Valeria Pensabene

Curriculum vitae

"Valeria Pensabene Address: Via G. Rovetta 6, Milano, Italy Mobile: + (39) 389 809 6926 Email: valeriapensabene@gmail.com SALES MANAGER / EVENT MANAGER / MARKETING MANAGER Self-motivated and enthusiastic sales professional with extensive experience in spearheading marketing strategies, corporate management, brand management and client satisfaction. Hands-on experience in developing and executing all aspects of event management to increase media exposure while supporting strategic marketing initiatives through effective use of social media. Outstanding track record of conducting competitive strategic analysis, consumer segmentation and consumer insights development, as well as designing and formulating strategies to promote various brands at corporate levels. Possessing a high degree of creative acumen and business flair twinned with an inspiring customer service and creative events management background demonstrated through an outstanding record of achievement. CORE COMPETENCIES Customised Event Planning ▪ International, National and Local Event Management ▪ Event Logistics and Timeline Management ▪ Purchasing and Procurement ▪ Continuous Process Improvement ▪ Marketing and Communication Strategies ▪ Event Contractor and Subcontractor Management ▪ Account Development/Acquisition ▪ Sales and Distribution Channels ▪ Market Penetration and Target Marketing ▪ Performance Management ▪ Market Research and Analysis ▪ Promotions Strategies ▪ Customer Relations Development ▪ Sales Presentations/Proposals ▪ P&L/Budgeting/Cost Control ▪ Sales Training and Team Leadership ▪ Region and Territory Expansion KEY SKILLS  Marketing Strategy - Expertise in developing and executing strategic marketing and advertising plans while supporting business objectives of clients. Responsible for the creation, implementation and launch of new programmes, as well as developing and localising marketing strategies.  Event Management - Organising and implementing marketing events with exceptional skills while providing oversight for implementing event plans, including provisioning of event logistics, communications and budget, as well as coordinating with board of directors, teams and operations management.  Business Development - Extremely adept in identifying new business areas, product lines and the potential of new geographies while achieving top- and bottom-line objectives. Expertise in corporate leadership, product management, market research, sales and promotions, business development and social media. Hands on experience in driving direct and indirect sales while managing whole sales operations in Italy, for the life long learning programme.  Product Positioning and Branding Methodologies - Conducting daily analysis of internal brand strategy and positioning for the development of strong strategic plans and related campaigns. Determining brand's USP (unique selling propositions), competitive landscape, consumer and market insights and employing the 4Ps (product, price, promotion and place) for identifying most targeted and efficient means to reach consumers across all media platforms.  People Management and Public Relations - Skilled in maintaining cohesive business relations with clients from sponsors and media partners, production team, suppliers of audio-visual and staging equipment and interpreting and registration teams to caterers and publicity agents.  Interpersonal and Communication Skills - Excellent communicator and top negotiator with an ability to work under pressure in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments. Proven ability to effectively interact with people of diverse nationalities; comfortable working in a multicultural setting.  Languages - Spanish, Italian and English. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS ACROSS CAREER SPAN  Served as country product manager, Italy in EF education SRL and effectively drove sales for 3 million euro with a goal of 300.000 and brought product sales from minus 11 percent to 140 percent.  Acted as event manager for OpenKnowledge, organised a third event of importance on social business, which succeeded in terms of participation, budget savings (gained mark up gained with the sponsorship hunt).  Served as member of international advertising association and got elected in the board for outstanding performance and accomplishments.  Effectively established and maintained strong business relations with reputed clients, including multinational brands such as P&G and Philips. CAREER HISTORY Counsellor and Member of the Board of Directors Jul 2011 - Present International Advertising Association
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Italy Chapter | Industry / Sector: Marketing and Advertising  Effectively developing and implementing strategies and policies for main marketing and advertising organisations in Italy. Marketing Manager Feb 2012 - Jul 2012 OpenKnowledge Srl | Industry / Sector: Consulting (Social Business)  Responsible for event management of a Social Business Forum.  Efficiently organised marketing activities for headquarters in Milan and satellite offices in London, Sydney and Shangai.  Managed diverse tasks including developing marketing and communication plans, handling P&L control and budgeting.  Performed daily analysis of internal brand strategy and positioning; responsible for evaluation and development of best activities to drive sales. Event Manager Feb 2012 - Jul 2012 Social Business Forum / (OpenKnowledge Srl)  Responsible for organising all logistic operations for the leading annual social business event in Europe. Worked closer with the venue (Marriott Hotel, Milan), managed 50 speakers and organised all the practical arrangements for welcoming over 1000 visitors.  Effectively liaised with sponsors and media partners, including Cisco, IBM, Oracle and the Harvard Business Review Italia, as well as the production team, suppliers of audio-visual and staging equipment, interpreting and registration teams, caterers and publicity agents.  Managed budget for events and prepared detailed reports for OpenKnowledge. Executive Marketing and Sales Strategy for Exclusive Resorts Jul 2011 - Oct 2011 M&G Srl; Industry / Sector: Real Estate, Hotellerie / Tourism  Provided necessary support to the CEO within the real estate division.  Responsible for performing competitor analysis, strategic development of the e-commerce platform (travel) and related online activities and tools in accordance with the online department.  Organised and prepared all company materials for a merger. Country Product Manager Jan 2010 - Jan 2011 EF Education Srl; Industry / Sector: Education and Travel  Efficiently coordinated direct and indirect sales, planned strategic marketing activities and commissioned and developed advertising materials.  Worked in close coordination with marketing and advertising agencies, as well as consultants.  Designed and implemented activities related to online marketing, SEO/SEM, social media in consultation with an Online Marketing Manager and to other websites worldwide and HQ.  Responsible for developing weekly reports and tracking KPIs.  Conducted market research and provided strategic support in CRM activities by customising the platform to Italian market and needs. Sales Specialist - Event Manager May 2007 - Jan 2010 Idea Link Srl | Industry / Sector: Communication / Marketing / Events  Provided expert B2B insight and services while managing a portfolio of private clients.  Responsible for arranging event area for corporate clients, including P&G, Sharp, Air Berlin and major banks.  Efficiently liaised with team members to plan specific marketing services on an ecommerce platform at www.universitybox.com.  Managed and customised tools for clients through an online store, web advertising, articles on webzine, forums, blogs and online contest to the requirements of IT department, drove sales and delivered projects to clients. Manager and Project Leader Oct 2007 - Jan 2010 Universitybox | Industry / Sector: Communication / Marketing / Events  Organised special events/marketing/advertising projects involving representatives from national governments and international agencies. Previous experience of 3 years; commenced career in 2004, effectively handling diverse responsibilities across various organisations. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Masters Degree in Marketing and Event Planning Nov 2007 - Mar 2008 IED Communication, Milan, Italy Degree in Modern Languages Research project focused on web content, social media and economy Sep 2001 - Mar 2007 University of Palermo, Italy Bachelors Degree in Arts and Classical Studies Sep 1996 - Jul 2001 Umberto I Liceo Classico, Palermo PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS  International Advertising Association Diploma in Marketing & Communication  DELE Diploma COMPUTER SKILLS  Highly competent in MS Office applications.  Thorough knowledge of Macromedia Dreamweaver, CRM and CMS. PERSONAL INFORMATION Date of Birth: 17th Apr,1983 Nationality: Italian Marital Status: Single Driving Licence: European Driving Licence References available on request "