JUSTIN RUSSELL
Etobicoke
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented Event Planner with two decades of experience in organizing and executing a diverse range of events. Proven track record of delivering exceptional events that exceed client expectations, with expertise in budget management, vendor relations, logistics coordination, and team leadership. Skilled in creating seamless event experiences from initial concept to final execution, ensuring flawless delivery and customer satisfaction. Known for excellent organizational skills, creative problem-solving, and the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in high-pressure environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Planner
Self Employed
09.2008 - Current
- Manage all aspects of event planning, meet strict deadlines, and stay within budget
- Nurture and build relationships with vendors, venues, and other industry contacts while crafting and implementing the creative and logistical aspects of all events
- Remain current (or ahead of the curve) with trends in event planning, design, and production, and proactively identify and solve operational challenges
- Comply with legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations at all times
- Coordinate with team, clients, and vendors to establish the requirements for an event, and serve as liaison to artists and industry leaders throughout the planning process
- Locate resources, visit sites, and lead pre-event meetings to help team make decisions about event design
- Plan and facilitate logistics for all events, including contract negotiations, guest lists, venue preparation, presentation materials, security, catering, visas, work permits, transportation, equipment, decor, and marketing materials
- Oversee client experiences from conception through post-event review; manage on-site preparations, production, and event breakdown; and ensure consistent, high-level service throughout all phases
- Build and maintain a comprehensive database of industry contacts, vendors, and venues
- Troubleshoot any issues that arise on event day
Graphic Designer
Self Employed Contractor
09.2008 - Current
- Developed creative design for print materials, brochures, banners, and signs.
- Developed innovative design concepts that effectively communicated brand identity and boosted overall brand awareness.
- Designed eye-catching event collateral, contributing to successful campaigns and increased event attendance.
- Researched industry trends to stay current on best practices in graphic design.
- Created engaging social media graphics that drove user engagement and increased online visibility.
- Conceptualized creative designs for print materials, banners, and signs.
- Created digital image files for use in digital and traditional printing methods.
Payroll Administrator
Winners
09.2005 - 10.2007
- Reconciles processed work by verifying entries and comparing system reports to balances.
- Charges expenses to accounts and cost centers by analyzing invoice/expense reports; recording entries.
- Pays vendors by monitoring discount opportunities; verifying federal id numbers; scheduling and preparing checks; resolving purchase order, contract, invoice, or payment discrepancies and documentation; insuring credit is received for outstanding memos; issuing stop-payments or purchase order amendments.
- Pays employees by receiving and verifying expense reports and requests for advances; preparing checks.
- Maintains accounting ledgers by verifying and posting account transactions.
- Verifies vendor accounts by reconciling monthly statements and related transactions.
- Carried out bank reconciliations and handled petty cash
- Provided outstanding customer service and established vendor relationships
Education
IT TECHNICIAN - Information Technology
TRIOS COLLEGE
06.2009
GRAPHIC DESIGN - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
SENECA COLLEGE
05.2007
Skills
- Planning and organization
- Social media management
- Event marketing
- Graphic design
- Social media design
Activities
Enjoy planning my own events, designing and creating either on the computer or through music.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Event Planner
Self Employed
09.2008 - Current
Graphic Designer
Self Employed Contractor
09.2008 - Current
Payroll Administrator
Winners
09.2005 - 10.2007
GRAPHIC DESIGN - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
SENECA COLLEGE
IT TECHNICIAN - Information Technology
TRIOS COLLEGE
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