Candyce Gregory, CMP

Experience

• 

  Mall of America

  Sept 2015 - Jan 2016

  Events & Marketing Operations Intern
• 

  Geyer Wedding and Event Rentals

  May 2016 - Jan 2019

  • Led event coordination efforts for high-profile clients, including Hockey Day Minnesota, Special Olympics, and CentraCare’s Holly Ball.• Managed 20–25 employees, overseeing scheduling, payroll, and HR responsibilities.• Negotiated contracts, secured vendors, and implemented strategic event plans to maximize efficiency.• Recruited clients via social media, networking, and marketing platforms, increasing event bookings. • Managed logistics for 20–30 events per week across Central Minnesota, ensuring seamless execution.• Played a key role in merging two companies, aligning processes and systems for operational efficiency.• Volunteered for Holly Ball’s Creative Team, contributing to the event’s $800,000+ fundraising success.

  • Assistant Manager

    Feb 2018 - Jan 2019

  • Event & Convention Specialist

    May 2016 - Feb 2018
• 

  Blackberry Ridge Golf Club

  Jan 2019 - Jun 2022

  Director of Sales and Marketing

  • Spearheaded sales and marketing efforts, driving event bookings for weddings, corporate events, and golf outings.• Managed financial statements, budgeting, and performance analysis, ensuring sustainable revenue growth.• Represented the organization at networking events, trade shows, and Chamber of Commerce meetings to build brand awareness.• Developed and executed marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and promotional materials to attract new clients.• Collaborated cross-functionally with chefs, banquet captains, and facility managers to ensure event success.• Scheduled client viewings and coordinated event space for the use of weddings, special events and golf outings. Show less

• 

  Polished Pineapple Events LLC

  Oct 2021 - now

  Owner

  • Initial planning including researching potential event sites, creating budgets, contacting and building relationships with vendors, drawing diagrams, obtaining permits and developing project timelines.• Manage attendee registration, event ticketing and act as main contact at all events.• Develop and monitor website, review event successes and vendor feedback.• Event marketing including social media ads for target audiences, giveaways, negotiating sponsorships and managing trades.

• 

  CentraCare

  Jun 2022 - now

  Events Manager

  • Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including venue selection, vendor management, catering, entertainment, A/V setup and event design.• Lead and coordinate fundraising events, including Holly Ball, which raises over $1 Million annually to support local healthcare initiatives.• Manage event marketing, sponsorship engagement, and community partnerships to maximize outreach and impact.• Supervise volunteers and committee members, ensuring seamless event execution and exceptional attendee experiences.• Direct third-party charitable events cultivating strong relationships with corporate and individual donors. Show less