Event Coordinator
I have been coordinating and producing events for as long as I can remember. When I look back at all of my interests - growing up, to today - it's evident that telling stories and coordinating experiences has always been an underlying through-line for my career and life. Below are a few memories that stand out to me when thinking about my personal interests and history in this career-
-
making guest lists and planning every detail for my birthday parties
-
coordinating my small-town high school dances
-
curating a very HELEN graduation celebration
-
various theatrical and musical performances through middle school, high school, and college
-
decorating my sister's around-the-world bridal shower
-
producing a playwriting festival for my theatre school
-
interning with Chicago theater companies to assist with productions and events
-
working for convention centers, wedding venues, museums in their event departments
Want to learn more about my recent professional experiences? Check them out below!
Photo: Nic Sagodic
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Grand Rapids, MI | August 2021 - December 2023
Planning the Details
From start to finish, as an Event Coordinator, I was a point person for each of my clients throughout their planning process. This included choosing a caterer, discussing and diagramming setup options, working with external vendors, and planning an efficient timeline.
Photo: Darline and Co.
Floor Coverage
"Floor" is used lightly when working at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park! This is due to the vast space and locations the park offers for events. Learning to navigate and describe how to get around a facility was very important in this position.
Waterfalls, Bridges, and Conservatories, oh my!
Catering
Helping build a menu that fits an event style and budget is truly an enjoyable piece of the pie. At Meijer Gardens, I enjoyed working with the Culinary Team to execute tastings, build custom menus, and explore new ways to display and serve.
Photo: Nic Sagodic
Building Relationships
As a newbie to GR, it was great to build relationships with fellow colleagues and the various associations, organizations, and parties that book events. I also enjoyed the relationships that developed with other vendors in the industry. Caterers, Florists, Audio Visual Companies, Photographers, and everyone in between.
Working for a Non-Profit
The creative challenge that comes with external special events at a mission-based organization is the heavy importance of upholding policies and aesthetics, not interfering with mission activities, and evaluating the greater needs between both parties - the client and the institution.
Enrichment Committee
Spending time on the Enrichment Committee was one of my favorite things! Planning events and other activities to make the workplace enjoyable and also give back to the surrounding community was an absolute joy. It solidified my belief that workplaces can and should be fulfilling beyond financial needs.
Photo: Nic Sagodic
Huntington Center & Glass City Center
Toledo, OH | September 2019 - April 2020
Public Centers through the Pandemic
Convention Centers and Arenas play an integral role in supporting a city's economy through tourism, conventions, events, sports teams, competitions, and more.
With a keen ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, I played an integral role in coordinating diverse events like meetings, galas, concerts, and trade shows, typically with large guest counts.
When the COVID pandemic hit the US, we were required to respond to government regulations and navigate our way through shutting our doors. It became a very confusing time to guide the public.
Manager on Duty
I upheld strict compliance with facility and governmental regulations, while also representing the venue during high-profile events such as ECHL Toledo Walleye Hockey games, PRO Home & Garden Show, Fantasticon, Wedding & Bridal Expo, Champion Cheer Central,
Event Coordination
As an event coordinator, I meticulously handled every aspect of pre-event planning, ensuring smooth communication between clients, external vendors, and the ASM Global staff.
My responsibilities included creating, editing, and delivering detailed documentation, while also reviewing and compiling event charges such as labor, rentals, and services with each client to ensure transparency and accuracy. In this role, I learned and utilized AutoCAD to create diagrams in 2D.
I collaborated closely with various teams—including sales, box office, catering, operations, and maintenance—to deliver exceptional facility services during events and swiftly resolve any event-related issues.