Darrell Watson Email & Phone Number

• Event Planning & Execution: Lead and manage all aspects of event planning, from RFPs and site selection to post-event reporting. Ensure successful execution and troubleshoot issues on-site. Working with the Director of Events, manage Development events for the organization. Maintain high standard of event execution, stay up to date on industry trends and innovations, and work to consistently improve the overall quality of our events.• Project Leadership: Oversee and drive events from… Show more • Event Planning & Execution: Lead and manage all aspects of event planning, from RFPs and site selection to post-event reporting. Ensure successful execution and troubleshoot issues on-site. Working with the Director of Events, manage Development events for the organization. Maintain high standard of event execution, stay up to date on industry trends and innovations, and work to consistently improve the overall quality of our events.• Project Leadership: Oversee and drive events from inception to completion. Develop and manage timelines and budgets, ensuring milestones and outcomes are met. Work independently without guidance. • Vendor & Contract Management: Negotiate and review contracts. Manage vendor relationships for AV, transportation, risk management, and other services. And research venues and manage relationships with vendors, serving as a point of contact.• Logistics Coordination: Manage event materials, signage, and supplies. Handle packing, shipping, and on-site coordination. Draft logistical documents, including run-of-show schedules, load-in schedules, emergency preparedness plans, logistics memos, seating charts, etc.Manage onsite execution of events including set-up, tear-down, registration and vendor crews; oversee photographers, video crews and staging crews in preparation for and during events.• Reporting & Reconciliation: Complete event follow-up including completing post-event forms and budgets, recording all pertinent event data, and final invoice payments. Prepare post-event reports, reconcile invoices, and track expenses. Collect and review post-event data and participate in post-event debriefs with event staff. Show less

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Design and manage multiple in-person and virtual attendee experiences that enhance positive connections and reach organizational goals.• Use analytical data to identify assumptions and gather detailed information to support the delivery of attendee experiences.• Research and incorporate emerging trends that support enhancing the attendee experience.• Collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize efficiencies of the attendee experience. • Produce various sessions… Show more Design and manage multiple in-person and virtual attendee experiences that enhance positive connections and reach organizational goals.• Use analytical data to identify assumptions and gather detailed information to support the delivery of attendee experiences.• Research and incorporate emerging trends that support enhancing the attendee experience.• Collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize efficiencies of the attendee experience. • Produce various sessions for our virtual events via Zoom.• Manage budgets Show less

Sr. Meetings Specialist, March 2008 to April 2021• Conduct site research and prepare RFPs for various training events ranging in attendance of 100 to 3,000 attendees to include rating proposals and providing recommendations of hotel selection to Sr. Management.• Negotiate and execute hotel contracts, including room block, meeting space, and food and beverage needs for various training events ranging in budgets from $2,000 to over 1 million. • Prepare and manage logistical… Show more Sr. Meetings Specialist, March 2008 to April 2021• Conduct site research and prepare RFPs for various training events ranging in attendance of 100 to 3,000 attendees to include rating proposals and providing recommendations of hotel selection to Sr. Management.• Negotiate and execute hotel contracts, including room block, meeting space, and food and beverage needs for various training events ranging in budgets from $2,000 to over 1 million. • Prepare and manage logistical arrangements such as transportation, room set-up, audio-visual, and food and beverage for various training events.• Perform approximately 30% travel to events nationwide, conducting preconvention meetings and serving as point person for on-site logistical management, set-up, and breakdown of events. • Interface with other Training units, such as Registration and Marketing, to ensure the delivery of quality products.• Review, process, and reconcile hotel and vendor invoices for payment within 30 days and without penalties. Average hotel invoices range from $300,000 - $1 million.• Develop, monitor, and oversee food and beverage, AV, Vendors, and Hotel budgets for training events. Average budgets are over $1 million. • Manage Budgets Show less