RESUME
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FULL RESUME AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Senior Director of Conferences and Events
AVIXA
January 2013 - November 2017
Experiential event strategist
Business development
Fostered trusting partner, stakeholder and target market relations
Team Leader and expediter of conferences, meetings and events
Contract negotiator
Financial reconciliation management meeting targeted budgets
Designer of workflow assessments
Lead collaborator of content development
Vendor and speaker liaison
Registration system (Cvent) account administrator
Major Accomplishments: Experiential design, collaborative content development and expedited the following with consistent expectations proven through satisfaction surveys:
AV Executive Conference (5 years), InfoComm Live, Regional Roundtables, Master Classes, Partner Events & Showcases, Training Meetings, InfoComm Trade-show, Committee Facilitator, Executive Seminars and Panel Discussions, and Special Events
Owner
Executive Productions
April 1998 - Present
Sole owner responsible for everyday operations
Manager of client growth and retention
Program developer
Budget analysis and maintenance coordinator
Leader of on-site management and staffing team
Contract negotiator
Planner of project and strategic goals
Event design
Major Accomplishments: Routinely managed client expectations as proven through repeat business for the following:
Corporate Meeting, Event Strategy, Association Meetings & Events, Trade-Shows & Showcases, Special Event
Meeting/Marketing Manager
Diagnostica Stago
January 1998 - December 2013
Contracted through Executive Productions
Chief strategist with senior executives
Leader of cross-functional teams including dedicated committees, speakers and facilitators
Key logistics coordinator and on-site supervisor
Project manager
Developer of marketing materials
Coordinator of program budgets
Liaison with vendors, suppliers, customers and exhibitors
Major Accomplishments:
Regional Events & Meetings, Trade-Show Management, Special Events, Themed Events, Marketing Collaborator, Business Symposiums, Training Meetings, Award Ceremonies, Client Appreciation Events, golf Tournaments and Theater Production
Consecutive accomplishments have been successfully produced as a remote staff.
Full resume and referrals are available upon request
Additional Meetings & Events
January 1995 - December 2013
Sports Illustrated: 1996 Olympics, Atlanta, GA
National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies: 1995-2011 Annual Conference Special Events
GTE: Final Four San Antonio, TX & Indianapolis, IN
Visa: 1996 Olympics, Atlanta, GA
Royal Caribbean: Superbowl, San Diego, CA
Pfizer Pharmaceuticals: Dine-Arounds & Tours, New Orleans, LA
Sprint: Superbowl, New Orleans, LA
Cerprobe, Semiconductor Testing: Executive Sales Meetings & Events
EDUCATION
GRADUATED CUM LAUDE
American College in London
London England
Bachelor of Arts: Marketing/Management
Consecutive accomplishments have been successfully produced as a remote staff
Full resume and referrals are available upon request
Devoted to Satisfaction
“It’s been my pleasure to work for several years with Gretchen Zito on an annual technology leadership conference. Having personally coordinated many similar types of events, I am always impressed with Gretchen’s conference planning and interpersonal skills—from working with committees and staff to all the logistics of planning and preparing for a conference including themes, AV, staging, breakout sessions, travel, hotel coordination, food and beverage, registration and much more. Her events go smoothly and her relaxed and engaged style always makes it look easy—which it isn’t! A real professional who takes the success of each meeting and conference to heart.”
Chris Miller
Executive Director
PSNI Global Alliance
“Gretchen has produced some of the most compelling and impactful executive events I have attended during my whole professional career. Whereas some event organizers tend to go “through the motions” to make an event happen; Gretchen listens, understands and inspires trust to deliver memorable experiences and measurable results. I would highly recommend Gretchen to any organization simply needing a better event experience than they have had before.”
Julian Phillips
Vice President
Whitlock
I have worked with Gretchen Zito for several years on industry events. Her approach is very thoughtful, organized and collaborative while ensuring the objectives of the event are top of mind. I know firsthand how difficult pulling off a successful event can be; I’ve yet to see Gretchen in any form except pleasant, positive and professional. I’ve attended many events organized and directed by her and I have always been greeted with a smile and when I leave I reflect upon what an amazing experience I’ve had. She does not focus on the event; her focus has always been on the “customer experience”. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Gretchen and I look forward to having an opportunity to work with her again.
Cory Schaeffer
Director, Systems Solutions Global Enterprise Accounts
QSC
"Gretchen delivers the rare combination of high quality work, attention to detail and creative flare. I have been experienced many of her events and without exception they deliver an experience which whilst very professional always have an element of innovation which ensures they not only deliver on their business objective but also make them incredibly enjoyable and memorable."
Jon Sidwick
Vice President
Maverick AV Solutions
"As the Director of Sales for Diagnostica Stago for eight years and in my role I had the opportunity to work with Gretchen Zito. Gretchen was integral to the planning and orchestration of 7 National Sales Meeting, regional symposia and National trade shows. While collaborating with me her contributions to the organization went well beyond these responsibilities by implementing strategy to help design a meeting environment that supported goals to bringing a productive atmosphere to each event. Gretchen brings exceptional skill, dedication, energy and creativity to all she does and she would be an outstanding asset to a high quality and progressive organization. I would welcome the opportunity to work with her again."
Reggie Matthews
Corporate Accounts Director
Instrumentation Laboratory
Contact Me
Remote and Travel
703.341.7700