Sara Norris: Director, Special Events in Seal Beach, CA
Work experience
Hoag Hospital Foundation
Director, Special Events | 08/2018 - Current
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Hoag Hospital Foundation
Manager, Special Events | 06/2017 - 08/2018
• Successfully conducted the planning and execution of 70% of the events responsible by the Events Team since June 2017.
• Increased the 2017 Christmas Carol Ball silent auction revenue by 37% from 2016-2017; overall event proceeds surpassing $1,790,000.
• Assist in pre- and post-annual event coordination to which includes briefing meetings, financial reporting, and strategic planning.
• Lead the communication and management with valued vendor partners. Details include event purpose, strategy, budget, contract negotiation, programming, and areas of improvement; ultimately enhancing the experience for our donors.
• Maintain communication with Event Committees in relation to distributing underwriting materials, solicitation list changes, silent auction details, and event updates.
• Develop and engage in relationships with donors, board members, physicians, and Hospital leadership in relation to events.
Goodwill of Orange County
Major GIfts and Events Planning Coordinator | 10/2015 - 06/2017
•Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward sponsors and underwriters to meet revenue goals for Veteran Service Programs, Assisted Technology Exchange Center and The Goodwill Fitness Center for people with disabilities.
•Plan and execute annual fundraising and cultivation events to support Goodwill's Mission, to include the Goodwill of Orange County Annual Gala and Invitational.
•Monitor event budgets, form relationships with event sponsors and donors.
•Collaborate with committee chairs, graphic designers, and printers to create event and promotional material.
•Coordinate live/silent auctions, volunteer committees, attendees, vendors and contractors.
•Develop event promotion and publicity in partnership with marketing team.
•Solicit in-kind donations.
•Coordinate event logistics to include, but not limited to: location, food, a/v and decor.
•Develop donor communication materials including newsletters and update letters.
Hawthorne Hotel
Catering Sales Manager | 09/2013 - 07/2015
• Development of social and corporate market segments and solicitation of new customer relationships while maintaining existing relationships.
• Organize and plan all details of client’s needs while listening to their overall vision.
• Create and distribute clear and concise documents in CRM software that detail client’s requests to all appropriate departments.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure client’s needs are met in a timely manner.
• Negotiate contracts, proposals and various details with clients to ensure proper revenue is gained.
• Proven work ethic with exceeding a personal annual goal of $670,000 in revenue by 16% in 2014.
The Common Man
Sales & Event Coordinator | 01/2012 - 09/2013
• Maintain and build client relations with prospective wedding couples, businesses and area residents.
• Organize and attend industry bridal shows to promote the business and assist prospect clients.
• Participate in post event feedback, creating coupons, email marketing and other related marketing efforts.
• Develop contracts, proposals and assist clients with decisions regarding the event implementation.
• Create BEOs for all seminars, meetings, ceremonies, receptions, and events.
• Coordinate with the General Manager, Director of Sales and Kitchen Manager for all event staffing, preparation, menu choices, and details.
• Executing the event, including coordinating with vendors, staff and guests.
Schleuniger, Inc.
Temporary Marketing Assistant | 07/2011 - 01/2012
• Support US Marketing Communications Specialist in corporate image changes for the international company
• Wrote press releases for national magazines in the industry.
• Analyzed customer feedback and reviews on product quality and services.
• Management support and execution of tradeshows.
• Collaborated with Sales, Marketing, and Product Development departments for email marketing.
• Gained skills in Photoshop, InDesign and GroupMail.