Phone: 409-515-1275 / 936-524-8674 * E-mail: fr7ecfae@westpost.net PROFILE Versatile, perceptive, and achievement-driven Marketing Professional with proven experience in the highly competitive trade show planning sector. Long-respecte d for advanced abilities in public relations, marketing, advertising, trade show execution, client acquisition and retention, and account management. Outstandi ng blend of expertise in staff leadership, communication, and creative problem s olving. Excels at managing employees, fusing resources, and advancing organizati onal directives through innovative programs and initiatives. Adeptly decodes co mplex situations and deploys business instinct to present logical plans, then de legates effectively, remains committed to outcome, and embraces flexible ways to achieve goals. AREAS OF EXPERTISE
* Trade Show Planning & Execution
* Public Relations * Strategic Planning * Relationship Management * Project Coordination * Marketing & Promotions * Publishing & Print Media * Budget Planning & Administration * Business Development * Team Building & Motivation PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Fran Rutledge Trade Shows & Promotions, Houston, TX, 2008 to Present Owner / Operator * Function as an independent trade show and promotions consultation within the H ouston, Texas area, planning and executing high profile health fairs, bridal fai rs, go green shows, home shows, and festivals. * Work closely with individual clients to determine event requirements and utili ze vast event planning experience to coordinate successful events through effect ive planning, promotion, and marketing. * Collaborate with contractors and vendors to secure cost effective audio and vi sual, furniture and fittings, catering, and marketing collateral among others to ensure the success of each event. * Play a pivotal role in marketing trade shows and promotions to the wider commu nity and oversee each project phase to ensure compliance with stringent budgetar y guidelines. * Develop and maintain strong business alliances with vendors, contractors, supp liers, and clients, leading to improved levels of cooperation and communication within all parties. Rutledge Promotions LLC, Houston, TX, 1993 to Present Trade Show Producer / CEO * Established and built a highly successful promotions company from the ground u p, demonstrating an innate ability to meet and exceed the diverse needs of major company clients. * Forge, nurture, and maintain loyal relationships with major business clients i ncluding Lenox China, Estee Lauder, Piper Heidseck Champagne, and Godiva among o thers. * Develop professional relationships with hotel clients including NYC The Mark, The Carlton Central Park, Sheratons, CT, Chicago Omnis, Orlando Crown Plaza, One ill Convention Center, and Westfield Malls. * Function as a strategic business partner and information resource to clients, providing leadership and direction in all areas of trade show execution, marketi ng, advertising, and promotional events. * Demonstrate a proven ability to recruit national hotels, malls, and businesses from diverse sectors and industries to participate in national trade shows, imp roving annual revenue growth and profitability. * Plan and execute each event from initial concept and planning to successful co nclusion, working closely with contractors and suppliers to secure fixtures, fit ting, audio and visual, and marketing collateral. * Leverage superior analytical skills to create innovative advertising and promo tional initiatives for radio, television, and telemarketing campaigns, securing high volume participation at each trade show event. * Display solid financial acumen in the administration and management of the adv ertising budget and the execution of the overall business plan, minimizing expen diture and maximizing bottom line profits. * Skillfully orchestrate the execution of each trade show with responsibility fo r the set up and tear down of booths, the promotion of client business, and the satisfaction of all trade show visitors and participants. * Exercise outstanding interpersonal and analytical skills to resolve client con cerns and problems in a swift and decisive manner, without loss of client goodwi ll or risk of further escalation. Continued... Frances Rutledge ~ Page 2 of 2 World Class Weddings Magazine, New Fairfield, CT, 2001 to 2006 Publisher / Editor in Chief / CEO * Directly contributed to organizational performance by offering expertise, reli ability, and continuity in the editing and publishing of a highly successful nat ional bridal magazine, leading to optimized sales growth. * Managed a broad range of daily functions including advertising, marketing, bra nding, client acquisition and retention, proposal development, account managemen t, budgeting, and client relations. * Developed and implemented short and long-term business development programs th at ensured the successful recruitment of national and international advertisers and sponsors. * Provided leadership and direction to a team of sales representatives in the ex ecution of daily roles, developing a high-performance, goal-focused team that co nsistently exceeded expectations. * Devised innovative marketing, advertising, and branding initiatives that impro ved the overall performance of the magazine, increased market share, and improve d bottom line profitability on an annual basis. * Skillfully acquired and retained a high value corporate client list, prepared and presented competitive sales proposals to key decision makers, and maintained loyal relationships with new and existing clients. * Demonstrated a proven ability to generate repeat and referred sales from high profile national and regional clients and successfully managed key client accoun ts, increasing overall sales revenue. * Responsible for budget planning and administration, financial management, and profit and loss reporting, implementing internal controls that reduced expenses, minimized costs, and improved profitability. * Prepared editorial calendars and oversaw all editorial and design functions wi thin the magazine and website to ensure compliance with corporate goals and obje ctives. * Recruited high profile celebrities and sports figures to be photographed for e ditorial content including The New York Giants, The PBR, The LPGA, Ms. Gloria Ga ynor, Ms. Crystal Gayle, and NBC's daytime stars. * Planned and coordinated national and international press trips in accordance w ith editorial requirements, and played a key role in optimizing the magazine bra nd through effective marketing and promotion. Earlier Professional Experience... Owner / Operator, The Cake Emporium and More, New Fairfield, CT, 1985 to 1992 * Owned and operated a highly successful retail business, producing high quality gourmet cakes and catered food items for residential and commercial clients, im proving sales revenue annually. Area Director, AIF, New Fairfield, CT, 1989 to 1992 (Seasonal Summers) * Responsible for the recruitment of families to host international students, bu dget administration, activity and event planning, weekly reporting, and monitori ng family and student relationships. EDUCATION & TRAINING Liberal Arts, Westchester Community College, White Plains, NY Plated Program, Culinary Institute of America, Poughkeepsie, NY Continuing Education Seminars in Marketing, Advertising, and Real Estate LICENSES Florida Real Estate License, 2005 COMPUTER SKILLS MS Office Suite: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint; Adobe; PhotoShop, Web-based P rograms, Quark, In-Design Print Master, Email Applications, and Internet Applica tions