Melissa Firestone De Rocha Email & Phone Number

United States

-Build and lead global business travel program-Supervise, train and mentor staff-Oversee travel budgets and related policies, benchmark internal and external costs against industry and competitive standards-Manage travel partners and suppliers, assess supplier performance-Oversee strategic projects and events across multiple stakeholders and teams to.

• Collaborating with company stakeholders/senior leadership to identify needs for meetings, incentives, events, and conventions
• Supervising the negotiation, selection, contracting, and management of global agencies utilized for onsite operations
• Management of hotel sourcing, negotiation, contracting and relationship with brands
• Onsite program lead for cross-functional events, overseeing the management and cohesiveness of my team
• Ownership of the corporate events teams’ financials and program budgeting

• Developed accurate, aggressive budgets while documenting all negotiated prices
• Recommended appropriate locations utilizing extensive knowledge of domestic and international destinations
• Developed and coordinated ME&I proposals and requests for proposals at all levels by providing travel expertise, pre-sales planning, pricing, and packaging comprehensive proposals
• Created presentation materials and formatted proposals for the client-facing account team
• Regularly interacted with internal departments including sales, creative communications, client technology solutions, industry relations, sourcing, project accounting and operations

• Led the management of external clientele related project timelines and established work-flow schedules, both domestically and internationally
• Coordinated hotel, destination management companies, air travel, onsite staff and third-party vendor contracts and logistics
• Maintained overall project financials, including developing initial budget, negotiating savings, tracking, and reporting
• Provided expertise with regards to destination, hotel, and Maritz services, while working in conjunction with Proposal Development on new prospecting business
• Involved in regular interaction with internal departments including sales, creative communications, client technology solutions, industry relations, sourcing, project accounting and operations

• Management of onsite logistics, event budgets and support to clients, account teams and guests
• Conducted onsite staff meetings, hotel briefings, managed onsite TD scheduling and coaching
• Ensured emergency preparedness and response plans were in place and implemented procedures as needed
• Oversaw transportation, registration, hotel rooming, hospitality desk needs, food and beverage, activities, business meetings, technology, and executive/VIP handling
• Main liaison between account team, client, and suppliers for onsite event logistics

Pitched and secured local, regional and national media coverage for clients including Energizer, Save-A-Lot, Build-A-Bear Workshop and The Humane Society of Missouri Experienced with traditional and social mediaAssisted account manager with preparation of media coverage analysis reports and presentations Wrote press releases, fact sheets, pitch emails and.

Cheerleaders for The St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)Conducted live, on-air interviews with fans and former professional baseball playersAssisted with All-Star Games marketing promotions Aided in the coordination of Busch Stadium and community events such as giveaways and promotions

Planned and executed events for the Columbia, Missouri Chamber of CommerceHandled the McDonald's account which included arranging donations to local organizations who submitted requests, assisting with character appearances and coordinating a McDonald's Teacher Appreciation NightDesigned magazine advertisements using Indesign and Photoshop

Wrote press releases, fact sheets and media advisories for Energizer and Build-A-Bear WorkshopPitched and secured local and regional media coverage for clients including: Energizer, Build-A-Bear Workshop, The Magic House, RIDEMAKERZ, and The Humane Society of MissouriConducted industry and client research, ranging from media coverage analysis to business.

Organized media events for dignitaries of St. LouisPitched and secured media coverage for Famous Brand Shoe Company, Imo's Pizza, Fireworks City and Flemings Prime SteakhouseCreated brochures and designed logos for Insurance Consultants Incorporated and The Football Hall of Fame Committee of St. Louis