Sarena Baker
Event Coordinator
Stephens City,VA
Summary
To obtain a part time or flexible full time position as an Event Coordinator with Volkswagen. Accomplished client-focused event coordinator with over 10 years of experience in project planning and execution. Superb command of consulting with clients to determine objectives and needs for event. Excellent skills at contract negotiations, vendor relationships and day-of-event emergencies.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Coordinator
NERO
Washington , DC
01.2019 - Current
- Communication with Director to assist with one/two events per month in-person and virtual
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes, and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Planned large-scale events such as trade shows, conferences, and meetings.
- Organized, coordinated, and deployed 8-10 events per year while focusing on delivering superior customer service.
- Selected and ordered décor and event materials.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations for rehearsal and day of event coordination.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Solicited feedback from clients to assess event success and uncover opportunities for improvement.
- Liaised with marketing and PR colleagues to promote special events in social calendars.
- Streamlined event efficiencies by accurately coordinating and managing customer itineraries.
- Led vendor negotiations to obtain cost-effective services and products
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
- Arranged availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation and displays for various types of events.
- Utilized internal databases to prepare and distribute guest lists, electronic invitations and registration processes.
- Designed and implemented efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships.
- Reviewed event bills to confirm accuracy and approve payment.
- Evaluated and selected service providers and vendors according to customer requirements.
- Organized, coordinated and deployed 8-10 events per year while focusing on delivering superior customer service.
- Communicated with catering, lighting and sound companies to obtain price quotes.
- Acquired contracts and agreements to finalize negotiations and obtain approval signatures.
- Inspected event facilities to confirm conformance to customer requirements.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking and event promotions.
Real Estate Agent
Realty FC
Stephens City, VA
05.2014 - Current
- 2.5 Million Dollars in sales revenue each year for the past three years
- Communicates with clients regularly about market trends and local area home pricing
- Maintains CRM regularly to enhance marketing goals
- Schedules weekly appointments and schedules with clients
- Negotiates client offers to attain maximum ROI
- Reviews real estate contracts
- Provides exemplary customer service by being available to clients on a daily basis
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients through networking, postcards, and cold calling
- Assisted clients in financial planning for their home purchase
- Advertised client properties through websites, social media, and real estate guides
- Liaised between buyers and sellers to provide positive experiences for both parties
- Maintained connections with clients to encourage repeat business and referrals
- Marketed and sold the property for clients by hosting open houses and advertising online and in print
- Negotiated, facilitated, and managed real estate transactions
- Wrote listings detailing and professionally highlighting property features to increase sales chances
- Collected fees and documented payment processes for property transactions
- Managed contracts, negotiations, and all aspects of sales to finalize purchases and exceed customer expectations
- Reviewed market research data and changed sales plans accordingly
- Presented purchase offers to sellers for consideration
- Assisted clients in financial planning for the purchase of their new home
Owner and Event Manager
Sweetface Events - Co
Herndon, VA
05.2009 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations
- Optimized team hiring, training, and performance
- Established foundational processes for business operations
- Directed market expansions to propel the business forward, and meet changing customer needs
- Developed sales presentations and promotion initiatives to key accounts to drive product sales and increase brand awareness
- Maximized operational excellence by mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures
- Maintained up-to-date administrative records to monitor operational conditions
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers
Local Promotions Director
WAVA Radio
Arlington, VA
05.2007 - 04.2009
- Coordinated all station co-sponsored local events: on-air, on-line and on-site
- Updated web information of Station Events and created monthly newsletters
- Worked closely with Sales Team to create Sales opportunities and turn-key promotions
- Responsible for Station Public Service Announcements and Community Calendar
- Maintained Sales Advertising Accounts and created New Business Opportunities through Trade
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Monitored company inventory to keep stock levels and databases updated.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
Account Executive
DC magazine
Washington, DC
06.2005 - 01.2007
- Responsible for acquiring local and regional print accounts for DC magazine’s Travel, Real Estate and Home and Dining ad sections
- Daily administration and account maintenance of over 100 local and regional clients through cold-calling, daily presentations of magazine, client meetings and direct out of office Sales
- Provide clients with weekly updates by creating turn-key Sales and Marketing advertising programs, direct mail correspondence, DC market updates on demographic research, and invitations to DC magazine events
- Work closely with other Modern Luxury markets to facilitate advertiser’s marketing needs in Special Events and Silent Auction opportunities
- Built and strengthened relationships with new and existing accounts to drive revenue growth
- Negotiated sales deals between customers and agency, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements and cultivated relationships
- Gathered information from clients to secure accounts, verify payment and identify special requirements
- Cold called, canvassed and obtained referrals to develop sales pipeline
- Reviewed accounts monthly to monitor and track customer satisfaction and complaints
- Attended networking events to build relationships and identify sales opportunities
- Serviced accounts and proposed new products and services to maximize revenue
Account Executive
ABC Radio
Washington, DC
05.2005 - 05.2006
- Enhanced unique advertising relationships and renewed existing Sales and Marketing business with Smooth Jazz Radio Sales accounts for: BET Jazz, DC Lottery, Fannie Mae Foundation, Tourism Boards, Clinical Trial Companies and The Wolf Trap Foundation
- Wrote and developed creative for new advertiser’s who needed :30 and :60 second commercial scripts
- Developed turn-key advertising programs for client’s in need of creative radio, print and online marketing
- Used MRI Research to provide qualitative and quantitative data to help advertiser’s understand market trends, business needs and demographics
- Resolved issues promptly to drive satisfaction and enhance customer service
- Gathered information from clients to secure accounts, verify payment and identify special requirements
- Cold called, canvassed and obtained referrals to develop sales pipeline
- Reviewed accounts monthly to monitor and track customer satisfaction and complaints
- Attended networking events to build relationships and identify sales opportunities
- Prepared additional quotes for current clients to upsell products and services
- Executed successful sales strategies to convert leads into customers
- Negotiated sales deals between customers and agency, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements and cultivated relationships
- Built and strengthened relationships with new and existing accounts to drive revenue growth
- Serviced accounts and proposed new products and services to maximize revenue
- Created and executed account strategies to translate organizational goals into client activities
- Collaborated with internal teams to develop account strategy
Education
Center For Professional Development - Multimedia
George Washington University
Washington, DC07.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Media Information and Technology
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
The University of Western Ontario
London Ontario, Canada 05.2000
Skills
- Vendor Relationships
- Operational Efficiency
- Special Events
- Printing Materials
- Agenda Setting and Control
- Problem Anticipation and Resolution
- Vendor Negotiations
- Signage and Display Preparation
- Conference and Convention Planning
- Event Execution
- Event Planning and Assistance
An avid coffee drinker, thrifter and podcast enthusiast.
In my free time, I love drinking good coffee. In my commutes to work I enjoy various podcasts that I can share with the family. Who doesn't love a good thrift store find?
Timeline
Event Coordinator
NERO
01.2019 - Current
Real Estate Agent
Realty FC
05.2014 - Current
Owner and Event Manager
Sweetface Events - Co
05.2009 - Current
Local Promotions Director
WAVA Radio
05.2007 - 04.2009
Account Executive
DC magazine
06.2005 - 01.2007
Account Executive
ABC Radio
05.2005 - 05.2006
Center For Professional Development - Multimedia
George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Media Information and Technology
The University of Western Ontario
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
The University of Western Ontario
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