Debbie Heard

Dynamic and results-driven professional with over 10 years of experience cultivating memorable, impactful events and driving revenue growth. Proficient at overseeing all aspects of event planning, from conceptualization to execution, while maintaining a keen eye for detail and adherence to budgetary constraints. Skilled in nurturing client relationships, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional experiences and exceed client expectations. Experienced in accounts management, strategic planning, and project management, dedicated to driving success through creativity, innovation, and meticulous project management. Effective communicator and collaborator, adept at fostering strong internal and external partnerships. Dedicated to driving business success through proactive problem-solving, innovative strategies, and a customer-centric approach.

WORK HISTORY
ACCOUNT AND PROJECT MANAGER | 05/2018 to Current The Demartini Institute - Gauteng Province
• Evaluate the effectiveness of events and activations, providing insightful recommendations for enhancements, contributing to the continuous improvement of marketing strategies.

 • Manage marketing events, activations, and promotions demonstrating a track record of success in achieving set objectives and targets within allocated budgets.
• Secures sponsorships to bolster financial support and enhance brand visibility, fostering strategic partnerships and enabling successful execution of promotional initiatives.
• Conduct comprehensive research, define clear objectives, and develop meticulous marketing briefs to drive agency and supplier collaboration, facilitating smooth creative and production processes.
• Monitor, evaluate, and generate comprehensive reports on promotions, events, and activations, utilizing data-driven insights to inform future marketing endeavors and optimize campaign effectiveness.
• Drive client success initiatives to ensure maximum satisfaction and retention, fostering enduring relationships, vital for business growth.
• Execute strategic account management techniques to proactively meet client needs, enhancing overall service delivery effectiveness.
• Optimize communication channels between clients and internal teams, expediting issue resolution and feedback implementation for streamlined operations.
• Analyze client feedback and usage data to pinpoint improvement areas, fostering product enhancements and service innovation to stay competitive.
• Liaise between partners and internal stakeholders to resolve conflicts. OWNER | 09/2003 to 04/2018
Datafocus - Gauteng Province
• Managed Trade and Consumer databases, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for targeted marketing campaigns and customer relationship management.
• Orchestrated Event and sponsorship management initiatives, collaborating with Aquila Projects to enhance brand visibility and engagement at prestigious industry events like the Microsoft Partner Summit and Tech-Ed Events, as well as with Uber.
• Coordinated participation in high-profile events such as the Coca-Cola South Africa charity golf day, leveraging the opportunity to strengthen brand presence and foster positive relationships within the community.
CIRCULATION MANAGER | 11/1998 to 08/2003 Primedia Publishing - Gauteng Province
• Oversaw circulation operations, ensuring timely distribution of publications to subscribers and retailers, thereby maximizing reach and readership.
• Analyzed circulation data and market trends to identify opportunities for audience expansion and engagement, informing strategic decision-making and content development initiatives.
• Conducted regular performance evaluations of staff members to identify areas for improvement and provide constructive feedback for professional development.
FOOD & BEVERAGE PROMOTIONS & SALES COORDINATOR | 03/1997 to 10/1998 Sandton Sun & Towers Inter-Continental - Gauteng Province
• Strategized incremental business opportunities within the food and beverage sector, driving revenue growth and maximizing outlet capacities.
• Implemented incentives for tour leaders and operators to boost foot traffic through outlets, fostering partnerships and increasing brand visibility.
• Implemented effective cross-selling strategies, increasing overall sales volume and client retention rates.
TRAFFIC COORDINATOR | 09/1995 to 02/1997 Lindsay Smithers - FCB - Gauteng Province
• Identified and addressed resource gaps within internal teams, fostering a balanced workload distribution and maximizing team productivity.
• Implemented rigorous oversight of the internal production process, from initial briefs to

project scope, planning, and deadlines, maintaining quality standards and adhering to timelines.

EDUCATION
• Research and analysis • Promotions expertise • Strategic planning
• Relationship building • Deadline adherence • Report writing
The Demartini Institute - Gauteng Province | Certificate
Trained Demartini Method Facilitator
AAA School of Advertising - Gauteng Province | Diploma - Hons
Advertising And Marketing
UDEMY | Certification
Project Management
CERTIFICATIONS
• Pastel introduction to bookkeeping - Sage 2014 - Pastel Express Version 1