Sarah B. Wajda
Washington ,DC
Summary
Director with extensive experience in budget management and strategic planning. Successfully led multi-million-dollar events across 15 countries, significantly increasing profitability and client satisfaction. Proficient in contract negotiation and change management, fostering organizational success through effective communication and innovative solutions.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Events,
Independent Contractor
01.2015 - Current
- Managed multi-million-dollar budgets for various high-profile projects.
- Oversaw program development and implementation, aligning with company objectives.
- Directed change management processes to ensure smooth transitions across projects.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to maximize organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments to enhance communication and project alignment.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop strategic initiatives and drive organizational goals.
- Executed requests for proposals and conducted international site inspections for program selection.
- Developed messaging and theme content, including website design and branding materials.
- Designed and executed multi-day program agendas to facilitate seamless events.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure optimal service agreements.
- Coordinated team schedules and managed logistics for effective operations.
- Maintained executive relations through strategic scheduling and communication efforts.
- Oversaw speaker management, press relations, and influencer engagement for enhanced visibility.
Event Sales Manager
21c Museum Hotel
Bentonville, USA
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: 21c is a cutting-edge boutique hotel with contemporary art, hospitality, culinary experiences and rich local flavor.
- Directly responsible for the achievement of hotel catering revenues, ensuring successful events, exceeding client needs and company profitability guidelines
- Building a local client base through outside sales calls, prospecting, networking and referrals, focusing on all local markets
- Achieve and exceed budgeted revenue averaging and booking goals
- Prepare monthly reports as requested, such as monthly pace reports, sales inquiry, sales site visits, sales action plan, etc.
- Creation of contract through Delphi collaborating with sales team where appropriate
- Maintain various financial responsibilities: tracking Accounts Receivable, reconciliation between Banquet Event Order and client bill, assure accuracy in financial reporting
- 21c is a cutting-edge boutique hotel with contemporary art, hospitality, culinary experiences and rich local flavor.
Education
Consumer and Family Sciences
Western Kentucky University
Skills
- Budget management
- Strategic planning
- Contract negotiation
- Change management
- Problem solving
- Organizational development
- Marketing
- Effective communication
- Vendor coordination
- Schedule management
Global Projects Across 15 Countries
- 28 Incentive Trips
- 32 Sales Kickoffs
- 4 Analyst Days
- 54 Road Shows
- 5 Initial Public Offerings (IPO)
- 6 Investor Days at NASDAQ or New York Stock Exchange
- 12 Customer Advisory Boards
- 6 Partner Conferences
- 10 Large Trade Shows (over 1,000 people)
- 18 Small Trade Shows, including booth design and management
- 20 Corporate Celebrations
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Senior Director, Events,
Independent Contractor
01.2015 - Current
Event Sales Manager
21c Museum Hotel
01.2012 - 01.2015
Consumer and Family Sciences
Western Kentucky University
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