McKenzie Calderon: A Rising Star in Event Management and Marketing
In the ever-evolving world of marketing and event management, professionals who bring a blend of creativity, organisation, and leadership stand out. McKenzie Calderon is one such individual who has steadily built a reputation as a skilled Marketing Events Coordinator, known for her exceptional ability to execute diverse events that align with broader business objectives. With a solid academic background and extensive practical experience, McKenzie has become a prominent name in the field, especially within the B2B corporate events sector.
This article delves into the journey of McKenzie Calderon, exploring her education, professional experiences, and the qualities that have contributed to her success. It aims to provide insights into her career trajectory and highlight the valuable lessons she embodies for aspiring event management professionals.
Early Education and Academic Foundations
University of Central Florida – Rosen College of Hospitality Management
McKenzie’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for her career in event management. She pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Event Management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, a prestigious institution known for producing skilled hospitality and event professionals.
During her time at university, McKenzie demonstrated academic excellence, maintaining a GPA of 3.7 and graduating Cum Laude, an honour that reflects her dedication and hard work. Her involvement extended beyond academics, as she took on the role of a Resident Assistant, supporting student welfare and contributing to campus life through organising community-building activities.
Additionally, she actively participated in student organisations, including the Environmental Staff Chair and the Area Council, where she held leadership roles such as Area Council Liaison. McKenzie also engaged with professional bodies like Meeting Planners International, gaining early exposure to industry standards and networking opportunities.
Her academic tenure was further enriched by completing three professional internships, which provided hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of event logistics, planning, and execution.
Broward College – Associate of Arts (A.A.) in General Studies
Before attending the University of Central Florida, McKenzie earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Broward College. There, she also demonstrated leadership by participating in the American Sign Language Club and the Campus Activities Board. These roles allowed her to hone her organisational and communication skills, which later proved invaluable in her professional career.
Professional Experience
RTI – Marketing Events Coordinator (March 2023 – Present)
Currently, McKenzie holds the position of Marketing Events Coordinator at RTI, based in Denver, Colorado. In this role, she manages and executes a diverse portfolio of events including trade shows, seminars, webinars, and sponsorships, ensuring that each event runs smoothly and delivers significant impact.
Her key responsibilities include:
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Event Strategy Alignment: Coordinating event communications and activities pre-, during, and post-event to align with broader marketing goals.
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Trade Show Management: Handling speaker coordination, staffing logistics, and onsite operations to maintain a professional brand presence.
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Vendor and Partner Liaison: Acting as the primary point of contact between internal teams and external partners.
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Contract Negotiation: Managing vendor contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance with company standards.
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Budget and Documentation: Maintaining detailed event documentation and financial records to streamline administration and budget tracking.
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Logistics Coordination: Overseeing complex logistics such as travel, material procurement, and shipping.
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Marketing Collaboration: Working closely with marketing teams across campaigns, digital platforms, PR, social media, and account-based marketing (ABM) to maximise event reach.
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Webinar Execution: Planning and moderating webinars to engage audiences and support marketing initiatives.
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Salesforce Lead Management: Implementing lead capture and pipeline management processes to directly contribute to sales goals.
McKenzie’s role demands strong project management skills and the ability to multitask across different event formats, which she executes with professionalism and efficiency.
VendorSmart – Marketing Events Coordinator (January 2022 – March 2023)
Prior to RTI, McKenzie worked at VendorSmart, where she developed expertise in coordinating trade shows and sponsorship activities. Her responsibilities involved:
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Planning and logistics for trade shows.
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Collaborating with vendors, exhibitors, and internal teams.
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Managing travel arrangements and conference registrations.
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Organising hospitality and networking events.
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Overseeing booth management during events.
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Budget building and cost tracking.
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Conducting post-event surveys to evaluate return on investment (ROI).
Her role at VendorSmart helped deepen her operational knowledge and reinforced her ability to deliver value through well-managed events.
Support Specialist (March 2020 – January 2022)
Before moving fully into event coordination, McKenzie served as a Support Specialist. This role involved customer service, managing communications, and contributing to marketing efforts like newsletter creation and advertising sales. The experience enhanced her communication skills and adaptability in dynamic environments.
Earlier Roles: Castle Group, Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, and More
McKenzie’s earlier positions include Lifestyle Director at Castle Group, Tradeshow Coordinator at Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, and various internships related to event planning and coordination. These roles helped her build foundational skills in event logistics, vendor management, and customer relations.
Key Skills and Competencies
McKenzie’s career is marked by a wide array of skills that are critical in the event management and marketing landscape:
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Operations and Logistics Management: Proficient in coordinating complex event logistics, including vendor coordination, travel, and onsite management.
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Communication: Exceptional at liaising between multiple stakeholders, ensuring clarity and smooth collaboration.
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Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and projects, from organising small seminars to large-scale trade shows.
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Financial Acumen: Skilled in budget creation, cost tracking, and financial reporting for event management.
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Technical Proficiency: Experienced with Salesforce for lead management and familiar with webinar platforms.
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Marketing Integration: Collaborates effectively with marketing channels to enhance event visibility and engagement.
Personal Attributes and Professional Philosophy
Beyond her technical skills and experience, McKenzie is known for her meticulous attention to detail, strong organisational abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. She embraces challenges and thrives in fast-paced environments, always aiming to deliver exceptional results.
Her passion for event management is underpinned by a genuine interest in creating meaningful experiences for attendees and driving measurable business outcomes for her organisations.
Conclusion: McKenzie Calderon
McKenzie Calderon exemplifies the qualities of a modern marketing and event management professional. Her academic achievements, combined with extensive hands-on experience, position her as a knowledgeable and resourceful coordinator capable of managing complex event portfolios.
For aspiring event professionals, McKenzie’s career path underscores the importance of education, diverse practical experiences, and continuous collaboration with marketing and operational teams. Her story illustrates how dedication, skill development, and effective communication can propel one’s career in a competitive industry.
As McKenzie continues to grow in her role at RTI and beyond, she stands as an inspiring example of how professionalism and passion come together to create success in the field of marketing events coordination.
