Paul McGraw
Columbus,Ohio
Summary
Motivated Event Manager bringing a decades worth of experience delivering small to large-scale convention events on-time and within stringent budgets. Talented at identifying potential problems, promptly mitigating obstacles, and actively resolving conflicts to ensure client satisfaction and a positive attendee experience. Background managing occasions from small, private affairs to large corporate conferences.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Manager
The Game Manufacturers Association
Columbus , OH
05.2014 - 10.2025
- Organized venues, guest lists, and event timelines.
- Met with potential clients to perform site inspections and give tours of the facility, meeting rooms, and offered activities.
- Handled client questions and concerns via different communication channels to deliver exceptional customer service.
- Maintained adherence to client-event requirements through delegation, prioritizing, and management of production phases from concept to execution.
- Designed contracts and booked venues for events.
- Assembled creative and innovative event attractions based on internal capabilities, or outsourced to qualified vendors.
- Attended and participated in industry events.
- Designed and maintained spreadsheets documenting vendor, facility, and guest information.
- Coached and counseled employees to reflect the company's service standards and procedures.
- Coordinated and allocated equipment, supplies, and staff for events.
- Worked with professional and trade associations to create memorable, successful events.
- Recruited sponsors for events, and planned the scope of involvement, financial tie-ins, and promotional aspects for mutual benefit.
- Chose facilities, inspected spaces, and planned setup and execution to exceed client expectations.
- Applied industry knowledge and personal expertise to customize meetings, conferences, and conventions to specific standards.
- Selected catering services for different types of events, balancing cost, menu, and term options against client demands.
- Oversaw advanced event registration and day-of check-in to handle a high volume of guests.
- Followed local regulations for events, and obtained the necessary permits.
- Conferred with customers to gather event requirements, and explore opportunities.
- Documented events with details on customer preferences, financial considerations, and successes and failures.
- Sourced speakers and special guests for a wide range of corporate, industry, and charitable events.
- Drove growth in the event management business by continuously researching and implementing improved strategies to exceed client expectations.
Retail Department Manager
Walmart
Lima, OH
03.2011 - 05.2014
- Handled shift overstock, restocking and inventory control.
- Worked closely with sales associates to complete tasks.
- Followed safety protocols and company processes and procedures.
- Modeled supportive leadership qualities, motivating staff to achieve department goals and promote staff participation and team building.
- Performed opening and closing duties as part of management team and handled cash management.
- Enforced safety rules and other policies to protect employees and minimize company liability.
- Exercised discretion and judgment in managing fast-paced environment adapting to change with sense of urgency.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.
- Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Computer Science Engineering
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, OHHigh School Diploma -
Elida High School
Elida, OH06.2010
Skills
- Logistics coordination
- Team leadership and supervision
- Contract negotiations and administration
- Service coordination
- Client relations
- Staff leadership
- Conference and convention planning
- Problem anticipation and resolution
- Regulatory and legal compliance
- Staff training
- Program planning and development
- Customer service-driven
- Managing events from start to finish
- Crisis management
- Operations oversight
- Proficiency with software tools for planning and data gathering includes Microsoft Word, Excel, AutoCAD, Mondaycom, and various event planning software systems
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Event Manager
The Game Manufacturers Association
05.2014 - 10.2025
Retail Department Manager
Walmart
03.2011 - 05.2014
High School Diploma -
Elida High School
Some College (No Degree) - Computer Science Engineering
The Ohio State University