Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Sara Walsh

Coolangatta,QLD

Summary

Innovative and forward-thinking [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience leading widely diverse, high-impact events. Passionate public relations and marketing expert with ideal analytical and project management skills for vibrant and fiscally successful events. Recruits and hires top talent, delivers timely problem-solving and mobilizes engaged and loyal corporate teams. Dedicated to customer focus, clear communication and satisfied attendee experiences.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Event Director

Diner En Blanc International
03.2015 - Current
  • Fostered long-term client relationships by providing exceptional customer service, consistently delivering high-quality results that exceeded expectations.
  • Established comprehensive contingency plans to anticipate potential challenges during event execution, ensuring prompt resolution without compromising client satisfaction.
  • Elevated the guest experience with exceptional attention to detail, creating memorable events that exceeded client expectations.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies to assess event performance, identifying areas for improvement and driving continuous growth.
  • Enhanced attendee engagement through immersive experiences and interactive elements that fostered community building among participants.
  • Led volunteer recruitment efforts for large-scale events, developing and implementing effective training programs to ensure efficient on-site support.
  • Oversaw all aspects of event logistics including venue selection, vendor coordination, scheduling, transportation arrangements, accommodations, and onsite support services.
  • Managed seamless event transitions by overseeing the teardown and post-event evaluations, identifying opportunities for future improvement and maintaining detailed records of event outcomes.
  • Managed budgets effectively, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing financial risk while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Coordinated with public relations teams to generate positive media coverage for events, enhancing brand visibility and reputation.
  • Increased event attendance by implementing innovative marketing strategies and engaging social media campaigns.

Corporate Events Manager

Hall & Wilcox
04.2016 - 06.2019
  • Ensured compliance with relevant regulations while organizing events.
  • Facilitating effective communication among internal and external stakeholders.
  • Streamlined event processes by implementing efficient project management systems, resulting in timely and cost-effective events.
  • Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-organized and memorable corporate functions.
  • Led a team of event professionals, providing clear direction and support for successful event delivery.
  • Enhanced attendee experience by meticulously planning and executing high-quality corporate events.
  • Innovated new event concepts tailored to specific client needs, resulting in unique experiences that exceeded expectations.
  • Evaluated post-event feedback from clients and attendees, incorporating insights into future planning efforts for continuous improvement.
  • Utilized data analysis to continuously refine event strategies, driving ongoing improvements in performance metrics.
  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact at events.
  • Produced detailed proposals for events to document timelines, suppliers and budgets.
  • Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
  • Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
  • Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
  • Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.

Director of Event Management

Chameleon Events
12.2005 - 04.2015
  • Expanded company revenue by identifying new business opportunities through networking at industry conferences and tradeshows.
  • Secured sponsorships from key industry partners for improved brand visibility at high-impact gatherings.
  • Established clear communication channels between clients, stakeholders, and team members to ensure alignment on event goals and expectations.
  • Reduced environmental impact by integrating sustainable practices into event planning, such as using eco-friendly materials and promoting waste reduction.
  • Monitored budgets closely to maximize resources and minimize expenses, delivering high-quality events within financial constraints.
  • Designed engaging event experiences by incorporating unique themes, entertainment options, and interactive elements.
  • Delivered memorable experiences for VIP clients with meticulous attention to detail in planning exclusive receptions or dinners tailored specifically around their preferences.
  • Maintained a high level of safety at all events by developing comprehensive risk management plans, coordinating with security personnel, and adhering to all relevant regulations.
  • Managed high-profile events with tight deadlines, ensuring seamless execution and positive client feedback.
  • Developed strong vendor relationships to negotiate contracts and secure optimal pricing for event services.
  • Managed venue, labor and technical efforts of internal and external partners to successfully execute [Number] events per year.
  • Developed and maintained year-round calendar of events, raised brand awareness and drove organic engagement with consumers and partners.
  • Established clear objectives and goals for each event, drove execution toward goals and measured and monitored results to track impact.
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
  • Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
  • Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.

Business Development Analyst

Clayton Utz
12.2005 - 04.2007
  • Developed, executed and updated project management plans for account initiatives.
  • Streamlined sales processes by automating manual tasks and improving efficiency in the sales funnel.
  • Identified potential customers in target markets.
  • Helped identify new business opportunities to generate high-value leads.
  • Identified, assessed, and executed partnerships and acquisitions to drive company growth.
  • Developed and executed marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and generate leads.
  • Identified new market opportunities through in-depth research and analysis of industry trends.
  • Built strong relationships with key clients for better understanding of their needs and preferences.
  • Developed new opportunities by effectively communicating product lines to leading international corporations.

Event Coordinator

Clayton Utz
03.2001 - 12.2005
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
  • Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.

Education

Master of Arts - Media Studies

Deakin University
Melbourne, VIC

Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies / Politics

Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, VIC

Skills

  • Creative Direction
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Sponsorship Acquisition
  • Brand Awareness
  • Event Marketing
  • Registration management
  • Team Leadership and Motivation
  • Decision-Making
  • Creativity and Adaptability
  • Events logistics management
  • Staff Leadership
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Communications and Media
  • Vendor and contract negotiations
  • Business Growth
  • Marketing

Accomplishments

  • Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
  • Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
  • Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
  • Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.

Languages

French
Limited Working
Vietnamese
Elementary

Timeline

Corporate Events Manager

Hall & Wilcox
04.2016 - 06.2019

Event Director

Diner En Blanc International
03.2015 - Current

Director of Event Management

Chameleon Events
12.2005 - 04.2015

Business Development Analyst

Clayton Utz
12.2005 - 04.2007

Event Coordinator

Clayton Utz
03.2001 - 12.2005

Master of Arts - Media Studies

Deakin University

Bachelor of Arts - Media Studies / Politics

Swinburne University of Technology
Sara Walsh