Event Planning & Marketing
In my role as the Assistant Director of West Coast Admissions for UVM, I've had the opportunity to lead and collaborate on a series of strategic events designed to engage and inform prospective students and educational professionals about our institution. From organizing a highly cost-effective student reception in Seattle that maximized outreach within a tight budget, to pioneering a consortium travel initiative with peer institutions, my efforts have focused on creating meaningful, informative gatherings. These events demonstrate a blend of strategic planning, budget management, and creative marketing, all aimed at fostering relationships and showcasing the unique values of our academic community.
In my capacity as the Assistant Director of West Coast Admissions for the University of Vermont (UVM), I spearheaded the organization of a prospective student reception in Seattle, aiming to create a memorable and impactful event within the constraints of a modest $5k budget. Recognizing the importance of a central location to accommodate attendees from Everett to Tacoma, I revisited venues from past events, ultimately choosing the Redmond Marriott for its strategic location and cost-efficiency. Through diligent negotiation, I managed to secure the venue, along with food, AV equipment, and space, for an impressively low $1.6k—making it the most budget-friendly of the four regional receptions we hosted that fall.
The event attracted around 35 attendees, including prospective students and two local alumni, creating a dynamic and engaging environment. I took charge of the logistics and flow of the event, delivering a presentation tailored to prospective students that highlighted what UVM has to offer and made them feel genuinely welcomed. A particularly innovative feature was a live Zoom panel with current students from Burlington, allowing for real-time Q&A and providing authentic insights into the student experience at UVM. The event's success was reflected not only in its execution but in its outcomes: over 70% of attendees applied to UVM, with more than half of those students choosing to join us the following fall. This event stands as a testament to the power of strategic planning, effective budget management, and the creation of meaningful connections between prospective students and the university community.
UVM Seattle Prospective Student Reception
Later that fall, in a collaborative effort that expanded beyond just the University of Vermont, I joined forces with UMass Amherst, UCONN, UMaine, UDelaware, and URI to orchestrate a consortium travel initiative. Our goal was to cultivate a deeper understanding among school counselors from some of our most significant feeder schools about what our institutions uniquely offer. We pinpointed two key venues in Portland and Seattle for these engagements: McMenamins for the Portland event and Tavern Hall for Seattle. Each session was designed to last approximately an hour and a half, featuring a breakfast and a mixer that allowed school counselors to mingle and gain insights into our schools in a relaxed, and more casual setting.
As a member of the planning committee, my responsibilities were multifaceted. I played a pivotal role in venue selection, ensuring that our choices would foster an inviting atmosphere conducive to open dialogue and engagement. Furthermore, I oversaw the catering arrangements, ensuring that the food provided would complement the welcoming environment we aimed to create. Preparing the presentations was another critical task, involving careful curation of content that would resonate with our audience, effectively communicate the value propositions of each participating university, and facilitate meaningful discussions. This collaborative venture underscored the importance of teamwork across institutions and also highlighted our collective commitment to fostering relationships, ultimately guiding students towards making informed decisions about their higher education pathways.
Seattle & Portland Counselor Breakfasts
