Forward Thinking Designs is a design and consulting firm that specializes in the programming and Design of audio, video, and show control systems for a wide array of venues that range anywhere in size from retail stores, churches, cruise ships, stadiums, and large scale theme parks.Forward Thinking’s mission is to translate creative concepts and ideas into technical realities that bring scenes from our favorite movies, shows, and stories to life allowing for experiences that leaving lasting impressions, sending guests home with memories of being transported to another world away from the cares of everyday life.

Developed, managed and executed annual strategic communications plans that supported the various marketing and sales objectives for each division focused in Enterprise, Entertainment & Healthcare markets. Managed day-to-day activities such as editorial pitching, media inquiries, trade show planning, social media tactics and coordination of press kits and media briefings, drafting, editing and submission of press releases, facilitating in-person and phone interviews as well as provide approved imagery and other graphics to be used by the press. Also served as lead consultant to regional and global executives regarding media interaction, trade show briefings and other media interviews, including the development of talking points and speech writing.

Managed the strategic development and implementation of public relations and marketing plans for multiple healthcare and technology focused clients to support their annual objectivesManaged the development of multiple rebranding projects involving corporate logo design, website design and construction, collateral materials, sales sheets and corporate messagingCoordinated project estimates, developed creative briefs and managed client input to ensure marketing projects stay aligned with clients’ objectives and ensure deadlines are met Managed day-to-day client activities such as editorial pitching, media inquires, trade show planning and coordination of press kits and media briefings, drafting, editing and submission of press releases, facilitated in-person and phone interviews as well as provide approved images and other graphics to be used by the pressResearched new media outlets and proposed strategy to best obtain coverage Developed and submitted information to various healthcare association awards for both products and executive team membersDeveloped social media strategies and managed implementation leading to increased online presence and expansion of marketing efforts Nurtured and strengthened media relationships with trade and mainstream press editors, publishers and other contacts to enhance clients’ breath of coverageCounseled clients on social media opportunities such as blogging and viral videos which compliment current marketing activities, enhance clients’ website as well as product specific websites

Facilitated and managed the strategic implementation of communications plans for multiple medical supply and device product lines to support clients’ annual marketing objectivesCounseled clients on editorial opportunities and byline article participation among healthcare trade and mainstream press as well as develop byline topics that support product(s) messaging and strengthsResearched new media outlets and proposed strategy to best obtain coverage on product launches which address specific specialty audiencesWorked with clients’ marketing team and sales rep members to gather success stories and testimonials to be utilized in articles, case studies and press releasesBuilt and maintained strong media relationships with trade and mainstream press editors, publishers and other contacts to enhance clients’ breath of coverageManaged day-to-day client activities such as editorial pitching, media inquires, trade show planning and coordination of press kits and media briefings, drafting, editing and submission of press releases, facilitate in-person and phone interviews as well as provide approved product images, b-roll and other graphics to be used by the pressDeveloped bi-weekly project activity and status reports to help ensure deadlines are met as well as provide quarterly coverage reports to clientsDeveloped and managed PR budgets for individual projects as well as managed third-party resources and expenses for freelance writers and event planners Developed and submitted information to various awards for both products and executive team membersRecommended and counseled clients on social media opportunities such as blogging and viral videos which compliment current marketing activities, enhance clients’ website as well as product specific websitesIncreased total editorial coverage year-over-year, including a 30% increase of byline articles secured and submitted between 2008 and 2009

Managed and maintained external marketing communications with B-to-C and B-to-B pipelines focusing in the expectant mother/baby industryCollaborated in the development of marketing materials such as brochures, advertisements, various promotional materials, direct mail pieces, online marketing and e-mail communicationsAnalyzed and maintained all prospect leads generated from trade shows, direct mail campaigns, and other promotional programsManaged e-mail blast campaigns for B-to-C and B-to-B channels. Work in conjunction with outside e-mail marketing communications firm to coordinate campaigns and analyzed reports to determine effectiveness of programsCoordinated and managed all media ad proposals, contracts and ad placements Generated and analyzed various marketing reports to determine areas of strength and weaknessesNegotiated new media contracts with print, web and creative companiesManaged and resolved all customer service questions and issues related to consumer programs and promotional giftsDeveloped and implemented new strategies for consumer trade shows, which increased on-site enrollment by 20%Organized and coordinated all logistics for consumer and professional trade shows Represented company at both consumer trade shows and professional conferencesSupervised and managed fulfillment of all promotional giftsResponsible for ordering and maintaining marketing material inventory levels to prevent inventory shortages

Responsible for P&L of assigned vendor accountsNegotiated & persuaded vendors to invest in appropriate marketing programs and activities Developed specific marketing programs for vendors to increase customer breath, market share, and profitabilityResponded to fluctuations in the market such as pricing, inventory allocation, & market shareManaged vendor's new product launch events, interaction w/sales, marketing events, contests, and product education