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

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

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.

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

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
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse

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

Similar Profiles

  • Luv Shrivastava

    Luv ShrivastavaLuv Shrivastava

    Team Leader, Operations & Price Optimisation at Carlson Wagonlit Travel India Pvt. LtdTeam Leader, Operations & Price Optimisation at Carlson Wagonlit Travel India Pvt. Ltd

  • MARK URICK

    MARK URICKMARK URICK

    Senior Corporate Travel Consultant at Carlson Wagonlit TravelSenior Corporate Travel Consultant at Carlson Wagonlit Travel

  • Sarder Hasanul Banna

    Sarder Hasanul BannaSarder Hasanul Banna

    Senior Travel Consultant / Head of Travel Desk at British American Tobacco Bangladesh (on behalf of Carlson Wagonlit Travel BD)Senior Travel Consultant / Head of Travel Desk at British American Tobacco Bangladesh (on behalf of Carlson Wagonlit Travel BD)

  • Anthony Maxwell

    Anthony MaxwellAnthony Maxwell

    Senior Technical Business Analyst at CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel)Senior Technical Business Analyst at CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel)

  • Sherman Blair

    Sherman BlairSherman Blair

    Press Operator at Stat Products Inc.Press Operator at Stat Products Inc.

CREATE PROFILE
Sarah LaFrance