Raquel Richards Email & Phone Number

Account dedicated planner

Phoenix, Arizona Area

Mesa Az

· Daily contract review · Accounting reconciliation· Quality Control of daily product submissions

Phoenix, Arizona Area

Skills & Abilities· Excellent communication, time management, budget planning, forecasting and coordination skills· Ability to multi-task and coordinate with vendors and external agencies· Extensive experience in customer service and client retention · Fully proficient in multi tasking on various projects at same time· Detail oriented, organized, and proficient in all MS Office Applications and SharePoint· Skilled in strategic planning, sourcing, contract negotiations, and logistic support· Able to travel for program and handle formalities with local authorities· Flexibility / Ability to adapt to changePROGRAM MANAGER | AMERICAN EXPRESS GBT | JAN 2010 – NOV 2017 · 100% client retention, able to successfully build a trusting and working relationship with clients· Successfully managed 10-15 corporate events yearly· Forecasted quarterly spend and cost savings percentages for year end reporting both for clients executives as well as internal management team· Developed and implemented budget processes that allowed for a smooth payment option for the client· Created and implemented policies and procedures to ensure event success · Mentored planners in the planning processes to expand their knowledge and become Sr. planners· Expert in sourcing, negotiating and contracting various types of contracts· Created SOW and processes for each event to be used by future planners· Well established communication processes with client/vendors with the confidence and ability to provide client recommendation to ensure a successful program

Gilbert Az

· Selected as lead planner for clients 4 largest conferences ranging from 800 to 2000 attendees · Created and maintained client budgets with an average spend of $2M· Successfully sourced, negotiated and contracted multi million dollar venue contracts· Managed internal high-level conference for the global marketing team of 800+ as well as high level VIP’s· Manage all aspects of each event · Tracked program spend thru out conferences of 20% for the client· Lead onsite support for each event · Customized and managed site tours to meet the client’s needs 100 percent positive feedback· Extensive work with in MS Office to provide information as well as sales opportunities to client· Conduct weekly meetings with client to provide logistical information regarding the event

Gilbert Az

· Meeting Planner for various accounts within American Express GBT · Managed 30+ meetings per year averaging 10-400 attendees per event· Worked closely with in-house sourcing team to ensure contracts met client needs · Supported all aspects of each event; contract approvals, food and beverage, ground transportation, hotel rooms list, attendee registration reports· Tracked cost savings for each event with an average savings of 19% per meeting

Phoenix, Arizona Area

Provide operation management support to · Monthly planner reviews to determine areas of growth and need· Managed 1:1’s, goal and development plans for meeting coordinators· Assisted meeting coordinators with weekly time submissions· Managed and tracked team contracts and audits· Used excel to store and track all client contracts and rolled up quarterly following contract retention policy· Worked closely with management team on staffing needs. · Selected to be program lead for internal high level conference for Amex GBT global planners team's director as well as manage large yearly events.