RACHEL D. CALDWELL
Https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheldcaldwell/
Summary
Energetic, detail-oriented venue and event management industry veteran. Experience ranging from managing small and large venues to business meetings and multi-million-dollar annual events. Thrives on problem solving under pressure.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Venue Management Training & Administration Manager
2026 FIFA World Cup
08.2024 - 08.2026
- Developed and delivered workshops and leadership training for Venue Management team in collaboration with Center for Creative Leadership and Johnson Space Center.
- Creation of templates, oversight, and management of Stadium Operating Plans for 9 client group owners and 33 functional areas across 16 stadiums
- Oversaw development of policies and procedures for stadium operating hours, gates opening, ingress and egress, ensuring alignment across 50 additional policies for FWC2026 and FCWC25.
- Managed parking allotment process for FIFA Stadium Workforce, deploying over 2500 physical and digital parking passes for FWC2026 and FCWC2025.
- Managed event logistics for workshops and trainings inclusive of travel and lodging arrangements, content development, meeting logistics (set-up and A/V), and on-site management and delivery
- Developed systems for file keeping and communication for planning and operational phase across all 3 headquarters offices and 16 stadiums
Sr. Event Manager
American College of Rheumatology
09.2022 - 08.2024
- Directed and executed ACR's events through comprehensive planning, including research, creative planning, budget management, contracting, production, and post-event evaluation
- Led budgeting process for College, managing initial projections and quarterly forecasting to adapt to fluctuating event needs
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures and Policy Library to streamline processes for registration, travel, and reporting
- Identified and implemented strategies for process improvement to enhance the end-user experience with an eye for supporting the overall strategic direction of the College
Sr. Event Manager
Georgia World Congress Center
09.2016 - 09.2022
- Manage venue logistics for tradeshows, conventions, sporting events, executive meetings, and television/movie productions representing 7-8 figure economic impact on the City of Atlanta and State of Georgia
- Managed venue operations as Lead Event Manager, making independent decisions aligned with facility policies to enhance event execution.
- Reviewed contracts and coordinated operational bookings to integrate multiple events into cohesive operational plans across spaces up to 4 million square feet.
- Evaluate client/event specifications in conjunction with facility capabilities, regulations, and policies to create event logistics and operational plan
- Lead interdepartmental and external meetings, pre- and post-event, to ensure logistical and operational success and opportunities
- Assessed inventory availability and addressed shortages on an event-by-event basis to ensure seamless logistics.
Education
Venue Management School
Internatonal Association of Venue Management
06-2022
Event Planning Certificate -
Emory University
Atlanta01-2015
Juris Doctor -
University of Georgia School of Law
Athens, GA01-2012
B.A. - Psychology
Auburn University
Auburn01-2008
Skills
- Venue management
- Event logistics
- Budget management
- Operational efficiency
- Meeting coordination
- Workflow planning
- Client relationship management
- Strategic planning
- Team building and motivation
- Employee management
- Staff training and development
- Problem solving
Affiliations
- Professional Conference Managers Association (PCMA) Member, 2023 - 2024
- Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) Special Events Co-Chair, 2021-2022
- International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Venue Management School Graduate, 2022 Region 5 Newsletter Chair, 2020-2022 Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Committee, 2021 Venue Connect Program Committee, 2021 Member, 2018-2023
EVENT EXPERIENCE
- 2018 College Football Championship
- 2020 Men's Final Four
- 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Advocacy Meetings
- Annual Conferences
- Board of Directors Meetings
- Ernst & Young Annual Partner Meeting
- Hot Chocolate 15K/5K
- Microsoft MBAS
- Professional Continuing Education Meetings
- Rotary International
- SEC College Football Championship
- Super Bowl LIII
Timeline
Venue Management Training & Administration Manager
2026 FIFA World Cup
08.2024 - 08.2026
Sr. Event Manager
American College of Rheumatology
09.2022 - 08.2024
Sr. Event Manager
Georgia World Congress Center
09.2016 - 09.2022
Venue Management School
Internatonal Association of Venue Management
Event Planning Certificate -
Emory University
Juris Doctor -
University of Georgia School of Law
B.A. - Psychology
Auburn University