Implementation Senior Associate

PwC
09.2011 - 03.2017
  • Coordinated high-impact events, ensuring seamless execution and logistical efficiency.
  • Developed strategic plans and implemented process improvements to optimize workflows.
  • Forecasted budgets and managed financial planning for operational effectiveness.
  • Led cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and drive performance excellence.

Senior Associate Meeting Planner

PricewaterhouseCoopers
12.2007 - 03.2011
  • Executed planning for large-scale events, achieving high stakeholder engagement and satisfaction.
  • Coordinated logistics and vendor contracts to optimize operational efficiency.
  • Developed training programs for event staff, ensuring consistent service delivery standards.

Meeting & Event Manager

Experient
01.2005 - 01.2007

Corporate Meeting & Tradeshow Manager

NDCHealth
01.2004 - 01.2005

Event Planner

MCI WorldCom
01.2000 - 01.2003

Education

Bachelor of Science - Recreation Management & Tourism

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Skills

  • Meeting and event planning
  • Project management
  • Vendor negotiations
  • Budget management
  • Staff training and leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Relationship building
  • Virtual and hybrid events
  • Registration management
  • Process optimization
  • Stakeholder communication
  • Site selection

Certification

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), January 2008-December 2023

Accomplishments

  • Designed and executed Circle of Excellence awards programs for top-performing agents, delivering a seamless recognition experience that enhanced employee engagement and retention.
  • Lead Planner for the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Grantee Meeting, a high-profile annual event that deepened stakeholder relationships and elevated the organization’s philanthropic impact.
  • Directed a fully virtual conference for 800+ attendees, overseeing all aspects of planning, logistics, and technology—ensuring flawless execution and high attendee satisfaction.
  • Co-managed a 2,000-attendee conference, coordinating 20+ ancillary meetings, streamlining logistics, and aligning with internal and external stakeholders to drive operational success.
  • Negotiated vendor contracts and managed event budgets exceeding $2M for an AT&T Incentive program, delivering high-quality experiences while maximizing cost efficiency.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Senior Meeting Planner (Contractor)

National Network of Public Health Institutes
11.2018 - Current

Project Manager & Implementation Senior Associate

PwC
09.2011 - 03.2017

Senior Associate Meeting Planner

PricewaterhouseCoopers
12.2007 - 03.2011

Meeting & Event Manager

Experient
01.2005 - 01.2007

Corporate Meeting & Tradeshow Manager

NDCHealth
01.2004 - 01.2005

Event Planner

MCI WorldCom
01.2000 - 01.2003

Bachelor of Science - Recreation Management & Tourism

Arizona State University