Gregory Zaralides
Haverhill
Summary
Event director with extensive experience in managing large-scale conferences and corporate events. Proven expertise in budgeting, vendor negotiation, and stakeholder engagement, resulting in successful event outcomes. Skilled in enhancing attendee experiences through strategic planning and logistical execution on national and international levels.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Meeting Event Manager
Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc
03.2022 - Current
- Coordinated full-scope logistics and venue selections for meetings both nationally and internationally.
- Negotiated contracts with hotels, vendors, suppliers, and meeting management companies.
- Managed meeting budgets in collaboration with stakeholders for effective execution.
- Presented sourcing recommendations to stakeholders for optimal venues supporting program agendas.
- Cultivated relationships with strategic vendors, including destination management and production companies.
- Oversaw registration processes to ensure accurate participant invitations and issue resolution.
- Handled onsite signage, reporting, and other essential documentation efficiently.
- Implemented customer experience initiatives to improve service quality and satisfaction.
Event Director
World Literacy Summit
Oxford
01.2022 - Current
- Cultivated relationships with key partners, enhancing collaboration with sponsors and industry organizations.
- Collaborated with conference stakeholders to define event objectives and specific requirements.
- Ensured venue suitability aligned with client expectations, budget, and logistical needs.
- Managed logistical details for events, ensuring seamless room setup, audio-visual equipment functionality, and transportation coordination.
- Liaised with service providers, securing contracts and overseeing smooth execution of services.
- Developed and monitored conference budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
- Coordinated conference agendas, facilitating speaker outreach and workshop logistics to enhance attendee engagement.
- Oversaw registration processes, managing online platforms and attendee communication.
Meeting Manager
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
12.2021 - 02.2024
- Coordinated full-scope logistics for in-person meetings and special venue selections nationally and internationally.
- Collaborated with medical teams to develop and execute advisory boards and investigator meetings, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
- Managed meeting budgets, partnering with stakeholders to ensure effective execution and adherence to financial guidelines.
- Negotiated contracts with hotels, vendors, suppliers, AV, F&B, and meeting management companies.
- Presented sourcing recommendations to stakeholders for optimal venues supporting program agendas and networking events.
- Maintained relationships with strategic vendors, facilitating seamless logistics and sourcing for destination management companies and production bids.
- Oversaw registration processes to ensure accurate invitations and resolved participant issues promptly.
- Handled onsite signage, TOV reporting, and ensured all necessary documentation was prepared.
Director of Meetings
American Association for Thoracic Surgery
10.2015 - 10.2021
- Achieved annual meeting revenue of $5.5 million with 4,500 conference attendees.
- Oversaw team of five event managers, executing 10 successful meetings annually.
- Led crisis management team to successfully transition in-person meetings to virtual formats, ensuring continuity during pandemic.
- Negotiated venue contracts and sourced alternatives under pandemic constraints to secure optimal meeting locations.
- Streamlined project management tools and time management initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Provided financial oversight for 10 meeting budgets and operational team budgets.
- Directed reaccreditation process with ACCME, reviewing all content thoroughly.
- Reported to stakeholders, including board of directors and program committees.
Event Director (contract position)
UBM Built Environment
London
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Oversaw planning and execution of ecobuild events, achieving $11.5 million with 3,500 attendees.
- Coordinated conference team for over 100 seminar sessions featuring 800 speakers.
- Managed operational budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support event goals.
- Collaborated with partners, associations, and publications to secure favorable negotiations.
- Motivated sales, marketing, and global agents, enhancing team collaboration and results.
- Supervised sales, marketing, and operations staff of 25, generating £18.4 million in revenue.
- Supported deputy CEO in all aspects of exhibitions, facilitating strategic decision-making and execution.
Managing Director/Owner
Premier Events Group
Athens
06.2004 - 12.2011
- Launched 15 events and conferences, achieving significant industry engagement through DTE Digital Technology Expo.
- Generated revenue of $3.5 million with 1,150 conference attendees.
- Supervised sales staff of 10, driving revenue beyond €750,000.
- Managed relationships with top clients through personalized engagement.
- Rebranded Comdex Greece to DTE (Digital Technology Expo), revitalizing brand identity within one year post-Comdex Worldwide cancellation.
- Established "E-Security Forum" conference from 2004 to 2006, generating €125,000 in gross revenue while fostering cybersecurity dialogue.
Group Event Director
Dubai World Trade Center
Dubai
02.2007 - 12.2010
- Generated $54 million in revenue with 3,500 attendees at GITEX conferences.
- Boosted sponsorship income to $8 million through strategic initiatives.
- Managed financial operations, achieving 90% of targets while increasing sponsorship revenue by 105%.
- Supervised a sales force of 20, driving $28 million in annual revenue.
- Led team of 12 to integrate event managers, marketing, and sales units for streamlined operations.
- Directed top-tier client relations through strategic sales calls and key account management.
- Developed expansion strategies for GITEX Saudi Arabia, Hyderabad, and Shanghai, enhancing regional presence.
- Launched GITEX Global Conferences in 2007 and 2008, introducing the VIP Majlis program.
Event Director
American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce
Athens
03.1999 - 06.2004
- Directed sales and marketing initiatives for Comdex Greece, significantly enhancing market presence.
- Spearheaded efforts for Comdex Greece to strengthen brand recognition.
- Coordinated targeted sales and PR initiatives for exhibitors, partners, and press to strengthen engagement.
- Led strategic sales calls with exhibitors, partners, and press representatives.
- Executed comprehensive marketing strategies through direct mail, websites, email campaigns, and press outlets to maximize reach.
- Supervised five-person sales team, boosting revenue from $275,000 to $2 million.
- Managed event operations including booth setup, teardown, and technical specifications.
- Oversaw booth setup, teardown, and technical needs during events.
Education
BA - Business Administration, M.I.S.
University of Lowell
Lowell, MA, USASkills
- Event logistics
- Event marketing strategies
- Event evaluation and requirements gathering
- Budget forecasting
- Strategic planning
- Contract negotiation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Crisis management
- Customer relationship management
Timeline
Meeting Event Manager
Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc
03.2022 - Current
Event Director
World Literacy Summit
01.2022 - Current
Meeting Manager
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
12.2021 - 02.2024
Director of Meetings
American Association for Thoracic Surgery
10.2015 - 10.2021
Event Director (contract position)
UBM Built Environment
01.2011 - 01.2015
Group Event Director
Dubai World Trade Center
02.2007 - 12.2010
Managing Director/Owner
Premier Events Group
06.2004 - 12.2011
Event Director
American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce
03.1999 - 06.2004
BA - Business Administration, M.I.S.
University of Lowell