Sara Freeman

Experience

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  Erin Padgett Events

  May 2014 - Aug 2014

  Special Events Intern

  Contributed to the event design process and execution of special events including weddings, corporate functions, styled shoots, and bridal shows.

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  Keith Watson Events

  Oct 2014 - Apr 2016

  Staff Member

  Assisted in execution, including setting up and striking, of elite special events for agencies such as the American Heart Association and the University of Florida Alumni Association.

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  MasterPiece Weddings

  Jan 2016 - Apr 2016

  Special Events Intern

  Supported clients prior to event by communicating with vendors, creating monthly timelines, and outlining day-of event schedules.Contributed to event planning and production through management of pre-event rehearsals, coordination with venue and vendors, and set up and operation of event.

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  Smithsonian Institution

  May 2016 - Aug 2016

  National Museum of American History Special Events Intern

  Assisted in venue management and event production for 23 events over a 13 week period, including donor celebrations, exhibition openings, and internal events with guest counts ranging from 30 to 2,500 guests. Engaged in event planning process through maintaining RSVP lists, creating site diagrams, participating in donor site visits, and cooperating with Museum staff and event vendors to produce successful events. Fulfilled administrative responsibilities, including arranging purchasing requests for events, procuring facility event permits, and directly managing Museum’s meeting space scheduling. Show less

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  Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau

  Feb 2017 - Jul 2021

  Collaborated with Communications Manager in development of CVB marketing plan and social media campaigns, aligning strategies with mission and objectives of the organizationSupported incoming group markets by providing destination services including local partnerships, venue selection, site inspections, and event vendor requests (for all markets SMERF, Association, Corporate, and Sports)Communicated with prospective clients to understand their needs and facilitate hotel RFP process to ensure client satisfactionFostered community partnerships with local hotels and hospitality businesses to provide exceptional group services to clients and promote the CVB throughout the communityDeveloped email marketing campaigns for Marketing and Sales departments through the Act-On email marketing platform and analyze email metrics to improve deliverability and recipient responsivenessManaged CRM Partner database by maintaining Partner account information, formulating reports for CVB departments, and liaising with Simpleview for contracts, technical support, and team training Show less Engaged local hospitality Partners with the Bureau to elevate individual businesses' goals, drive customer visitation, and encourage B2B partnerships, effectively promoting Cabarrus County as an enticing tourism destination.Produced over 20 annual CVB Partner events, including networking functions and educational seminars, CVB awards gala, hospitality appreciation events, Tourism Summit expert panels, food truck rallies and hospitality areas at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with guest counts ranging from 40 to 400 attendees.Managed budgets and sponsorships for events produced and assist in developing annual department budget to finance Partner business engagement, programming, and community sponsorships. Show less Advocated to Partners and community leaders for the CVB’s mission to promote Cabarrus County as a tourism destination and for the significance of the tourism industry as a whole.Produced Partner events such as networking functions, educational sessions, and CVB's annual awards gala to encourage Partner engagement and community awareness of tourism in Cabarrus County.Managed CVB’s CRM Partner database by maintaining Partner account information, formulating searches and reports for CVB team, troubleshooting problems, and liaising with Simpleview for contracts, technical support, and training.Created all email communication to CVB Partners via Distribion, including content creation, image selection, and management of email tracking reports. Show less

  • Marketing Services Manager

    Aug 2020 - Jul 2021

  • Partnership Manager

    Jun 2018 - Aug 2020

  • Partnership Coordinator

    Feb 2017 - Jun 2018
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  Flywheel Coworking

  Jul 2021 - now

  Community Manager

  Engage with Flywheel members to cultivate a strong coworking community and understand their individual needs.Create valuable programming for entrepreneurs and community members centric to their business development and professional growth. Advocate for the value of coworking and business resources available for entrepreneurs, freelancers and hybrid workers at the Cabarrus Center.Produce marketing content to promote Flywheel programming and our mission in supporting entrepreneurs. Show less