Shari Wirkus
Watertown,US
Summary
Dynamic Events and Meetings Manager with a proven track record at NATE, excelling in logistics management and communication. Successfully managed budgets and coordinated impactful events, enhancing attendee engagement and satisfaction. Adept at fostering teamwork and collaboration, I consistently deliver results that align with organizational goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Concession Coordinator
Conference Direct
Folsom, California
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Developed concessions spreadsheets for event planners.
- Coordinated with conference managers to determine that events were utilizing concessions.
- Uploaded concessions spreadsheets to Passkey.
- Kept in contact with hotels regarding any concession changes.
Events and Meetings Manager
NATE
Watertown, SD
05.2014 - 06.2025
- Managed budgeting processes related to event planning, ensuring costs were kept within allocated limits.
- Organized travel arrangements for NATE staff, including flights, accommodations, and transportation.
- Created comprehensive post-meeting reports detailing key takeaways.
- Worked with Trade Show Committee on ideas for NATE UNITE.
- Sold sponsorships and exhibit space.
- Collaborated with colleagues across departments to ensure effective communication throughout the organization.
- Gathered feedback from attendees post-event in order to evaluate success criteria against objectives set out prior.
- Assisted in developing promotional materials such as brochures or flyers used for marketing purposes.
- Coordinated services for events, such as facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing, and event security.
Certified Prevention Specialist
Northeastern Prevention Resource Center Human Service Agency
Watertown, SD
08.2006 - 02.2014
- Provided technical assistance and guidance on effective approaches for preventing substance misuse among target populations.
- Researched current trends in substance abuse prevention and developed best practices based on findings.
- Maintained records regarding program objectives, outcomes, and metrics used to measure success.
- Coordinated with local organizations to provide resources for prevention initiatives.
- Participated in coalition meetings, conferences, and other events related to health promotion.
- Maintained materials in the Prevention Resource Library that could be used by schools and community members.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for community groups and schools.
- Established partnerships with stakeholders to promote awareness of prevention resources.
- Coordinated events aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing substance use risks.
- Provided prevention education and training to community members on drug use, abuse and addiction.
- Attended conferences and seminars related to current research on best practices for prevention efforts.
News Director
KSDR Radio
Watertown, SD
08.2000 - 08.2005
- Maintained relationships with sources to ensure accuracy and timely delivery of information.
- Kept abreast of current affairs by attending press conferences and reading relevant publications regularly.
- Hosted a morning radio program.
- Delivered the news on-air.
- Attended various community meetings and functions in order to report on the events on the news.
- Interviewed community and state leaders.
- Directed daily news coverage and programming for local radio station.
- Researched, wrote, and edited stories for broadcast.
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Counseling
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD, US05.1996
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Communication Education
Valley City State University
Valley City, ND, US11.1991
Skills
- Logistics management
- Agenda development
- Meeting facilitation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Menu planning
- Teamwork
Timeline
Concession Coordinator
Conference Direct
06.2025 - 01.2026
Events and Meetings Manager
NATE
05.2014 - 06.2025
Certified Prevention Specialist
Northeastern Prevention Resource Center Human Service Agency
08.2006 - 02.2014
News Director
KSDR Radio
08.2000 - 08.2005
Master of Science (M.S.) - Counseling
Northern State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Communication Education
Valley City State University