michelle j smith, cae

URMIA (University Risk Management & Insurance Association, Inc.), Bloomington, Indiana
Higher education association of 2900+ individuals from 800 institutions and 115 companies supporting those institutions supported by a six and a half FTE including retirees, students, and remote staffers

Senior Director of Events 2019-Present
URMIA Annual Conferences

• Assist in daily operation and strategic plan of 50 year old association
• Design and evaluate learning curriculum with staff and volunteers to deliver comprehensive professional development for higher education risk managers
• Manage activities, programs, and services related to in person and virtual events, diversity & inclusion efforts, and sponsorship
• Lead planning, marketing, and implementation of URMIA events and conferences including oversite of volunteers through project management
• Lead business development efforts with staff and volunteer support
• Manage budgets with contract negotiation responsibilities 
• Source, program, and train others on technology to support efforts for staff and event attendees

ACUI (Association of College Unions International), Bloomington, Indiana
Non-profit 6000+ member international higher education association. Team based environment – small staff with multiple responsibilities and frequent reorganization

Director or Corporate Partnerships & Events 2014-19
ACUI Corporate Connections

• Responsible for corporate engagement, program partnerships, business development including membership, sponsorship, advertising, and tradeshow sales
• Provide strategic vision, identify opportunities, and operationalize processes for 100+ associate members
• Supervise staff with responsibilities for ACUI Procure and Promos ($1M in sales), CSHEMA corporate partnerships ($450k in sales), and Recreation and Leisure activities member services ($100k in registration and sponsorship)
• Member of Senior Management Leadership Team

Director of Meetings 2011-14
ACUI Programs

• Provide guidance and direction to the programs and services department of the Central Office
• Extensive travel schedule for meetings, fundraising, training, and event management
• Administer endowment funds of $1M for collegiate shotgun program

Director of Educational Programs 2009-11

• Develop and administer the educational programs and services of the Association

Education Program Coordinator 2006-09

• Took opportunity moving from supplier to planner to learn, sculpt, and develop business minded non-profit
• Advise member-based program teams in developing and executing their educational programs
• Management of internal and external teams to produce 1000+ annual conference and trade show
• Conduct international student recreation tournaments

Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina, Bloomington, Indiana
fna Fourwinds Resort & Marina
123-room hotel, 11,000 square feet of banquet space, two food outlets & marina operations (mooring, boat service, sales & rental) www.fourwindsresort.com

Director of Sales & Marketing 1999-2006

• Manage sales staff of up to 9 who is responsible for selling all aspects of resort
• Marketing of resort through direct mail (US & Electronic), newsletters, website, billboards, TV, radio, print, collateral pieces, co-op opportunities, and more.
• Member of the Executive Operating Team with a focus on strategic planning for the long term positioning of Fourwinds Resort & Marina.
• Manage up to $550,000 in sales & marketing budget in a $6 million resort.
• Produce better results with fewer dollars in lean times.
• Image protector and promoter 2001-present under new ownership and newly themed resort.
• Maintain client contact of territory, uncover new prospects, and network to promote resort.

Restaurant Manager, Catering Manager 1991-96

• Managed Tradewinds Dining room for 2 years serving 3 meals/day – 7 days/week. A staff of up to 40 in summer.  Promotion of restaurant internally with daily team meetings to increase upselling, point of sale advertising, direct mail inserts and through advertising of daily specials
• Responsible for auditing revenue food & beverage operations including banquet facilities, restaurant & lounge for 8 months
• Catering Sales & Details for 7,000 square feet of indoor meeting space with the addition of 4,000 sq ft of outdoor space in the summer months for 2.5 years. Built sales up to $500,000. Streamlined reservation of meeting space between hotel and catering sales teams located off property.

Eagle Pointe Golf Resort, Bloomington, Indiana
18 hole PGA golf course, 293 condominium bedrooms, banquet space and restaurant/lounge operation www.eaglepointe.com

Group Sales Manager 1996-99

• Development of collateral for resort while under construction and new ownership
• Attended trade shows and participated in other marketing/networking opportunities
• Developed rate structure and group sales contracts
• Group Sales & finalizing of those details with one-on-one client contact
• Management of banquet staff in absence of banquet manager