Talk of the Town Gourmet Gifts & More…-Springfield, VA. Director of Events Brand development to include all promotional pieces, email marketing and web-site. Product development, buyer, selecting products, packaging and design of gourmet gift line. Oversee all purchasing of gourmet products and equipment, while maintaining budgets. Strong knowledge in the gourmet food and wine industry, with extensive vendor contacts.  Oversee all event production schedules, client request effectively and in a timely manner.  Assist clients with unique marketing campaigns featuring creative events and corporate gifts.  Design menus for corporate catering division, to include wine and spirits selections.  Corporate event planning, to include venue selection, catering, décor, hotel coordination.  Executed superior design skills through product development, catering, themed event décor design and select entertainment.  Manage budgets, processing payroll, expense reports, invoicing and all HR needs.  Management of company finances (Quick Books), drafting proposals and contracts. Organizing company mailings and shipping/handling needs.  Nationally recognized guest speaker for the event management, gourmet food, confectionary and gift industries, since 2000.

 Responsible for overseeing trade show venue selection, seminar formats and speakers. Worked closely with the venue on set-up for breakout sessions, events and menu selection. Coordinated all travel for speakers and staff. Oversee all social media marketing to include Constant Contact, Twitter, Facebook.  Assisted in registration coordination, attendee books and welcome packets.