Looking for a job

Kristen OConnor

@koconnor

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I turn complex operations, vendor partnerships, and events into organized, measurable business results.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking for a role where I can bring structure to complex operations, build strategic vendor partnerships, negotiate effectively, improve processes, and align cross-functional teams to deliver measurable results.

I bring more than 20 years of experience turning business objectives into executable operational plans. At the Maricopa County Bar Association, I led programs, vendor partnerships, and cross-functional initiatives that contributed to a 14% increase in event attendance.

I manage 25+ vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, oversee budgets and logistics, and execute 50+ annual programs and initiatives. I also developed marketing campaigns that grew LinkedIn from 1,200 to 2,500+ followers, Instagram from 40 to 200+, and Facebook to more than 2,300 followers.

Across hotels, resorts, and convention environments including Classic Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Hilton Sedona Resort, and Mandalay Bay, I've delivered corporate meetings and events ranging from intimate programs to conventions exceeding 10,000 attendees.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Marketing & Events Coordinator

Maricopa County Bar Association

Feb 2022 - Jul 2026 (4 years 5 months)

Led operational planning and execution of association programs and events, managing vendor relationships and cross-functional collaboration, contributing to a 14% increase in event attendance.

Vendor Management Contract Negotiation Event Planning Marketing Campaigns Social Media Generative AI Data Analysis Budget Management Project Management

Event Manager

Classic Hotels & Resorts

Aug 2021 - Feb 2022 (6 months)

Directed end-to-end operational execution for corporate meetings, conferences, and social events, partnering with clients, vendors, and hotel teams to deliver exceptional experiences and maximize efficiency.

Event Management Vendor Management Contract Negotiation Operations Client Relations

Event Manager

Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel

Aug 2019 - Sep 2020 (1 year 1 month)

Managed end-to-end operational execution for large-scale corporate meetings and events, overseeing room block performance, reservation logistics, and cross-functional coordination.

Event Management Operations Vendor Management Client Relations

Senior Event Manager

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

Sep 2014 - Aug 2019 (4 years 11 months)

Directed complex corporate meetings and events for groups up to 800 attendees, overseeing budgets, operational execution, and revenue opportunities while collaborating with clients and hotel leadership.

Event Management Budget Management Operations Vendor Management Client Relations

Conference Services Manager

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Dec 2013 - Sep 2014 (9 months)

Managed operational planning and execution of complex group programs within a luxury resort, analyzing competitive pricing and aligning cross-functional hotel operations to deliver exceptional service.

Event Management Pricing Analysis Operations Client Relations

Senior Catering & Events Manager

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

Jul 2012 - Jul 2013 (1 year)

Negotiated contracts, managed vendor relationships, and directed operational execution for corporate meetings and special events, overseeing budgets and client relationships.

Contract Negotiation Vendor Management Event Management Budget Management Client Relations

Catering Coordinator

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Convention Center

Sep 2007 - Jul 2012 (4 years 10 months)

Produced operational execution plans for convention-scale programs exceeding 10,000 attendees, translating client requirements into detailed documentation for seamless execution.

Event Planning Operations Documentation Vendor Management