In-person events
> Course Hero EdSummit
> Offsites and retreats
> Sponsored presence at events
> Academic conferences
I am a seasoned event planner and producer with a proven track record of scaling and innovation in the in-person events space. I have led the development and execution of a variety of small-, medium-, and large-scale functions, including:
a flagship brand event for a Silicon Valley ed tech company over its four-year evolution
internal celebrations, offsites, and high-caliber, multi-day retreats
a company’s presence as a sponsor at external events, including booth builds and staffing
international, logistically-complex academic conferences with interpreter services
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Course Hero EdSummit
By the numbers:
→ 3 days
→ 350+ VIP attendees
→ 100+ sessions and speakers
→ 40 US states and 140 universities represented
→ 95% satisfaction rate
→ 1,000% growth on new “Follow” feature adoption (3611 connections made)
During my time with Course Hero, I played a key role in developing and designing the company’s flagship community event, a premier event in the higher ed space, the Course Hero Education Summit. I saw the Education Summit through its four-year evolution, growing it from 50 to 7,500+ registrants, and evolving its content from a 3-speaker program to a 155-speaker lineup I designed. (See how I pivoted this in-person event to a three-day virtual experience with glowing feedback and a 98% attendee satisfaction rate.)
Here is what I worked on:
conducted extensive vendor, partner, and sponsor research ahead of each iteration of the event
collaborated with talent management agencies, AV and video production vendors, and hotel and conference space vendors to ensure a best-in-class experience for attendees
managed travel and accommodation arrangements for hundreds of VIP guests
arranged for exclusive appearances of VIP keynote talent, including book signings, receptions, invite-only workshops, and an evening gala with custom menus, wine and dessert, and an AV show
managed on-site printables design, manufacture, delivery, and installation
managed marketing and promotion, and social media strategy planning and execution (see our Twitter below); managed private livestream setup and delivery
designed and monitored KPIs, including attendance and engagement
managed budget, vendors, venue, partnerships, sponsors, and budget reconciliation
Friendly on-site check-in and registration
Iinteractive printables and installations
An intimate, invite-only workshop
A professional film set on site
"Back-to-school backpacks" in partnership with local schools
Professional headshots—free of charge for all attendees
A Bay Area hike, yoga, and meditation among the stunning redwoods
Another key interactive installation
Pre-keynote energy in the lobby
Reception just outside the main keynote hall
Guests mingling over custom catering
A toast to a successful event
Contracted A/V production team ready to go
A multi-disciplinary panelist lineup answering attendees' toughest teaching questions
An interactive keynote panel that had everyone engaged—and buzzing afterwards
A invite-only workshop with renowned neuroscientist Barbara Oakley
CEO with the keynote talent—Cathy Davidson of the US National Council of the Humanities, and Michio Kaku, co-founder of string theory
Post-keynote book signing and photo ops with speakers
Event Promo Reels + Opening Keynote Bumpers
In collaboration with a team of animators and motion designers, I help create a portfolio of pre-keynote video bumpers that rolled on the big screen right ahead of the keynote talent’s walk-on music and speech. These really elevated the event to the next level—both in terms of adding a sprinkle of showtime magic to the attendee experience, and in terms of drawing a link between Course Hero’s brand and our keynote speakers’ expertise and acclaim. These two videos are part of a set of about a dozen.
Twitter Magic
All this fun with accounting instructors from around the U.S. at the @CourseHero Education Summit. I hope @DePaulU colleagues will have the opportunity to attend. #CHEduSummit pic.twitter.com/c2CPB1BzyV
— Kelly Richmond Pope (@kellyrpope) July 20, 2019
During the break I helped @CourseHero pack backpacks for kids in local schools in partnership with @KidsInNeed . What an awesome break activity! #CHEduSummit pic.twitter.com/FLyj09nztQ
— Kristen Labazzo (@KristenLabazzo) July 18, 2019
When the morning agenda begins with yoga and hiking among the redwoods, you know you’ve found your people! @CourseHero nailed it! #CHEduSummit pic.twitter.com/ClfpFzmYeC
— Marie Mallory, PhD (@MarieMallory) July 20, 2019
I’m across the street from a @Google headquarters and the @CourseHero CEO kicked off the meeting by making his entrance to “Uptown Funk.” The employees here are rolling out the red carpet for us educators. I’ve only seen stuff like this in movies!#californiadreamin #CHEduSummit
— Kristen Labazzo (@KristenLabazzo) July 18, 2019
What have I learned here? I've learned that there is enormous potential to revolutionize #HigherEducation. We need to stick together to persevere through the headwinds! #CHEduSummit
— Victor Piercey (@VictorPiercey1) July 20, 2019
I came to the @CourseHero Education Summit unsure why I’d be brought. It is clear I was brought to be inspired and this day will echo in me and take seed. My students will help me grow in exciting ways. #CHEduSummit
— Tim Chartier (@timchartier) July 20, 2019
“I feel like I’m in a movie”
— A. Howard, Course Hero Education Summit attendee
We transformed our @CourseHero office into an exciting event space over night thanks to the hard work of our incredible team. It's so energizing to see our educator community in action today. #CHEdusummit pic.twitter.com/oWXMMogeW5
— Andrew Grauer (@atgrauer) July 18, 2019
What Attendees Have Said
“Easily one of the best educational conferences I’ve attended. From time management to speakers, options for sessions to options for food, incorporation of mind, body & spirit to accommodations, it was motivating, inspiring, & ran more smoothly than any I’ve seen. Throw in the outgoing, welcoming, knowledgeable staff at CH bringing their fabulous personalities, excitement & drive to the mix & you've got an amazing package educators look forward to being a part of. It's a true partnership & everyone wins.”
— M. Mallory, EdSummit attendee
It was an experience that I will never forget.”
— P. Nkansa, EdSummit attendee
The Education Summit was an excellent experience, from the engaging talks, to the facilities, to the chance to spend time connecting with other teaching focused faculty. It was refreshing to spend time with others dedicated to inspiring our varied learners. Thanks!
— A. Zambesi, EdSummit attendee
“This was truly a phenomenal learning experience for me. It was, hands-down, the best educational summit I have ever attended during my teaching career.”
— J. Shepard, EdSummit attendee
“The 2019 Course Hero Education Summit was the most informative and enjoyable educational event that I have ever attended during my long professional service to higher education as an educator and administrator. Honestly, the outcomes of the Summit have exceeded my expectations. I can’t thank enough the entire Course Hero team for a job well done.”
— M. A. El-Saidi, EdSummit attendee
“This is truly spectacular and I’ve NEVER been to an event like this one. And I’ve been to a lot of stuff. Teaching can feel really alone sometimes so this feels amazing."
— EdSummit attendee
“I wrote an article about this on my Forbes blog. Just go. If you get invited, don’t question it. Just go.”
— K. Pope, EdSummit attendee
“It was by far the greatest and most productively rewarding professional meeting attended during my tenure within the Academy. The enthusiasm and commitment to the next generation of professionals in a multitude of occupations was energizing. I look forward to networking with colleagues to reinvigorate the classroom experiences for my students.”
— P. Freeman, EdSummit attendee
“My mind exploded with so many possibilities, that during break, I went to my room to write. I am so thankful to meet others and listen to their creative ways to teach. I felt less crazy for trying new things to keep the students engaged. In general, I felt flattered and thankful. THANK YOU Course Hero.”