Erin Schechter, MBA

Experience

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  Hyatt

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2007

  F&B Manager
• 

  Intercontinental Hotels Group

  Jan 2007 - Aug 2010

  Conference Services Manager
• 

  The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC

  Aug 2010 - Nov 2010

  Senior Meetings and Special Events Manager
• 

  National Association of Attorneys General

  Nov 2010 - now

  Head multiple business functions and construct strategies that shape the daily operations and structure of the organization, leveraging robust people skills, business acumen, and work ethic. Translate strategies into actionable plans and serve as a committed leader mentoring a team of 15 professionals while overseeing operations in human resources, IT, and the meetings & memberships divisions. Coordinate with legal counsel concerning complex employment matters, as well as compliance with data privacy laws, bylaws, and governance issues. Administer operating budget comprised of multiple restricted and unrestricted funding sources. • Modernized IT operations, implementing strategies that enhanced cybersecurity; retired the legacy system and transitioned the organization into a cloud-based system to enable remote work. • Directed a renovation project of a 20K square foot office space; project came in at 5% under budget.• Defined and implemented streamlined systems to establish a performance calibration process and protocol; resulted in the consistent administration of talent and performance management practices. • Introduced two new technological systems and updated policies, improving internal controls and financial operations; and utilizing technology to improve reporting and support the decision-making process. • Spearheaded several employee relations programs that increased morale, retention, and consistency; program oversight includes an employee feedback system that has seen 94% of suggestions implemented. Show less Harmonized business strategies to achieve overall objectives while administering the training budget. Engaged with the executive leadership team while monitoring employee pulse and providing recommendations regarding organizational design and change management initiatives to ensure alignment with the vision and mission of the organization.• Championed the development and execution of the three-year strategic plan, successfully increasing the number of participants trained by 69%.• Mentored a team of five professionals, providing constructive coaching and feedback to foster a culture of professional development and continuous improvements. • Provided strategic oversight for functional business areas that enhanced the attendee experience for more than 120 annual trainings; including program planning, on-site logistics, hotel/venue sourcing, and effective meeting design. • Negotiated complex contracts to secure subject matter experts for various events, forging several strategic alliances and partnerships within the field. Show less Conceptualized, managed, and executed refined event strategies and action plans that aligned with program strategy, culture, and organizational objectives. Built and maintained solid business relationships with vendors and successfully negotiated and managed event contracts. Recruited, hired, and trained event management staff, promoting exceptional customer service and effective communication to create successful events.• Developed contingency plans for events as part of an overall Meetings Risk Management plan for more than 20 annual events while administering the meetings & events budget. • Improved meeting engagement and participant satisfaction by garnering feedback through designing standardized measurement practices.• Planned and executed communication strategies, maintaining an accurate and timely flow of information; developed branding guides and presentation materials, and created promotional materials.• Deployed a new meeting registration system enabling credit card payments to boost efficiency. Show less

  • Chief of Meetings, Membership, and Special Projects

    May 2023 - now

  • Chief Administrative Officer

    Dec 2017 - Jul 2023

  • NAGTRI Chief Administrator

    Mar 2015 - Dec 2017

  • Director of Meetings and Events

    Jul 2013 - Mar 2015

  • Event Planner

    Nov 2010 - Jul 2013