LAWRENCE KIMERA

Major Events Involved:

• Gold Coast Marathon Expo 2024 – Supported the logistics of a large-scale sports exhibition, including vendor setup, registration management, and visitor flow coordination.
• Business Chicks National Conference – Assisted in coordinating a high-profile women’s leadership conference, gaining exposure to stakeholder engagement, speaker scheduling, and delegate services.
• Gold Coast Careers Festival – Contributed to the planning and execution of a multi-day careers and education expo, working on exhibitor liaison, scheduling, and visitor engagement strategies.
• International Trade & Tourism Forum – Participated in coordinating an international business event, enhancing knowledge of cultural protocols, sponsor relations, and VIP management.

Acquired Knowledge & Skills:

• Developed hands-on experience in event logistics and coordination, including venue setup, AV and technical requirements, exhibitor management, and program scheduling.
• Strengthened knowledge of business events operations, covering sponsorship activation, delegate services, and exhibitor/vendor relations.
• Gained practical insight into risk management, crowd control, and contingency planning for large-scale events with diverse audiences.
• Enhanced understanding of sustainable event practices by supporting initiatives around waste minimisation, digital registration, and eco-conscious catering solutions.
• Built skills in stakeholder communication, liaising with sponsors, exhibitors, international delegates, and event suppliers.
• Improved leadership and teamwork abilities through coordinating volunteers, supporting event staff, and ensuring seamless collaboration across departments.
• Acquired professional confidence in time management, adaptability, and client service in a high-pressure convention and exhibition environment.

• Coordinated large-scale cultural, music, and corporate events, including Jameson Hangout, Afropalooza, Afrigo@50 Legends of Sound Concert, and Sheraton at 50 Gala Dinner.
• Managed event logistics: stage setup, sound and lighting coordination, backstage operations, crowd control, and vendor management.
• Negotiated contracts with service providers, improving quality delivery while reducing operational costs.
• Liaised with artists, sponsors forexample Stanbic Bank, Jameson, government agencies, and vendors to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Directed event staff and volunteers, providing clear roles, training, and supervision for effective teamwork.
• Handled sponsorship support, VIP guest relations, and protocol management, including events attended by high-profile dignitaries.
• Delivered post-event evaluations, reports, and recommendations to enhance future events and strengthen Talent Africa’s market position.

Coordinated with departmental teams to achieve seamless event bookings and guest satisfaction.

• Improved guest satisfaction scores through upselling strategies, guest relations, conflict resolution and personalised service.

• Managed guest reservations, check-in and check-out services for better guest experiences.

• Worked competently in high-pressure environments, processed payments, handled phone conversations and email correspondence.

• Maintained attention to details, time management, adaptability and revenue optimisation strategies.

• Arranged tour logistics for different tourist groups, ensuring comfort, cultural awareness and safety.

• Led guide tours professionally in cultural sites and national parks, ensuring better visitor engagement experiences.

• Employed presentation and storytelling approaches to appeal to international visitors on the suitability of the tourism destination.