Michele S.
Event Director, Istat @Smithbucklin
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WORK HISTORY
Event Director, Istat @Smithbucklin
Lead the strategy, design, and execution of a global portfolio of 30+ conferences, executive forums, and foundation fundraising events across the U.S, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.• Define and drive event portfolio vision, growth strategy, and KPIs—including revenue, profitability, registration targets, pricing strategy, and attendee satisfaction—ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.• Direct cross-functional teams spanning marketing, education, sponsorship sales, IT, and operations to deliver high-impact, data-informed event experiences that advance client outcomes and commercial performance.• Oversee full P&L responsibility for a complex international events portfolio, including budget development, forecasting, contract negotiation, financial performance management, and margin expansion.• Spearhead event innovation initiatives leveraging attendee, exhibitor, and sponsor analytics to modernize experiences, increase engagement, and enhance long-term portfolio growth.• Serve as executive partner to client leadership, boards, and planning committees—providing strategic counsel, leading governance engagement, and representing the organization as an industry thought leader.
ABOUT MICHELE S.
I am a global events and experience leader with 20+ years of progressive leadership driving enterprise strategy, operational excellence, and measurable business impact through live, hybrid, and international event portfolios.As Event Director for ISTAT at Smithbucklin, I lead the strategy and execution of a global portfolio of 30+ conferences and executive forums across the U.S, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC. I oversee full P&L performance, define portfolio growth strategy and KPIs, and partner with boards and executive stakeholders to deliver data-informed experiences that drive revenue, engagement, and long-term organizational growth.Previously, during nearly 20 years with Petco, I built and scaled the Meetings, Events & Travel function into a strategic enterprise driver supporting annual attendees and $20M+ in budgets. As Director, I partnered with the C-suite to align events with corporate priorities, elevate brand experience, and improve ROI across investor days, leadership summits, executive retreats, board meetings, and national engagement initiatives.Key impact highlights:• $5.5M+ in cost avoidance through strategic sourcing and negotiation• Enterprise-wide hybrid transformation during COVID, improving satisfaction scores• 25% increase in planner productivity through event technology implementation• Award-winning leadership (Smart Women in Meetings Innovator, Gold Stevie Award)I am known for translating business strategy into high-impact experiences, leading cross-functional global teams, and driving financial discipline alongside innovation.I believe events are strategic platforms for growth, culture, and leadership alignment—not just gatherings.
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