Rachel Pullen Email & Phone Number

Austin, Texas Area

I was responsible for planning various projects across the IBM account while strengthening client relationships and contributing to the success of GPJ by receiving 90% or above on all client satisfaction surveys.• Planned events (trade shows, business meetings, conferences, briefing sessions, surround events, and roadshows) ranging in size from 20 to 28,000.• Prepared and maintained IBM event documentation throughout the planning phases: Event Marketing Briefs, Change Orders, Logistic Notes and Project Plans.• Oversaw event budgets, ensuring accuracy and billing efficiency.• Created amenity packages and submitted for CTEBA approvals (legal and finance) to ensure compliance on all events.• Managed GOE event participation and ensured CTEBA compliance.• Partnered with GPJ Event Managers, Program Managers and the Creative Department to ensure all events were completed on brand and on budget.• Performed venue searches nationwide.• Created and maintained event registration pages.• Managed the client’s preferred lead management plan while ensuring CASL compliance.• Ensured IBM’s overall event goals and vision were achieved with every event.

As a freelance consultant with an in-depth understanding of project management, I provided assistance in the planning and execution of local and international events.• My areas of expertise included, but was not limited to: - Event Management: event concept & design, event proposals, site selection, vendor sourcing & management, gift selection, registration/rsvp management, travel & transport arrangements, accommodation assistance, attendee communication, and activity recommendations & management. - Project Management: timeline development, event agendas, status updates, and regular assessment of the planning process & progress. - Finance Management: budget maintenance, contract negotiations & management, vendor invoicing, and post-event reconciliation.• I worked alongside a client’s internal departments, their clients, external vendors and/or worked autonomously in order to coordinate any and all event logistics.• I was brought onboard to plan, promote, and execute a client’s event from start to finish or simply assisted with one or two event elements as needed.• I was at ease working long, demanding hours and operation-heavy projects which required a hands-on approach.• I had a proven history of delivering superior results and satisfying clients.• I understood the importance of the smallest detail and what was needed to create a cohesive event.• I had the ability to balance my client’s goals, current trends and audience expectations.Previous Projects Include:• Private Destination Weddings, Doha and Corsica• How Women Work Annual Conference, Doha• Private Bridal Showers, Doha• Toyota Avanza Car Launch, Doha• Ferrari California T Car Launch, Doha

Doha, Qatar

I was responsible for the management of various projects across the Shell business while ensuring brand identity and consistency as a member of the Production Centre of Excellence team, the most innovative communications department in the industry.• Planned, developed, and executed internal and external communications.• Monitored all aspects of project development including proposal, budget, schedule and delivery.• Effectively briefed and managed all relevant internal teams and vendors.• Ensured schedules were adhered to and all documentation and project filing was complete. • Collaborated with clients and colleagues to ensure the highest standards of delivery.• Built upon existing client relationships and developed new relationships across the business.

Doha, Qatar

As a freelance contractor, I was hired to assist in the planning of a high profile event in this global, independent, creative communications company. Due to the quality of my work, at the conclusion of my contract, Imagination offered me a 3-month embedded position with one of their global clients, Qatar Shell.• Provided regional event management assistance.• Supported the team with project research, budgeting and proposal development.

Doha, Qatar

Responsible for planning and executing all events for this start-up PR & marketing consultancy agency. • Pro-actively pitched and won new business by designing unique and creative event proposals tailored to meet the expectations of each client while maximizing their budget.• Successfully planned and executed high-profile events ranging in size from 20 – 20,000 attendees.• Managed client expectations.• Ensured all events were executed within or below budget.• Maintained agency accounting records, employee timesheets, and client invoicing. Events Included:• Fraser Suites Hotel Grand Opening• Crowne Plaza Hotel Grand Opening• Trans4 Qatar Exhibition• Magnolia Bakery Grand Opening• California Tortilla Restaurant Grand Opening• Gasal 5th Anniversary Gala• Total Holiday Party• Vera Wang Spring/Summer Collection Event• Lisa Watson Art Exhibition

