Sarah Lowers
Bloomington
Summary
Professional with background in leadership, passionate about operational excellence to ensure the best attendee experience, ready to drive strategic initiatives and streamline processes. Known for fostering team collaboration and delivering consistent results, adapting effectively to evolving demands. Expertise spans project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication. Possesses strong problem-solving abilities and proactive mindset, ensuring organizational goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Event Support
Solution Tree
01.2024 - Current
- Lead the Event Support Team to provide comprehensive support for Event Managers, driving process improvements for increased efficiency.
- Manage staffing and logistics for over 50 events annually, ensuring seamless execution and operational excellence.
- Oversee all event inventory, maintaining optimal resources for successful event execution.
- Develop and maintain essential event documentation, including timelines, checklists, and post-event reports to enhance planning and evaluation.
- Support the onboarding and training of new hires, fostering a knowledgeable and cohesive team environment.
- Review and approve all event staffing and related expenses to ensure budget adherence.
- Plan and execute 1-2 signature events annually, collaborating with vendors on food and beverage services.
- Oversee and manage up to $1 million budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources, tracking expenditures, and implementing cost-control measures to achieve financial targets while maximizing event quality and impact.
Assistant Director of Events
Solution Tree
10.2021 - 01.2024
- Managed a team of 7 event managers and 3 Senior Event Managers to uphold standards for conference execution.
- Trained new event managers, providing on-site support during events to ensure smooth operations.
- Coordinated part-time staffing for 50 plus in-person events, ensuring adequate coverage and support.
- Reviewed and approved expenses for the team and part-time staff, maintaining budget compliance.
- Led end-to-end event planning, encompassing coordination, logistics, and execution.
- Communicated effectively with conference venues, service providers, presenters, and attendees to foster collaboration and success.
- Utilized Excel for comprehensive budget management, ensuring financial accuracy and accountability.
- Negotiated contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions for events.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational and logistical planning skills.
- Maintained a keen attention to detail, delivering a stellar customer experience throughout all events.
Senior Event Manager
Solution Tree
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Managed a team of 7 event managers to uphold standards for conference execution.
- Trained new event managers, providing on-site support during events to ensure smooth operations.
- Led end-to-end event planning, encompassing coordination, logistics, and execution for 3-5 events a year.
- Ensure accountability for event managers by monitoring adherence to established checklists and procedures.
- Provide support to event managers in resolving issues related to contacts, vendors, and other challenges.
- Reviewed and managed event budgets to reinforce accountability, ensuring financial goals are met and expenses are controlled.
- Negotiated contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions for events.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational and logistical planning skills.
- Maintained a keen attention to detail, delivering a stellar customer experience throughout all events.
Event Manager
Solution Tree
01.2019 - 08.2021
- Led the planning and execution of 6-7 educational large in person conferences a year throughout the US reaching 500-2200 attendees each event.
- Collaborated with contracted vendors to coordinate all logistics, including, catering, audio-visual needs, security, first aid and other on-site management, ensuring smooth execution of events.
- Develop comprehensive event budgets, monitoring expenses and revenue to maintain financial integrity and achieve profitability.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Telecommunications
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN12.2011
Skills
Staff & Budget Management
High Level Negotiations
Shipping Coordination
Cross Departmental Collaboration
Communication
Project Management
Time Management
Travel Management
Strategic Planning
Team Leadership
Organizational Skills
Timeline
Assistant Director of Event Support
Solution Tree
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Director of Events
Solution Tree
10.2021 - 01.2024
Senior Event Manager
Solution Tree
08.2021 - 10.2021
Event Manager
Solution Tree
01.2019 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Telecommunications
Indiana University