Sharia Barksdale

About Sharia Barksdale

Designing Transformational Experiences That Advance Missions + Drive ImpactI’m an accomplished event leader with 18+ years of experience producing high-impact conferences, convenings, and digital experiences that align with strategic objectives and deliver measurable results.My expertise lies in managing complex, high-visibility programs—particularly in association, federal government, science, and tech sectors—across both in-person and virtual platforms. I lead with a balance of operational precision, human-centered service, and creative strategy, producing events that are not just well-run, but deeply meaningful and inclusive. Lead full-cycle event strategy and execution for events over 800+ attendees Optimize registration systems, platforms, and reporting for seamless stakeholder engagement Direct internal and vendor teams across logistics, A/V, staging, content, and digital production Deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or experience Trusted partner to federal clients and mission-driven organizationsI specialize in translating vision into action — creating events that aren’t just logistically sound, but programmatically impactful. Let’s build something transformative.

Experience

1. Conference Planner

   Artemis ARC

   Feb 2024 — Present · Alexandria, VA, US

   Lead conference strategist for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Convergence Accelerator (CA) Regional Expansion Event Series. I oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of high-impact quarterly events across 10 geographic regions, guiding program success through strategic logistics, stakeholder alignment, and audience engagement.I manage venue sourcing, contract negotiation, team leadership, and contingency planning — all while ensuring accessibility, cost efficiency, and high production quality. I serve as the primary subject matter expert for registration systems and data capture, leading cross-functional training and reporting for federal clients. During live events, I direct on-site execution, troubleshoot in real time, and provide actionable post-event reporting that drives continuous improvement. I lead a team of 8 and cultivate a high-performing, collaborative culture rooted in excellence.

Education

• Crossland High School

  High School Diploma

• Hood College

  Bachelor's Degree

• The George Washington University School of Business

  Master's Degree