Shelley Walker
Pleasanton,CA
Summary
Highly motivated Event Director seeking a position with a dynamic organization. I leverage creativity and meticulous planning to execute exceptional events, from conferences and trade shows to executive gatherings. My expertise fosters deeper relationships, strengthens pipelines, and contributes directly to EBITA growth.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Contractor - Events
Culture Partners
01.2021 - Current
- Developed and executed strategic event programs for a robust portfolio of over 20 events (kickoff meetings, executive summits, trade shows, etc.), driving alignment with business objectives.
- Managed all event budgets meticulously, ensuring cost-effectiveness and exceeding financial targets.
- Orchestrated all aspects of event execution, from negotiating contracts and selecting menus to managing evening entertainment, rooming lists, staffing, and comprehensive communication plans.
- Championed a data-driven shift in event strategy, leading to a 30%+ increase in the sales team's pipeline and follow-up meetings.
- Identified and procured the services of new vendors, directly contributing to a 30% plus growth in the demand generation pipeline.
- Built and fostered strong relationships with multiple vendors to ensure seamless event delivery.
- Delivered exceptional customer service with a "can-do" attitude, consistently exceeding attendee expectations.
- Established and implemented post-event evaluation processes to measure event success, identify areas for improvement, and inform future event strategies.
Independent Contractor, Events and Enablement
Quest Software
06.2020 - Current
- Led successful execution of company's first-ever virtual sales kickoff meeting for over 2,000 employees, fostering team engagement and achieving all budgetary goals while introducing creative ideas.
- Steered the transition from Presidents Club to a virtual gifting program for over 300 employees due to COVID-19. Managed the entire process (contracts to delivery) within a $2 million budget.
- Proactively monitored program progress identified potential risks, and implemented corrective actions to ensure programs stayed on track and met objectives.
- Hosted training events and clinics for the internal team, equipping them with valuable skills.
- Curated and recommended hundreds of online courses focused on soft skills development (cold calling to closing) for the sales team, enhancing their performance.
- Authored hundreds of coaching guides for managers to utilize in reinforcing key learnings from training courses, maximizing training impact.
Independent Contractor
Corporate Visions
01.2015 - 03.2023
- Collaborated closely with CEO to conceptualize, budget, and execute annual company incentive trips, creating memorable experiences for employees and their guests.
- Teamed up with marketing and sales to plan, track, and analyze annual customer conference – company's largest revenue-generating event (400 attendees, 3 days).
- Secured best possible terms with event vendors through strategic negotiation, ensuring they deliver exceptional service and meet all agreed-upon deliverables.
- Managed all aspects of executive events, including weekend retreats, sporting events, and dinners, fostering relationships with high-profile executives from well-known companies.
- Partnered with executive team to plan and execute the annual company kickoff and mid-year sales meeting. These events served to train, motivate, and unify the company around key messages, delivery strategies, and annual goals.
Event Director
Corporate Visions
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Worked with CMO and sales team to customize marketing programs in various territories which helped generate an increase in pipeline by over 10%
- Staffed and ran all company trade show events that ranged from 4-6 per year
- Helped promote and publish press releases to get our name out
- Worked with sales to create an event tour in various cities to promote the message that accelerated deals in the pipeline by 3 months.
Field Marketing Specialist
Kronos
05.2004 - 05.2008
- Ran West Area Region's marketing events and campaigns, working with sales and Regional Director
- Was first Field Marketing Specialist in company, eventually there were 13 team members around the world
- Attended and worked at World Wide Customer Conference for company.
Various Positions: Receptionist, Sales, and Marketing
Kronos
01.1997 - 05.2004
Education
Associate of Arts -
Las Positas College
Livermore, California06.1994
Sociology -
Cal State Hayward
Hayward, California01.1994
Skills
- Plan, execute, and deliver comprehensive ROI reports (including metrics like attendance, lead generation, and cost savings) for all company events, demonstrating their tangible business value to stakeholders
- Possess ability to motivate and collaborate with teammates across all levels and departments, fostering unified and enthusiastic event team
- Excel at clear and concise communication, both internally and externally, ensuring all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and accountable throughout event lifecycle
- Bring creatively strategic mindset to transform company events into immersive and unforgettable experiences that resonate with attendees and achieve event goals
- Thrive in both independent and collaborative environments, demonstrating initiative and flexibility to deliver successful events, regardless of working style
- Leverage strong negotiation skills to secure most favorable terms with vendors (hotels, venues, A/V, etc), maximizing event budget efficiency
Timeline
Independent Contractor - Events
Culture Partners
01.2021 - Current
Independent Contractor, Events and Enablement
Quest Software
06.2020 - Current
Independent Contractor
Corporate Visions
01.2015 - 03.2023
Event Director
Corporate Visions
01.2011 - 12.2014
Field Marketing Specialist
Kronos
05.2004 - 05.2008
Various Positions: Receptionist, Sales, and Marketing
Kronos
01.1997 - 05.2004
Associate of Arts -
Las Positas College
Sociology -
Cal State Hayward
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