Open to opportunities

Deb Huston

@djhuston

Experienced event professional who brings vision to fruition with a high level of communication, organization, execution and polish.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a mission-driven team where I can own full-cycle event strategy and execution—fundraising, partnerships, vendor coordination, run-of-show planning, and on-site leadership—while using data-driven post-event reporting to continuously improve.

I’m an event planning and management professional who leads full lifecycle events across nonprofit, community, education, arts, and corporate partners. I bring end-to-end ownership—visioning, concept development, vendor and venue coordination, program flow, and on-site leadership—to create aligned, memorable attendee experiences.

My work includes mission-driven statewide trainings and seminars, annual fundraising and community events (including a holiday fundraiser that consistently achieves fundraising totals 50% above goal), and recurring networking events for regional professionals. I also create post-event reporting and improvement plans, negotiate contracts to maximize value on tight budgets, and coordinate teams and volunteer support to deliver seamless execution.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Events & PR Coordinator

Michigan Design Center

Coordinated internal and external events for Michigan Design Center, managing a 3,000 sq. ft. on-site banquet facility while supporting marketing, communications, and PR initiatives tied to event programming. Managed event timelines, budgets, catering, facility setup and staffing, and supported VIP guest hospitality including hotel and travel coordination.

Event Coordination Marketing Materials Budget Management Hospitality Coordination Google Workspace Microsoft 365 Eventbrite Cvent Social Media CRM Canva Jotform

Events Coordinator & Manager

Various Nonprofits, Schools & Organizations

Contracted to plan end-to-end events for nonprofit, school, and organizational clients, including visioning, vendor/venue coordination, run-of-show coordination, and on-site leadership. Managed training seminar logistics, volunteer coordination, and post-event reports, and negotiated venue/vendor contracts to maximize value on tight budgets.