Freelance consultant providing pre-show and on-site management services to the trade show and consumer events industry—including expertise in marketing and promotions, media buying and relations, social media, event production and logistics, vendor negotiations, budgeting, etc. • Provided box office support to Times Square Alliance for Taste of Times Square (2019).• Provided on-site supervisory assistance to FestEvents for the Norfolk In-Water Boat Show (2018).• Provided registration management services to National Marine Mfrs. Assn. for the New York Boat Show (2018, 2019 & 2022), the Atlantic City Boat Show (2019 & 2022), the Norwalk In-Water Boat Show (2018, 2019 & 2022), and the New England Boat Show-Boston (2019, 2020 & 2022).• Provided on-site floor management/supervisory services (2022); and, performed guided consumer & media tours of the New York Int’l Auto Show (2018, 2019 & 2022)• Volunteered as Event Lead, assisting with volunteer labor instruction/coordination and promotional fulfillments at the NY Food & Wine Festival (2018 & 2019).

Guided relationships, production, and promotional activities for leading national producer of consumer auto shows. Invigorated relationships with client association executives and their dealer members—via regular meetings, reports, and visits—for the profitable execution of eight annual auto shows.Created, forecast and managed $5.5M+ Profit & Loss statements of eight assigned shows—comprising 30% of company’s entire portfolio of 21 events.Directed all pre-show & on-site operations, marketing, and promotions. Collaborated efforts of 12 - 14 person internal and external teams producing and marketing events in various U.S. markets - including media buying, PR, promotions, social media, operations/logistics, administration, and sales.Negotiated all contract aspects with facilities, general contractors, service agents, vendors, etc., and obtained any necessary permitting from municipal agencies; and, wrote all RFOs for eight assigned shows/markets. Tracked, received, and implemented payment of all vendor invoices. Created and maintained all event layouts in AutoCAD.Recruited, trained and supervised necessary on‐site show staff, volunteers, and independent labor personnel.Supported automotive & other enthusiast events in markets throughout U.S.• Fostered MTAS association client relationships, signing four-year contracts--guaranteeing over $1M+ profit (for 2018 - 2022).• Facilitated creation of new exhibition CRM module - providing understanding of exhibitions, compiling show specific information, mapping, and communicating concerns, possible solutions, and approving final product.• Cultivated consistent team collaboration - sharing procedures, processes and policies as well as on-boarding and mentoring new employees.• Negotiated appearance of The Munster Tribute featuring fully-operational Munster Coach and Dragula vehicles along with a meet & greet by Butch Patrick ("Eddie Munster").

Guided production and promotional budgets for recreational boating industry association, and internationally acclaimed producer of consumer boat shows/events. Managed regional $8.5M+ Profit & Loss budget and directed all operations of Northeast Regional office, staff, and events. Supported recreational boating events in other major markets.Supervised sales teams (3), operations managers (2), individual show managers (2). Hired, trained, coached, and mentored show teams (i.e., sales, operations and administrative staff) in all aspects of their respective responsibilities ensuring adherence to company policies & procedures. Created reporting systems and methodologies for regular reporting by show sales teams. Coordinated multi-faceted efforts of 10 - 12+ person internal/external advertising and media buying, sponsorship, and public relations teams. Guaranteed successful fulfillment of various promotional commitments, and cross-promotional endeavors.Negotiated contracts with facilities, vendors, labor unions, hotels, security & other service agencies and suppliers; and, obtained any & all municipal permits. Tracked, received, and implemented payment of all vendor invoices.• Worked for same company for virtually 21 years, increasing knowledge & responsibilities throughout tenure.• Launched NY State's 300th Anniversary Celebration (in 2009) at the NY National Boat Show with then First Lady of NY State, Michelle R. Paige Paterson.• Coordinated facility, municipal, and foundation efforts to produce a live 17th century wooden ship building demonstration by the OnRust Project - along with other NY State tourism displays (in 2009).• Inaugurated the "Water Watch Award" honoring Jacques Cousteau's life and work; presented to Cousteau at the 1997 New York National Boat Show - his last public appearance.

Administered overall production of three annual consumer recreational boating events, and association’s annual all-industry trade event for Chicago-based recreational boating industry association. Scheduled set-up and breakdown for all equipment, plus coordinated move-in/out of 1,100+ industry merchants & vendors.Vetted $3.5M annual operating budgets, organized independent contractors, security, and union personnel; mediated decorative enhancements and heavy equipment orders. Tracked, received, and implemented payment of all vendor invoices. Provided vital support in five other shows/markets, serving as floor manager and troubleshooting exhibitor, vendor and/or contractor issues.• Promoted to Show Manager, and relocated to New York, NY office.• Created and published extensive Exhibitor Rules & Regulations manual providing basis for consistent member/non-member customer service across all 21 NMMA-produced events.

Began in mailroom as clerk (1981) advanced to Graphic Designer (internship for college credits), December 1982 - June 1983 offered position as Operations Manger, September, 1983. Left DePaul University, began full-time, May 1984. Promoted to Director of Operations, May, 1985. Managed financial and logistical activities for 12 annual trade shows, conferences and consumer events serving various industries. Maintained exhibitor & customer satisfaction and relationships for diverse businesses: quality assurance testing, assembly engineering & robotics, computer operating systems, public transit, hunting, fishing & outdoor sportsman activities, and radio-controlled model planes, autos, boats, and enthusiast hobbies.Reviewed rental agreements, service contracts, freight and labor rates, synchronizing decorations and drayage teams. Tracked, received, and implemented payment of all vendor invoices.