St. Thomas Usvi

Managed the Meetings and Special Events Department while servicing all key accounts, complex incentive programs, large events and weddings at this Luxury Beachfront Resort.• Led a team of 3 managers, 2 conference concierges and 2 interns.• Responsible for guaranteeing the success of the new corporate accounting process. Trained the Meetings and Special Events Department on the new accounting system. Performed daily bill reviews with clients and prepared final invoicing for all events. • Contributed to the rolled-out of a new quality tracking system in the hotel. Accountable for the results in the Meetings and Special Events Department. Accountable for the results in the Accounting Department.• Maintained and updated the department operating system. • Regularly signed new business by proposing unique event concepts while entertaining clients during site inspections. • Designed unique and creative event proposals to accommodate and maximize limited budgets.• Participated in the creation of new event packages, concepts, and designs.• Maintained strong relationships with local DMCs, wholesalers, corporate and social clients to retain and maximize business revenue.

Doha, Qatar

Ensured the flawless execution of highly complex government, corporate and outside catering events for this 5-Star Luxury Business Hotel. • Contracted and serviced all government and corporate group business ranging in size from 5 to 1,000 attendees. • Partnered with clients and event companies to customize lavish outside catering events that ranged in size from 20 to 400 guests. • Prepared all event documentation and partnered with the sales and operation departments to ensure all guests received consistent, high level service throughout the pre-event, event and post-event phase. • Responsible for achieving a personal goal of QR 12,883,992 in 2009, representing 29% of total departmental goal, of which 61% had already been achieved by August 2009. • Assisted the Director of Catering Conference Services with redesigning and separating the sales and service phases. • Maintained and updated the department operating system. • Implemented a new format for all banquet event orders and ensured uniformity of all distributed banquet event orders. • Created packages which were projected to increased catering revenue by QR 500,000 in 2009.

Half Moon Bay, California

Oversaw the seamless delivery of 5 to 16 programs per month while prioritizing and balancing responsibilities for as many as 35 active files at any given time in this 5-Diamond, 4-Star Golf and Spa Resort. • Created partnerships with corporate and social groups ranging in size from 5 to 350 guests throughout the pre-event, event and post event phase.• Maximized revenues by consistently exceeding up-selling goals by designing unique and personalized proposals for corporate and social events.• Responded to customer inquiries in a timely and sincere manner. • Nurtured and maintained customer relations while partnering with the sales and operations department to ensure compliance with operating standards while promoting the Ritz-Carlton brand integrity.• Encouraged strong Gallup responses.

San Jose, California

Contracted and serviced corporate and social events in this 4-Diamond, Preferred Boutique Hotel on a daily basis by effectively managing 80-100 leads and 25-30 site visits per month. • Successfully launched new menu packages to Banquet and Food & Beverage Managers. Introduced a 3-Tiered Holiday Package in 2006 which increased catering revenue by $100,000 in December 2006.  Created new Wedding Packages which were projected to increase the wedding market by an additional $150,000 for the 2007/2008 season.  Created training modules with the assistance of the Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Director and Banquet Manager to familiarize the banquet team with the new menu and the higher level of service and standards these new packages would demand.• Organized the hotel’s first Bridal Boutique in March 2007 which resulted in three signed contracts. • As of December 31, 2006: achieved a total consumed revenue of $1.2 million of which $900,000 was consumed catering revenue (145% of personal goal and 37% of total consumed revenue goal for 2006) and $319,000 for 2007 catering pace (182% of personal goal and 64% of total catering pace goal).• As of April 2007: achieved 65% of personal goal for 2007 with $629,000 in catering revenue and $38,000 for 2008 catering pace.

Santana Row, San Jose, California

Oversaw daily activities in this high-volume restaurant while assisting on the floor as needed.

San Francisco Bay Area

Designed promotional literature and marketing campaigns for this Day Spa while managing the front desk and ensuring an overall pleasurable experience for spa guests.

New York, New York

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Bachelor Of Science, Business Administration

Activities and Societies: Gamma Kappa Alpha, Alpha Mu GammaMajor, International Marketing Minor, Italian Recipient, National Collegiate.

High School Diploma

Participant, Model U.N. Recipient, National Gold Key Award