Deborah Hafer

Conference/Event Planner

Washington DC

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Accelerated achiever and learner with >10 years of experience in project management and venue sourcing in the meetings, events and hospitality industries.
Collaborate with team members >10 cross-functional teams across the globe with legal, finance, meetings and events, marketing, Senior Management to meets customers’ requests and long-term interests
Examine relevant patterns, issues quickly and implement swift resolutions and positive outcomes through consultation and focusing on customers’ individual goals
Analyze fundamental growth drivers via top down and bottom up (growth strategy, revenue forecast, cost allocation) approaches, and analysis of project management and conference planning processes and procedures

2015 Jan - Present

Set client and customer meeting and project standards reducing organization risk and grow long term partnerships with clients, stakeholders, vendors, membership and C-level executives >80%
Achieved >$30,000 savings opportunities and positive customer experiences at international congress through overseeing projects and coordinating amongst team members, stake holder and executives
Managed cross-functional teams >10 people for conference pre-planning to on site management conferences ranging from >3,000 attendees, executing successful event in <3 months as Project Lead
Delivered project management processes, best practices, use of technology increasing project turnaround time >50 percent for 3 organizations simultaneously, monitoring deliverables and performance

1998 Jan - 2015 Jan

Recognized as 2% top company high achievers for project management and sales by defining targets for repeat business, win strategies and offers, team leadership, conference planning,
Influenced internal and external teams >10 clients on project management, conference planning, managing suppliers, contract negotiations, administrative work
Generated >$19M year over year through effective sales and marketing and customer-facing projects
Sourced global venues, negotiated hotel and supplier contracts for on behalf of corporate and association groups reducing client business risk and exposure >95%

1993 Jun - 1998 Sep

Directed team of >3 direct reports and >20 suppliers in planning and producing national conferences and trade shows with attendance ranging from >10,000 attendees, including negotiating contracts for hotels and suppliers
Curated agenda, speakers, promoted event, secured attendance, expanded databases, coordinated event logistics, and liaised with exhibitors, speakers and sponsors, on site collateral; generated positive net revenue >45%

1987 - 1989

Bachelor’s Degree in Business - Equivalent combination work experience, education, professional development