During my career, I've created and managed all sorts of events from board meetings to one-day gatherings, to week-long annual meetings with exhibits. From budgeting to speakers to sponsors and promotion/registration, I've handled every position from the ground up for planning and executing a successful event.
One of my favorite events was when I worked with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. During political season, we hosted a candidate forum during our annual conference. It was our largest event of the year with nearly 1,000 in attendance. My job during the featured speaker session was to usher the candidates from the door, through the crowded ballroom to the stage. One candidate for governor laughed when I grabbed his hand at the door and dragged him through the crowd to the side of the stage. He stood nearly 6'5" to my 5'4", but he leaned over and said, "I never would have thought you could be in security." Made my day!
Managing Events Today
Event management is still part of my job today in conjunction with Air University and as a part of the AFCLC's Annual Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Symposium Planning Team.
AFCLC exhibits under the banner of Air University three times annually. When we participate in these exhibits, it is my job to not only ensure that AFCLC's marketing materials carry the proper messaging, but also that the Director is prepped for any media opportunity that may present itself. The two AFA events have planned media panels, and AFCLC prepares for each event with different messaging in step with messaging packages approved by Air University Public Affairs and USAF. The Air Force Sergeants Association does not have official media attending, but I work with AFSA officials to place articles about AFCLC in magazines and social media.
This is the 10th Annual Air University Language, Regional Expertise, and Culture Symposium and the sixth LREC Symposium that I've participated in as a team planner. My role is marketing and publicity with equates to registration. My first two years fell within COVID's social distancing rules, so planning and executing a virtual symposium posed unique challenges. This year, due to restricted military travel budgets, AFCLC has reverted back to a virtual platform, and I've rolled out an ambitious marketing plan for August, September, and October with a goal of increasing registration from 2021 when we last held a virtual registration.