Kirsty Searle

I am a meticulous event planning professional with 15 years of experience planning and coordinating successful, smooth-flowing events. I hold extensive experience in providing outstanding, personable events and trips which exceed client expectations.

In my spare time I'm an avid mountain biker , trail runner, explorer, beekeeper, nature enthusiast and am happiest on my bicycle surrounded by mountains and the great outdoors :)

Experience

January 2008 - Current

Corporate Experiences & Events Manager EventActive, Johannesburg, Gauteng 

• Self owned company, specialising in creating unique cycling and active client networking experiences for corporate & private groups
• Provided lifecycle support throughout; identifying unique cycling destinations, presenting to corporate, event planning, delivery and completion
• Fund raising element , as well as sponsorships

January 2013 - December 2022

Event Organiser Like2Bike, Johannesburg, Gauteng 

• Self owned company, created with the intention to get kids outdoors, instill a love for sport, and to promote healthy lifestyles
• Ran a successful cycling series across numerous venues in Gauteng, aimed at all school going children. This also included cycling skills coaching, multi-day events, and holiday cycling camps
• Planned and designed schedules for each event, including entertainment, activities, meals , sourcing of various suppliers, etc.
• Approached sponsors, built relationships and loyalty, whilst ensuring maximum brand exposure and marketing
• Social Media advertising & branding

January 2002 - January 2008

Manager of Operations 180 Degree Adventures, Johannesburg, Gauteng 

• Created unique corporate team building, getaway and incentive experiences throughout Africa
• Idea conceptualisation targeted to client requirements, budget preparation, client presentation, event planning, execution and deliverables
• Sporting event management

January 2000 - December 2002

Outdoor Adventures Facilitator Adventure Dynamics, Johannesburg, Gauteng 

• Creation and addition of bicycle adventures to their already highly successful mountaineering expedition offering
• Trip research, development, planning , marketing and execution

January 1993 - December 1999

Product Manager AXIZ, Johannesburg, Gauteng 

• Computer technology manufacturer and supplier to distributors and resellers
• Scheduled, arranged and attended meetings with customers to maintain trusting and long-lasting relationships with resellers
• Later went on to manage the Intel server range
• Created product promotion plans and marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness.

1992

Bachelor of Commerce Marketing, Law 

Rhodes University, Grahamstown, EC 

• BComm

1988

Matric 

Collegiate Girls High , Port Elizabeth, EC