Maria Young

About Maria Young

Accomplished events leader and hands-on global sourcing professional with a track record of planning, procuring, and executing scalable virtual & in-person experiential programs that drive engagement, elevate the customer journey, and propel business forward. Recently pivoted to follow my passion of travel planning and destination research to launch tripdownload.com. Message me for all your travel needs.AREAS OF EXPERTISE:PROGRAM OPERATIONSRequirements Gathering • Scoping • Resource Planning • Budgeting • Global Vendor Sourcing & Management • Project Management • International / Domestic Logistics • Travel PolicyB2C / B2B EVENT STEWARDSHIPBrand Positioning • Product Launches • Print, Digital, & Social Creative Development for Experiential & Retail • Strategic PartnershipsINSIGHT-DRIVEN DECISION MAKINGCompetitive & Trend Analysis • Analytics OversightCROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAM LEADERSHIPTeam & Culture Development • Mentoring • Stakeholder Steering & Guidance • Navigating Matrixed OrganizationsKEY QUALIFICATIONSHANDS-ON PROGRAM DRIVERBiased for action with a natural ability to plan & manage simultaneous production calendars with a sharp focus on short-term goals, long-term strategy, and driving performance.OPPORTUNITY ARCHITECTSkilled at matching insight-driven creative ideas with the right audiences, technology, and channel to create effective events & experiences that maximize opportunity.DOING MORE WITH LESSBrings a deep vendor network and proven ability to deliver results with minimal budget, people, and time — driving extensive collaboration to drive projects forward.BRIDGE BUILDERKnown for rallying teams and driving success — consistently maximizing resources and bridging the gap between stakeholders to deliver on time and budget.PRESSURE TESTEDRigorous problem solver who thrives under pressure while owning full responsibility and navigating complex situations using a high degree of grace, grit, and sound judgment.

Experience

1. Travel Advisor

   Fora Travel

   Aug 2023 — Present

   Creation of custom itineraries, curated specifically for the client\'s preferences, budget and travel style• Clients receive VIP treatment and all the best perks at partner properties - like complimentary upgrades, food & beverage or spa credits, free breakfasts, and more - all at no additional cost. • Manage logistics and planning, and take away the stress of researching and coordinating travel details, so clients can relax and enjoy the trip they\'ve worked so hard to take.With an extensive advisor network and community, thousands of preferred partnerships across the globe, as well as the industry\'s most cutting edge technology, no trip is too big or too small. Contact me today to help with your travel needs at

Education

• San Diego State University

  Professional Certificate, Meeting and Event Planning

  2015 — 2016

• Commonwealth University-Mansfield

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Business Administration

  2001 — 2004

Skills

• Catering
• Press Releases
• Event Planning
• Coordinating Events
• Salesforce.com
• Goal Oriented
• Customer Relations
• Public Relations
• Accounts Receivable
• Social Media Marketing
• Social Networking
• Sales Management
• Event Management
• Sales Support
• Social Media
• Meeting Planning
• Marketing Communications
• Corporate Events
• Budgeting
• Team Oriented
• Special Events
• Sales Operations
• Floral Design
• Customer Service
• Vectorworks
• Email Marketing
• Wedding Planning
• Parties
• Account Management