Wendy Swenson
Palmer,AK
Summary
Effective Marketing Communications leader handling wide-ranging needs with strategic mindset and tactical expertise. Proven successes in building brands, maximizing engagement and coordinating cohesive strategies across outlets and platforms. Skilled in project management, budgets, leading cross-functional teams and vendors for marketing, public relations, and event coordination.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF TOURISM MARKETING
Alaska Travel Industry Association/Travel Alaska
01.2022 - Current
- Develop and execute annual marketing and communications plan and budget.
- Manage small marketing staff and external contractors and all segments of the program including website, public & media relations, travel trade and international, sustainability and paid media.
- Work closely with the PR & Media Agency of Record on press releases, branding communications, crisis communications, media events and organic social media content and distribution.
- Work with staff to develop email communications to members and external audiences for sales and brand awareness.
- Communicate monthly, quarterly and annually with Marketing Committee, Board of Directors and industry partners through prepared reports and and in-person presentations.
- Launched a new website that has recorded double digit increases in traffic, page views and partner referrals year-over-year.
- Launched new marketing campaign with a year-round, always-on approach that has garnered over 15 awards and nominations at local, regional, national and international levels.
- The 2023 marketing campaign influenced $2.1 billion in spending, 615,500 trips and $378 to 1 return on investment (Smarinsights)
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Destination Yellowstone (West Yellowstone CVB)
01.2013 - 01.2021
- Devised marketing plans using digital strategies, print advertising, and word of mouth tactics.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Created content and promotional materials to drive engagement and conversions.
- Deployed well-coordinated campaigns, events and public relations strategies to promote brand.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Optimized email campaigns to increase open and click-through rates.
- Devised content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.
- Coordinated with creative team to generate dynamic marketing content and communication tools for promotional campaigns.
- Consistently met and exceeded annual marketing objectives,
including increase in Lodging Facilities Use Tax collections
year-over-year 4-8%.
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Big Sky Chamber/CVB
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Managed Big Sky's brand awareness through marketing and communication campaigns.
- Executed marketing plan, budget, and vendor relations for Visit Big Sky.
- Assisted in the research, layout, and promotion of the Big Sky community through graphic design, media placement, cooperative programs, and events.
MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR
Big Sky Town Center
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Acted as representative for public and media relations for the development and events.
- Created and managed social media marketing content and strategies.
- Created and managed events, open houses and special events with merchants and other community organizations.
- Developed internal and external promotional materials, brand kits and messaging.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Mass Communications And Advertising
Rochester Community And Technical College
Rochester, MN05.1995
Skills
- Communications
- Project Management
- Budgeting & Financials
- Graphic Design & Publishing
- Innovative
- Detail Oriented
- Data-Driven
- Progressive Thinker
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF TOURISM MARKETING
Alaska Travel Industry Association/Travel Alaska
01.2022 - Current
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Destination Yellowstone (West Yellowstone CVB)
01.2013 - 01.2021
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Big Sky Chamber/CVB
01.2012 - 01.2013
MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR
Big Sky Town Center
01.2008 - 01.2013
Associate of Applied Science - Mass Communications And Advertising
Rochester Community And Technical College
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