Annette DiGioia

Versatile, results-oriented meeting/sourcing manager with over 20 years of experience, proven skills and track record in all aspects of meeting planning and procurement. Recognized for my ability to build relationships with key personnel and clients; solid experience in problem-solving; budgeting, communication, and customer service. A skilled negotiator who works well independently, and enjoys the camaraderie of working within a group.

Senior Sourcing Manager - GBT/American Express Meetings & Events - Jersey City, New Jersey

(2012-01)

To function as the primary client liaison and lead for assigned programs. Negotiate and contract between 100 - 200 programs worldwide on an annual basis.

• Review meeting request and conduct meeting qualification call with client.
• Utilize knowledge of domestic and international destinations to recommend appropriate sites.
• Maintain knowledge of new destination options, value-priced destination options and promotional offerings.
• Negotiate and confirm critical program components with suppliers and team, utilizing basic terms and conditions, and/or modifying pre-existing master policies to meet individual client requirements.
• Review all supplier contracts prior to finalization, ensuring both program specific and generic terms and conditions are accurate and legally protective of both American Express Meetings & Events and the client, including attrition dates, cancellation policies, etc.
• Use appropriate authorization and addendum forms to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Conduct final negotiations with selected suppliers for best possible pricing and concessions to meet savings and spend expectations.
• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with all current and new clients.
• On-site assistance with programs as needed.
• Event budgeting to assist client in assessing risk and financial commitments.

Human Resource Manager - MyLife Health Services, Inc. - Wheaton, Illinois

(2010-03 - 2011-12)

Responsible for Agency's human resource functions, including employee recruitment, retention, benefits administration, and policy development.

• Participated in all recruitment and retention functions of the Agency which included interviewing applicants; hiring candidates; conducting reference checks; developing screen tests to assess applicant knowledge and skills; reviewing job descriptions annually; facilitating the orientation program, maintaining tracking system and statistics necessary to validate compliance with applicable laws and Agency standards, providing staff direction in matters of personnel policy and human resource issues
• Assured accurate and timely management of personnel records.
• Assured documentation requirements were met for regulatory bodies were in compliance with local and federal laws.
• Prepared benefit-related documents and coordinated with Finance department in matters applicable for payment. Administered Agency benefit programs.
• Demonstrated teamwork and effective communication to accomplish Agency goals.

Independent Meeting Planner - Independent Meeting Planner - Chicago, Illinois

(2008-07 - 2010-03)

Managed and executed all aspects of logistics to plan and implement large- and small-scale corporate meetings and programs, business-related luncheon and dinner functions, as well as fundraising events. Event attendees ranged in size from 25 to 350 people. Traveled to meeting locations for on-site execution.

Clients included Discovery Chicago, Hinton & Grusich, Opportunity International and Schering-Plough. For pharmaceutical company, Schering-Plough, I was hired as a contract meeting planner to manage an overseas advisory board meeting in Vienna, Austria. As part of this project, I researched and secured contracts with the hotel, along with a DMC providing ground transportation and audio/visual.

I was also responsible for invitation mailings, attendee registration, correspondence and air travel. I also had financial accountability for the budgeted meeting spend and cost-savings analysis. I traveled to Vienna for on-site execution.

As on-site consultant to Discovery Chicago, I traveled to manage advisory board meetings and speaker training meetings for healthcare professionals on an on-going basis. I oversaw all aspects of hotel involvement (rooming list and check-in, catering, roo

Senior Meeting Manager - Discovery Chicago/Publicis Medical Education Group - Chicago, Illinois

(2004-01 - 2008-07)

As a Team Leader, I managed all aspects of logistical criteria involved in planning and implementing approximately 40 meetings per year for a variety of pharmaceutical clients. Programs included international, national and regional advisory board meetings, speaker training meetings, symposia and other pharmaceutical-related programs for healthcare professionals. Program attendees range from 25-200.

• Responsible for financial accountability to track actual vs. budgeted meeting spend and cost-savings analysis.
• Researched site options and negotiated contracts with hotels and other participating vendors.
• Managed program logistics, including menu creation, meeting room set-up and audio/visual needs, etc.
• Supervised meeting coordinators and assistants in their logistical support functions. This included invitation mailings; attendee registration and correspondence; air travel, ground transportation and hotel accommodations for attendees; meeting materials shipment; and other tasks as required. Proactively interfaced with other Discovery Chicago teams that oversaw other responsibilities on behalf of the client, such as marketing, graphic design and finance.
• Attended meetings for on-site execution.

Regional Meeting Planner - Maritz McGettigan - Lisle, Illinois

(2000-03 - 2003-12)

As the key client contact serving pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), I was on-site at GSK's Mid-America's regional office. I supported GSK's profitability goals and managed all operation aspects and components of approximately 250 dinner programs, advisory board meetings and roundtables per year. I also assisted GSK's management with district meetings that included weekend/overnight stays and special events. Program attendees ranged from 10-100.

• Recommended and negotiated contracts with hotels, restaurants and participating vendors.
• Prepared and maintained reports that track actual vs. budgeted meeting spend and cost-savings analysis.
• Managed invitation mailings, tracking attendee registration and processed honorarium checks for attending physicians.
• Maintained contact with speakers and attendees regarding all aspects of the meetings.
• Oversaw all program logistics, including menu creation, meeting room set-up and audio/visual needs.
• Attended programs as necessary.

Regional Meeting Planner - Maritz McGettigan - Schaumburg, Illinois

(1998-11 - 2000-03)

As the only on-site consultant to Parke-Davis Pharmaceuticals North Central Region, I solely planned, managed and implemented more than 60 meetings per year for ten Parke-Davis managers. These meetings served Parke-Davis employees, ranged in size from 20 – 80 attendees and included a variety of functions, such as business and training sessions, receptions, dinners, dine-arounds and off-site activities.

• Researched sites and negotiated contracts with hotels and conference centers.
• Audited all bills to determine accuracy for final payment.
• Worked with hotel catering to create menus for all events.
• Coordinated with meeting host on scheduling for all programs functions.
• Researched and secured contracts with vendors providing off-site activities, entertainment, ground transportation and audio/visual.
• Attended meetings when necessary for on-site execution.

Bachelor of Business - Marketing - Western Illinois University