JOAN HENKELMAN-MORGAN
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
TOP-PERFORMING EVENT PROFESSIONAL
- Results-driven professional specializing in program management, known for delivering successful outcomes and fostering collaborative environments. Recognized for problem-solving abilities, consistently meeting and exceeding goals. Relied upon to adapt to changing needs and ensure team alignment.
- Experienced with managing large-scale programs and leading cross-functional teams. Utilizes strategic planning to streamline processes and achieve objectives.
- Innovative professional with proven track record in managing vendor relationships and contracts.
- Organized and dependable meeting management professional successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Experienced with coordinating complex meetings and events to achieve organizational goals. Utilizes meticulous planning and organizational skills to ensure seamless execution. Track record of fostering strong team collaboration and adapting to changing requirements efficiently.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Program Manager
Direct Travel Meetings and Events
Minneapolis , Minnesota
11.2023 - Current
- Lead planner for multiple clients,
- Manage planning process for Life Sciences pharma/medical related meetings and virtual events,
- Manage budget, registration and all facets of planning,
- Lead strategic client planning meetings,
- Sourcing of vendors (Hotels, Venues, DMC's),
Director of Conferences & Meetings
Pearson
05.2014 - 04.2023
- People Manager for team of up to 15 meeting event planners (during transition of moving multiple divisions into shared service environment).
- Planned and directed operations for Industry conferences (exhibits), internal meetings, annual sales meetings, board meetings and top-level travel incentive trips.
- Developed and managed strategic planning of each meeting.
- Managed relationships and negotiations of Destinations, Hotels, and DMC services.
- Wrote Corporate Meeting Policy for multiple divisions.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability. Annual department budget (1.6M) along with individual meeting budgets, many exceeding 5M.
- Collaborate with C-Suite partners to plan and execute meetings (CEO board meetings, summits, top level incentive trips).
- Developed high-performing team by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
- Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
Manager of Conferences & Events - Assessments
Pearson
Minneapolis , Minnesota
05.2006 - 05.2014
- People Manager of a team of 4 meeting event planners.
- Sourcing of all destinations, hotels, vendors.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Lead the strategic planning meetings for major conferences and meetings.
- Managed department and individual meeting and event budgets.
- Managed annual Read-For-The-Record initiative and other community events.
Sr. Meetings Manager
TQ3 Navigant
Minneapolis , Minnesota
05.2004 - 05.2006
- Managed portfolio of client accounts (meetings and events) as their lead planner
- Developed new business
- Sourced hotel, DMC, AV and other third-party vendors
- Developed strong relationships with clients, leading to increased repeat business.
- Handled crisis situations calmly under pressure, implementing contingency plans when necessary to maintain event integrity.
- Established positive rapport with stakeholders at all levels through effective communication skills and proactive problem-solving abilities.
Sales Manager/Director of Sales
Doubletree By Hilton, Ritz Carlton
Minneapolis, Atlanta, Southern California , Minnesota
01.2000 - 09.2004
- Held positions in Minneapolis, Atlanta and Southern California.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Consistently met or exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent effort and persistence in closing programs.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent follow-up's.
- Led successful sales team by providing motivational coaching and performance-based incentives.
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services.
- Built long-lasting vendor relationships (DMC/AV/Production/Florist etc) through honest communication and fair negotiation process.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Education
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, Wisconsin Skills
- Travel and Meetings Supervisor
- Senior Meeting Planner
- Strategic Event Management
- Budget Oversight
- Team Leadership
- Travel Incentive Planning
- Achieved Cost Savings
- Planned and Executed C-Level Meetings
- Enhanced Negotiation Skills
- Sourcing for Third Party Vendors
- On-site execution
- Project leadership
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Good judgment
Timeline
Sr. Program Manager
Direct Travel Meetings and Events
11.2023 - Current
Director of Conferences & Meetings
Pearson
05.2014 - 04.2023
Manager of Conferences & Events - Assessments
Pearson
05.2006 - 05.2014
Sr. Meetings Manager
TQ3 Navigant
05.2004 - 05.2006
Sales Manager/Director of Sales
Doubletree By Hilton, Ritz Carlton
01.2000 - 09.2004
Some College (No Degree) - Education
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Similar Profiles
Mayuri AssamMayuri Assam
Sourcing Manager at American Express Meetings & Events Global Business TravelSourcing Manager at American Express Meetings & Events Global Business Travel
Audra RuttAudra Rutt
Program Coordinator at Meetings & Events InternationalProgram Coordinator at Meetings & Events International
CHRISTINA CHINCHRISTINA CHIN
Event Travel Consultant at FCM Meetings and EventsEvent Travel Consultant at FCM Meetings and Events