Beverly Spann
Student, Prince George's Community College
I have been an Events Coordinator for over 10 years now. I have participated in Michelle Obama's "the Let’s Move" Campaign for the past 2 years. The concept of this project is one that I admire and love bragging to other event coordinators because it’s close to my heart and I wish there were other programs out there that could have been started long time ago for someone like myself. I was very obese and was picked on a lot. But I endured anyway and flourished into a beautiful butterfly.
There is not a phase of the event management process that I don’t enjoy. The research phase is the most difficult of all of the phases. Acknowledging that I need volunteers, bands, caterers, etc… is a challenging and fun task. The opportunity to negotiate, learn when my diction should change, when to apply more pressure or learn when networking and negotiating should begin is what makes me tick.
Unfortunately, the design, planning, coordination and evaluation phases are very routine and there is very little room for creativity. The only time that any of these phases become interesting is when an artist or agent, after signing the contract, become difficult. Fortunately, I can count the problems I have had on one hand out of the over 100,s of venues and performers I have contracted for events. To my credit, every artists/agent is impressed with my professionalism, and my ability to direct and motivate the tech crew. I find that many people are impressed with my ability to run big events and numerous volunteers. I tell everyone that I take the time to do my research. Before an artist arrives, I already know which artists are most likely to come with issues as well as which of my volunteers needs constant encouragement or frequent breaks.I have never lost a check, never had a performer not show or the sound equipment to not work effectively to an artist expectations. I have received more praises than complaints.
I have to believe that the success of events is due to my gracious team, allowing me to have so much control of my responsibility. And I'm very serious about my responsibilities, after all, it's my name that's on the line. I only seek the assistance of the team when I find that I cannot handle a situation (rare) without assistance. The team always comments that they never see or hear from me unless there is a problem. They also enjoy the fact that I never overspend my budget.
I wish that I had more time to attend an evening out that I have not put together. I think that it would make the research stage better or at least easier. Listening to individuals’ audio tapes, videos and reading promotional materials limits my ability to make decisions. An artist audio tape cannot compare to a live performance. A caterer’s food cannot be complimented until it is tasted. I am grateful to people for supporting me in this area. Knowing that I have people that serve as my eyes and ears make me feel more comfortable since I cannot be everywhere.
I have two issues with doing events, – return on investment, making sure we reach our goals and evaluation. Since I have never had any complaints about my events, I only know that these events are good ones when strangers stop me during the event to tell me that they had a great time. That should be enough evaluation but it is not. I want to know what artist attendees want to see. I understand the different point of views of why we should not conduct a formal evaluation but, I still believe that a formal survey can be beneficial to for an event.
In evaluating myself my strongest skills are in logistics and my weakest is fundraising. I have had little opportunity to learn how to fundraise effectively. I am very good at helping the Development Coordinator in presenting to potential or current sponsors, but not at fundraising from start to finish. It is the people I answer too and my committee who has the expertise in that area. That’s why they make the mega bucks.
2 contactsSystem Support Specialist-Membership Development, Montgomery Works/Maryland Employment Services/Career Transition Center
2001 - 2006Montgomery Works Wheaton, MD Membership Development /System Support Specialist Increased new membership enrollment from 150 new members to 300 new members per month through special events such as job fairs and seminars. Managed State database and created membership development database for tracking new and old customers for State regulatory reporting.Created literature and brochures and implemented new products and services for job seekers and employers interested in the Maryland Job Services Program. Demonstrated success in admin support, business development, customer service, marketing and corporate outreach.
2001 - 2001Food & Agriculture Organization Washington, DC Assistant Event Coordinator Internship Assisted in the preparation of pre-event logistics to produce the first Tele-Food Project (World Food Day) held in the US for the first time ever. Assisted Director with logistics of planning, implementation and coordination of all promotional activities including media events, radio and television conferences and special events leading up to main event. Researched, identified and categorized pertinent information needed for creating a comprehensive database necessary for tracking all participants (musicians, artist, producers, directors, members, and vendors). Mass mailing of correspondence, event CD and literature to sponsors, artist and members and maintained all website updates daily.
1996 - 2000Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Silver Spring, MD Marketing Assistant/Events Coordinator Assisted Director and Manager of Events Department with organizing and collaborating with advisory boards, city representatives, representatives of the mortgage industries, community groups and government agencies (such as Fannie Mae, Freddie, HUD, etc.) to plan and execute home buying fairs, conferences and seminars throughout the United States. Created a comprehensive database of vendors, staff. And volunteers to ensure smooth and efficient operation of all events by researching and collecting data to create and deliver company excellent first time homebuyer and current homeowner’s products and services. Doubled division revenues for each sales office in targeted areas throughout the US by acting as liaison between offices and outside sales representatives involved in participating and marketing for homebuyer events in different regions of the Wells Fargo offices nationwide. Managed budget, staff and volunteers for each event.