Cary Burch, CMP

Experience

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  The Vega Group, LLC

  Aug 2002 - Jan 2006

  Account Executive

  -Sold and produced complex events which incorporated dynamic meeting organizational skills: hotel and vendor negotiations, event production schedules and timelines, decor and AV solutions, catering management, and entertainment management. These programs included: Nokia Sugar Bowl events and Fan Festival Sales retreats for Diebold International Training and professional development for Boyden (executive search firm) Hyperion’s Annual Summit-Developed new business in both local and national markets. Exceeded annual revenue goal of $500K by at least 25% each year for 4 years.-Cultivated successful account management and customer service style.-Developed and maintained all facets of event budgets ranging from $15,000 to $1.2 million.-Improved company brand recognition locally and nationally through participation in industry functions and trade shows.-Introduced international business to the corporate portfolio by securing accounts in Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, and China.-Maintained reliable and efficient communication with clients and vendors. Show less

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  Americans for the Arts

  Apr 2006 - Mar 2012

  Director of Meetings and Events

  Led all event related initiatives to support the company mission. During tenure, transformed the standards of programs through effective internal and external communication, increased audience engagement, and improved financial controls. Key Accomplishments: Produced annual events with a portfolio of $1.5M including:o The National Arts Leadership Conference with more than 1500 guests, located in 1st tier citieso The National Arts Marketing Conference with more than 850 guests, located in 2nd tier citieso The Arts Advocacy Day and Nancy Hanks Lecture with 1500 guests in Washington, DC, Arts Leadership Roundtable, Sundance, UT, and Arts Leadership Seminar, Aspen, CO.• Implemented new revenue streams by developing a conference capture product for resale, archival material, and marketing and increasing Annual Conference exhibitors by 30% over 5 years.• Operationalized the events planning process by utilizing the internal shared digital documentation archive to provide full team visibility and accountability for revenue targets, budgets, timelines, task lists, post event reporting and schedules. Show less

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  United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

  Mar 2012 - Jul 2018

  Events Manager

  In service of their mission as the world’s premier Holocaust education facility, delivered value to the Marketing Team by designing, managing, and producing more than 50 events per year in the museum and across the US with combined budgets of $2.5M. • Responsible for all aspects of event design, management, and production.• Established event goals, created and communicated event timelines and production schedules, and executed site selection, venue contracting, and budget management.• Event portfolio encompassed educational public programs, law enforcement and teacher training, donor cultivation, film premiers, exhibit openings, ground breakings/ribbon cuttings, commemorations, and awards ceremonies. Key Accomplishments: • Event contributions resulted in successful FBI, law enforcement and teacher training, as well as public education, and the ability of the Museum to fundraise for these programs. • Led cross-departmental teams to establish event goals, timelines, task lists, marketing plans, workflow, success measures, and ROI.• Synchronized visits, tours, speaking engagements, and press conferences for VIPs including former and current U.S. Presidents, international heads of state, military leadership, celebrities, and government officials, both foreign and domestic. Show less

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  Sazerac Company

  Aug 2018 - Jul 2021

  Visitor Experience Director - Buffalo Trace Distillery

  Design and implement award-winning visitor experiences, integrated marketing, retail and merchandising initiatives, special events production, and capital projects for Buffalo Trace Distillery. Manage and mentor a 130-person visitor experience team including the visitor center, events, and Homeplace grounds members. Lead the strategic vision of the Distillery customer journey for guests arriving from all 50 states and 20+ countries annually. • Led annual integrated marketing plan with internal team and external agency to drive visitation, revenue, and visibility for Buffalo Trace Distillery.• Increased onsite visitation by 8% from FY19-21 despite covid closures and capacity restrictions in our facility.• Developed direct reports through action-oriented coaching sessions and investment in targeted professional development.• Led visitor-facing capital projects. Managed design-build for $4.5M, 35,000 sq. ft. Visitor Center expansion, the largest facility of its kind in the state, on time, and under budget. • Consulted on $1.2B Distillery expansion as tourism liaison for multiple projects.• Designed and implemented industry-leading Covid-19 response.• Improved tour, event, retail, and CRM efficiency and capabilities with online ticketing system.• Introduced virtual experience program which engaged thousands of guests both internationally and domestically within its first six months of operation. • Led 2020 retail expansion from 5,000 sq ft to a 15,000 sq ft facility.• Increased retail profitability through marketing, merchandising, and strategic purchasing: o In-store basket increased 116% in FY2021 from FY2019o Drove in-store sales to increase of 111% from FY2019 to FY21o Increased gross profit by ~200% three years Show less

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  Spruced & Lime, LLC

  Jul 2021 - now

  Company Owner