Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteerism
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Sarah LaFrance

Sturbridge ,MA
Sarah LaFrance

Summary

Highly organized and detail-oriented professional passionate about executing exceptional events that achieve established goals. Experience with planning, budgeting and coordinating wide variety of both small-scale and large-scale events. Strong communicator and negotiator able to foster relationships with key stakeholders and vendors.

Overview

19
years of professional experience

Work History

Carlson Wagonlit
Minneapolis, MN

Meetings and Events Planner
09.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Developed customized event proposals tailored to client needs and budgets for successful event outcomes.
  • Delivered memorable corporate events by coordinating unique entertainment options and catering selections tailored to the audience''s preferences.
  • Managed all event logistics, ensuring seamless execution and positive guest experiences.
  • Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts, resulting in significant cost savings for clients.
  • Monitored event budgets closely, identifying opportunities to reduce expenses without compromising quality or guest experience.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by meticulously planning and executing high-impact events.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion of event tasks and milestones.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester MA

Assistant Director, Student Success
05.2017 - 09.2022

Job overview

  • Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.
  • Created and updated records and files to maintain document compliance.
  • Coordinated and communicated lifecycle of graduate program with students, corporate sponsors and faculty.
  • Subject matter expert for new student orientations, process improvement and virtual learning.
  • Contributed to $15 million budget, net $3.5 million from corporate cohort students.
  • Assisted the Director in developing innovative programs to improve students academic performance and retention rate.

Access TCA, Inc.
Whitinsville, MA

Procurement and Events Manager
02.2013 - 04.2017

Job overview

  • Managed budgets effectively, optimizing allocation of resources to maximize event impact.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to attendees, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Streamlined event operations for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness through comprehensive logistical management.
  • Led cross-functional teams in the execution of successful events, fostering collaboration and communication among all stakeholders.

SER Exposition Services
Worcester, MA

Event Services Manager
10.2004 - 01.2013

Job overview

  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring all events were delivered on time and within allocated financial resources.
  • Optimized resource allocation by efficiently scheduling staff members based on workload requirements during peak times of demand.
  • Mentored junior staff members, enhancing their skills in event management and customer service.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing exceptional event services and seamless coordination.
  • Ensured compliance with local regulations and industry standards throughout each stage of the event planning process.
  • Coordinated transportation arrangements for guests including airport pickups/drop-offs as well as group shuttles between hotel accommodations and event venues.
  • Managed multiple events simultaneously, ensuring timely execution and successful outcomes.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing the best possible pricing for clients without compromising quality or service levels.

Education

Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA

Master of Science from Non-Profit Management And Philanthropy
10.2018

University Overview

Widener University

Bachelor of Science from Hospitality Management
05.1997

University Overview

Skills

  • Guest Management
  • Multicultural Sensitivity
  • Onsite Execution
  • Transportation Management
  • Menu Planning
  • Contract Review
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Venue Selection
  • Registration management
  • Accommodation Arrangements
  • Events logistics management

Volunteerism

Volunteerism

· Dignity Matters Community Volunteer

· TouchTomorrow Volunteer Committee, WPI, Worcester, MA

· Ted, Tantasqua Education Foundation, Grants Committee

· WPI/CPE Division, Co-Chair, Adopt-A-Kid Annual Christmas Program, Worcester, MA

· Big Brother, Big Sister of Boston, Volunteer and “Big” Sister

· Jr. Achievement Volunteer, Worcester, MA

· Burgess Elementary School PTO

· Trails Committee Chair for Burgess Discovery Trail

o Recipient of 2017 Pinnacle Award, TREK Sturbridge

Availability
See my work availability
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Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments

Accomplishments
  • Built strong relationships with vendors such as florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, and officiants to take hassle out of wedding planning.
  • Executed over 45 events in 2023.
  • Negotiated with vendors to obtain cost-effective services, saving clients average of $1000 per meeting.

Interests

Volunteering

Hiking

Reading

Cooking

Timeline

Meetings and Events Planner
Carlson Wagonlit
09.2022 - Current
Assistant Director, Student Success
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
05.2017 - 09.2022
Procurement and Events Manager
Access TCA, Inc.
02.2013 - 04.2017
Event Services Manager
SER Exposition Services
10.2004 - 01.2013
Bay Path University
Master of Science from Non-Profit Management And Philanthropy
Widener University
Bachelor of Science from Hospitality Management

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Sarah LaFrance