Sara Ross, CMP

• Directed a $3.5M budget and reduced operating costs by 11% through strategic vendor negotiations and cost management.
• Responsible for operational expenses, scheduling, planning and vendor contracting for portfolio of 25+ tech conferences, seminars and executive events ranging in size from 10 to over 1,500 attendees.
• Led team of 7 event professionals across multiple business units creating frameworks and processes to increase ROI and allow two event divisons to be successfully sold.
• Negotiated venue agreements and MSA’s saving over $500,000 and mitigating risk.
• Planned international events for executive events, SKO's, chairman’s club and incentive programs at international locations.
• Increased conference attendee satisfaction scores by 17% in 2 years.
• Implemented unique event activations to increase attendee engagement and satisfaction.
• Realigned and pivoted events to virtual and hybrid formats during COVID; selected virtual platforms and created company-wide COVID-19 response protocols.

• Orchestrated end-to-end logistics for conferences, product launches, and trade shows driving a 12% increase in attendance and 23% increase in event contribution.
• Duties included venue inspections and site selection, contract negotiation, room sets, floor plans, BEO's, hiring and management of all vendor partners including audio/visual, catering, décor, signage, registration, transportation, temporary help and housing.
• Developed and monitored KPIs to assess performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency across multiple departments and business divisions.

Magna Cum Laude