Marilyn Mutagubya

Highly organised and results-driven Event Planning & Executive Administration Coordinator with experience delivering large-scale conferences, executive meetings, stakeholder events, awareness campaigns, onboarding programmes, hospitality functions, and community initiatives. Skilled in end-to-end event coordination, including travel and logistics management, vendor and supplier coordination, budget administration, stakeholder engagement, and operational execution. Experienced in supporting senior executives and collaborating with high-profile local and international delegates while ensuring seamless event delivery under tight deadlines.

Currently completing a Bachelor of Theology at Stellenbosch University, bringing exceptional organisational, communication, problem-solving, and relationship management skills with a commitment to delivering professional, high-impact events.

Event Planner & Operations Coordinator Analyst - Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA) - Cape Town

(2026-01 - 2026-06)

Conference & Executive Events Administration

• Coordinated the planning and delivery of the annual AFIIA Conference, ensuring all event milestones were met on schedule.
• Managed executive travel logistics, including booking domestic and international flights, accommodation, airport transfers, and travel itineraries for speakers, executives, and VIP delegates.
• Assisted with conference budgeting by supporting financial administration, monitoring expenditure, processing invoices, and helping ensure the event remained within budget.
• Provided high-level administrative support to the Executive Office, including meeting coordination, scheduling, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
• Liaised with sponsors, exhibitors, keynote speakers, suppliers, and service providers to ensure seamless event operations.
• Coordinated conference registrations, delegate communications, event materials, and on-site administration to deliver a professional attendee experience.
• Worked closely with senior executives and high-profile stakeholders, maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and excellent organisational standards throughout the planning and execution process.

Event Planner & Operations Coordinator Analyst - Autism Society Uganda (International NGO) - Kampala, Uganda

(2025-06 - 2025-11)

• Planned, coordinated, and executed professional advocacy, awareness, and community engagement events focused on Autism inclusion and education.
• Led end-to-end event planning, including concept development, logistics, scheduling, budgeting, and on-site coordination.
• Collaborated with international and local stakeholders, professionals, families, and community leaders.
• Managed vendors, volunteers, and event teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Supported Autism awareness campaigns, workshops, and outreach initiatives.
• Recognised for excellence in event coordination and impact, receiving awards and commendations for outstanding performance and dedication.
• Successfully organised 10+ large-scale advocacy and awareness events, including World Autism Awareness Day campaigns, reaching hundreds of participants.
• Awarded Professional Excellence in Advocacy & Event Coordination for outstanding contribution to public awareness and community empowerment.
• Increased stakeholder engagement by 35% through strategic collaboration with partner organisations, local leaders, and volunteers.
• Developed innovative event formats that boosted visibility and participation in Autism Society Uganda programmes, including advocacy forums and educational workshops.

Event & Coordinator (Academic Project) - Community Development University Project

(2024-10 - 2025-10)

Event Planner

• Planned, organised, and coordinated a full-day community development camp as part of a third-year academic requirement, managing the event from concept to execution.
• Developed the event theme, objectives, itinerary, and detailed agenda, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes and participant engagement.
• Designed and coordinated all event logistics, including venue setup, decorations, activity flow, time management, catering, and participant movement throughout the day.
• Managed budgeting, resource allocation, and materials, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining a high quality event experience.
• Coordinated activities, games, group sessions, and reflective components to promote unity, participation, and learning.
• Oversaw on-site execution, problem-solving in real time and ensuring the programme ran smoothly according to plan.
• Successfully delivered a well-organised, engaging, and impactful camp experience, receiving the highest academic grade for exceptional planning, coordination, and execution.

Event Planner & Operations Coordinator Analyst - Stellenbosch University & Community Events - Stellenbosch University

(2023-03 - 2025-10)

• Coordinated over 30 academic, social, governance, and awareness events ranging from 50–800 attendees.
• Accomplished seamless multi-stakeholder event delivery as measured by 95% schedule adherence by implementing detailed run-sheets, vendor timelines, and contingency plans.
• Managed event budgets up to R250,000, accomplishing cost savings of 15% by negotiating vendor pricing and optimizing supplier sourcing.
• Oversaw venue bookings, catering, technical support, security, and guest logistics.
• Served as primary liaison between senior leadership, vendors, sponsors, and attendees.

Social Media & Event Marketing Coordinator - Simply Greek Restaurant, Centraal Party Lounge

(2022-12 - 2024-08)

Hospitality & Lifestyle Brands

• Increased event attendance by 40% as measured by ticket scans by executing targeted digital campaigns.
• Coordinated promotional timelines, guest lists, and on-site execution for themed events, launches, and private functions.
• Supported bar, wedding-style celebrations, and branded activations in fast-paced environments.

Peer Counsellor (Elected Member) - Western Cape Government – Peer Counselling Programme - President High School

(2019-06 - 2020-06)

• Selected as one of 10 elected peer counsellors to participate in a structured government-supported peer counselling initiative.
• Provided peer-to-peer emotional support, active listening, and guidance to individuals navigating personal, academic, and social challenges.
• Facilitated safe, inclusive spaces for open discussion, emotional expression, and mutual support among peers.
• Supported psycho-social wellbeing by encouraging healthy coping strategies, resilience, and help-seeking behaviour.
• Collaborated with programme coordinators and facilitators to strengthen peer engagement and referral processes.
• Demonstrated leadership, empathy, and confidentiality while contributing to youth and community wellbeing outcomes.

Bachelor of Theology - Psychology and Practical Theology - University of Stellenbosch (2022-02)

Bachelors' pass - English (HL), Afrikaans (FAL), Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Geography, History, Computer Application Technology - President High School (2017 - 2020)

Goodwood College (2016 - 2016)