Kathryn (Kathi) Nelson Email & Phone Number

I offer clients a project-based approach to event management including planning, implementation and results analysis. I thrive working behind the scenes to deliver exceptional results by uniting program objectives, logistics and deliverables, and vendor partnerships. Trade shows are my passion but I also have experience with mobile marketing and corporate events.

After 15 years as a corporate exhibit manager, I switched gears to account management, collaborating with my former exhibit house. Having “grown up” in the industry with this team supporting my events, I was eager to apply my high standards to their client programs and relationships. Over the last seven years, I planned and executed 80+ annual trade show and event programs across six clients. This included day-to-day collaboration with clients regarding strategic planning of exhibit designs, graphics and promotions as well as tactical implementation of event logistics such as display construction, union labor, transportation and utilities/show services. Event programs ranged from trade show booths with tabletop booths to corporate events with 14,000 square foot exhibits.

After IBM’s acquisition of Guardium, Inc., my role expanded from strategic planning and execution of trade shows and conferences to also include webinar, content syndication, and email marketing programs. The objective of all programs was to demonstrate value proposition, generate demand, and build pipeline for information management brands. Extensive collaboration with external event and online agencies was required to implement programs to meet objectives and adhere to branding guidelines. Received COLLABORATE13 “Best Traffic Stopper” award. Received IBM “Team Excellence” award.

Prior to acquisition by IBM, I coordinated Guardium, Inc.’s corporate exhibit program including planning, logistics, execution and SalesForce.com follow-up to generate responses and build sales pipeline. I also provided logistical support for multi-day VIP client advisory board events, reduced manual processes by establishing a corporate fulfillment program with an external vendor, and improved brand image by sourcing new exhibit properties.

The objectives of the corporate exhibit program were to reinforce market leadership and facilitate sales interactions. Delivery on these objectives required specific focus on strategic planning, space selection, exhibit design, vendor management, show services, housing, and onsite execution. In addition to traditional corporate trade show exhibits, I also coordinated logistics of a multi-city B2B mobile marketing tour featuring an 80-foot tractor-trailer. In recognition of innovation in leveraging mobile marketing at multiple client touch points including trade shows, sales visits, and client end-user events, I received the Gold Award for Best Mobile Marketing (Event Marketer, 2004). To improve event measurement I introduced use of ROO (return on objective) based strategic planning and post-event surveys.

In need of someone to help build brand awareness and maintain client satisfaction, I was hired to support the varied needs of this internet marketing start-up. Specific responsibility included maintaining client and project schedules, composing and editing marketing materials, and coordinating public relations efforts.

Coordinated execution of trade show logistics and processed all event responses, generating sales and brand awareness. Co-managed promotional item fulfillment program and authored monthly reseller newsletter.