Lara Durben

About Lara Durben

I have a communications background, working as a journalist as well as on the public relations side through my most recent positions with several agricultural trade associations. I also have nearly 30 years of experience coordinating meetings, conferences, trade shows, and conventions - including playing a key role as one of two lead planners for the largest convention and trade show 100% focused on the poultry industry in the U.S. Most recently, my company helped this convention successfully navigate a 100% virtual event. I have a passion for working on behalf of agriculture, and I love to be creative in all that I do. I wear many different hats and enjoy the learning process that comes with each one. Specialties: Writing, editing and layout of communications pieces and monthly publications; all aspects of convention and meeting planning (both in-person and virtual), including contract negotiation, food and beverage, managing speakers, travel management; creating compelling Websites (copy and design) and email marketing campaigns, as well as managing social media components and content, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube. I also have experience in creating and setting up a podcast. Currently I am a Partner with Empowered Events LLC, an event management firm I co-founded with a good friend and colleague. We both have a passion for creating events, meetings, conferences, and trade shows. We have a combined 40+ years experience on all aspects of event coordination - from contracts and hotel block management to marketing, speaker management, logistics, sponsorships, and booth sales. On a personal note, I write my own blog which features many of my varied interests - from poultry, farming and agriculture to cooking, recipes, travel, family memories, wine and more. Previously, I blogged for Agriculture.com, the website of Successful Farming magazine; was a contributor to AskTheFarmers.com; and served as a volunteer moderator for #AgChat Twitter chats for the AgChat Foundation.

Experience

1. Partner

   Empowered Events Llc

   Oct 2019 — Present · Buffalo, MN, US

   Driven by our passion for providing meaningful connections and experiences, Empowered Events LLC is the dream of two friends who are embracing the opportunity to come together and produce top-notch management for organizations and events. Creating events that are amazing is our shared passion. We have a combined 32 years of experience coordinating meetings, conferences, trade shows, and conventions – from contracts and travel planning to all the logistics, speaker management, marketing, and digital/social media.

Education

• University of Minnesota

  Bachelor of Arts

  1987 — 1992

Skills

• Feature Articles
• Trade Shows
• Strategic Communications
• Email Marketing
• Contract Negotiation
• Grant Writing
• Volunteer Management
• Editing
• Social Networking
• Marketing Communications
• Proposal Writing
• Journalism
• Writing
• Web Content
• Webmaster Services
• Copy Editing
• Crisis Communications
• Conference Coordination
• Nonprofits
• Public Relations
• Event Management
• Meeting Planning
• International Relations
• Newsletters
• Speech Writing
• Community Development
• Photography
• Fundraising
• Social Media Outreach
• Press Releases
• Facebook
• Website Management
• Social Media Marketing
• Wordpress
• Website Development
• Public Speaking
• Management
• Public Policy
• Community Outreach
• Hotel Contract Negotiation