Lee-Mari Barnard

Results-driven Event Manager and Hospitality Strategist with experience delivering high-impact events and driving revenue growth across nightlife and corporate sectors. Skilled in venue operations, client acquisition, and executing seamless events through strategic planning, strong stakeholder relationships, and creative storytelling.

General Manager & Events Manager at DEUS ex Machina & HALO (2024-09 – Present)

• Drove revenue growth by repositioning the venue towards high-value clients and corporate events.
• Led end-to-end execution of large-scale events for clients including Monster Energy, Ignite, Global financial summit and Springbok Sevens.
• Streamlined operations across FOH, BOH, and vendor teams to improve efficiency and service standards.
• Managed premium client relationships, delivering tailored, high-impact event experiences for VIPs and brand partners.

Guest Relations Executive & Events Coordinator at Gorgeous George Hotel (2023-02 – 2024-09)

• Executed premium events from concept to completion for brands including Adobe, DKNY, Maybelline, and SnapScan.
• Increased bookings through curated activations and strategic brand collaborations.
• Introduced new event formats aligned with pricing strategy to boost monthly revenue.
• Partnered with F&B, marketing, and entertainment teams to enhance guest experience and retention.
• Delivered brand activations and campaign events, including Lipton's "Step Into Summer" campaign.
• Coordinated fashion, art, and lifestyle events blending media, design, and audience engagement.
• Built partnerships between brands, creatives, and venues to execute commercially viable events.
• Conceptualised immersive experiences integrating storytelling and influencer strategy.

Radio Journalist & Media Manager at KovsiFM | 5FM | OFM (2017 – 2021)

• Produced and presented radio content, including news, interviews, and lifestyle features.
• Led social media campaigns and activations for brands including Nedbank and FNB.
• Managed content calendars and trained presenters in broadcasting and communication.
• Coordinated live event coverage and on-site activations, bridging media and experiential marketing.

Bachelor of Journalism in Journalism – University of the Free State

Event Management Certification in Event Management – University of Cape Town

TEFL Certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language – Teaching English Online