Core Competencies
Creative Development and Show Production for Gaylord National
A central responsibility of my role as Entertainment Coordinator for Special Events at Gaylord National Resort was to create, develop, produce, and oversee management of the stage shows for the resort's seasonal leisure offerings. These shows served as a critical driver of transient, group, and convention travellers to stay on property to experience our events. Production projects included everything from themed / entertainment dining experiences, themed activities and recreation, immersive fountain and light shows, and intimate / VIP stage shows.
In this role I was given the ability to oversee contract production and execution, musical and visual creative direction for multiple stage shows, and management of three theatrical venues totaling over 1,300 seats for various seatings and ticketed experiences.
Having the opportunity to oversee entertainment offerings at the resort I was able to develop my skills in theatrical/musical talent buying, show production, and legal and financial aspects of entertainment and special events. I have also been able to gain experience working with individuals from international backgrounds in theater management, and develop my leadership skills by overseeing a team of 40+ individuals on our seasonal Entertainment & Theater team.
Fundraising for Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities
With the support of Tourism Management Association at NC State University I was able to lead planning and execution of our First and Second Annual Charity Gala, 'A State Affair'. During the course of four months prior to the events, I was able to engage in planning efforts with the goal of raising as much funding to support the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities as possible. This planning included securing a venue, catering, hiring entertainment, decor rental, and soliciting donations of in-kind support for silent auction provision, and for event sponsors.
This event has allowed the opportunity to expand my creativity, as I developed every aspect, and provided networking, leadership growth, and industry knowledge I could only experience first-hand. This project has allowed me to improve our student's experience, by providing a philanthropy event at which they are able to network with area business representatives and their professors and departmental leadership.
The experiences I have gained through the creation, planning, and execution of these events have provided a number of skills which I will be able to utilize throughout my work in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility and Event Management. I have also had the pleasure of joining the Marriott Family at the Annual Bridges Gala in Washington, DC in recognition of the work I have done to support the Foundation.
Event Planning for Bond Park
I worked with a group of peers to plan two individual events for the Town of Cary, North Carolina at Fred G. Bond Metro Park. During the five month period we worked with the park, we planned one educational event for student participants in the town's camp programming and one family campout serving residents of the park's community. The goal of our student focused event was to allow students an opportunity to engage in science related learning and programming. The goal of our family event was to allow area families the opportunity to bond with each other in an overnight camp setting. Although both events had a different goal, we were able to implement similar planning and execution procedures. My team was able to market, recruit volunteers, coordinate the events, and provide an evaluation of event programming for the Town of Cary.
These experiences provided the opportunity to further expand my leadership and teamwork skills. I was in charge of marketing and digital production for our group, so I was in charge of planning marketing, leading volunteers, and designing video analysis of the programming. This project allowed me to improve event planning and organization, as well as to develop my project management skills.
The knowledge I gained through serving in a leadership capacity for this project has certainly helped me in my internship and my current job as Senior Marketing and Events Coordinator and has given transferrable skills that will allow success in my future career plan. These skills include time management, organization, event planning and execution, and volunteer organization.
Marketing and Sales for
Capstone Collegiate Communities
Since January 2017, I have had the pleasure of working for Capstone Collegiate Communities in Raleigh, NC. I began through my role as a Marketing Assistant, and eventually becoming the Senior Marketing & Events Coordinator. Our property, Valentine Commons, has had the opportunity to develop into the premiere off-campus housing community for the Raleigh area. Throughout my time with the property I have seen the impact of passionate student workers, including myself, who have allowed the community to be the first in the area to lease to capacity for the past 3 years. I have had the opportunity to develop marketing initiatives and community events which support new business and resident retention.
My employment by Capstone Collegiate Communities has provided opportunities for personal growth and professional development. My skills in sales and marketing have only grown, by providing a platform from which I can creatively design and implement best management practices. In addition, I was awarded with the company's $2 Million Sales Award, having personally generated over $2 Million in sales throughout my time with Capstone. I have been responsible to 15% of yearly sales, including new sales and resident retention.
The knowledge and skills I have been provided through my time working for Capstone will allow future success in a number of roles. Many of the skills I have learned to implement through sales and marketing can be utilized in special events, hospitality, brand management, and corporate social responsibility.