Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Michelle Trilling

Bethesda

Summary

Strategic, results-driven C-Level Executive Director with 20+ years of exceptional leadership in orchestrating high-impact, multimillion-dollar events for global audiences, including world leaders, high-profile donors, influential stakeholders, and entertainment industry celebrities. Demonstrated expertise in steering large-scale events with budgets exceeding $10M, seamlessly managing logistics for 4,000+ attendees while aligning strategic initiatives with brand objectives. Renowned for delivering transformative, brand-elevating experiences that foster inclusive, people-first cultures and drive operational excellence through cutting-edge event technology and strategic vision.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Director of Event Planning

Archdiocese of Washington
Hyattsville
10.2014 - 05.2025
  • Directed the planning and execution of 200+ high-profile meetings, conferences, and events, including liturgical programs, donor events, annual retreats, and galas, impacting over 50K attendees.
  • Led the strategic planning and flawless execution of four Catholic Bishop installations and two Cardinal appointments under Pope Francis, collaborating with Secret Service, law enforcement, and private security teams.
  • Spearheaded cross-functional event operations, effectively managing multimillion-dollar budgets while implementing innovative strategies to drive operational efficiencies and elevate event quality.
  • Delivered $95K+ in annual cost savings through aggressive vendor negotiations, strategic purchasing, and sustainable practices, reducing overall catering expenses by 42.75%.
  • Implemented comprehensive cost-saving initiatives, transitioning from rental to ownership of key event assets, resulting in $230K+ in annual savings.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with high-profile stakeholders, enhancing brand reputation and expanding community engagement by 40%.
  • Developed and executed post-event analysis protocols, utilizing data-driven insights to refine strategies, optimize financial outcomes, and maintain continuous improvement across all event operations.

Founder & Event Director

Lady Victoria Events, LLC
Rockville
02.2010 - 10.2014
  • Facilitated 400+ high quality events for corporate clients, nonprofit organizations, as well as dignitaries and political figures, built a strong reputation for excellence in field of event management.
  • Secured $3M+ in client contracts through strategic pricing, effective vendor negotiations, and exceptional event execution.
  • Earned the Industry Leader Choice Award for four consecutive years (2010–2013) for innovative design and flawless large-scale event management.
  • Directed comprehensive post-event analysis, including financial tracking, ROI assessment, and client satisfaction reporting to inform future strategies.

Marketing & Vendor Relations Manager

Verizon Business
Ashburn
10.2002 - 12.2009
  • Negotiated contracts with three national agencies, increasing vendor output by 75% while managing $200K+ in annual marketing campaigns.
  • Spearheaded cross-functional marketing initiatives, ensuring consistent brand messaging and alignment across all communication channels.
  • Implemented cost-saving strategies that reduced annual expenditures by 22%, optimizing vendor contracts and streamlining processes.

Client Relations Specialist

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
Bethesda
07.1997 - 10.2002

· Managed budget of $250K, with up to 10 support staff and eight vendors, on tradeshows, special event and seminars nationwide.

· Planned and managed annual job fairs, involving 15-20 recruiter department kiosks, planning and onsite logistics, and marketing activities to attract over 1000 qualified applicants.

Client Relations Specialist Investors Services Inc., Springfield, MA (7/97 – 8/00)

Directed teams of up to 5 professionals, created new processes, implemented controls and interacted with brokers, regulatory agencies and customers nationwide.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

University of New Haven
West Haven, CT
05-1997

Skills

Strategic Event Leadership & Destination Management Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Operational Excellence & Budget Management Cross-Functional Collaboration Contract Negotiation & Risk Management High-Profile Event Execution (Global, Celebrity, Donor) Event Technology Integration (Cvent) Team Leadership & Development Brand Alignment & Mission-Driven Initiatives

Timeline

Executive Director of Event Planning

Archdiocese of Washington
10.2014 - 05.2025

Founder & Event Director

Lady Victoria Events, LLC
02.2010 - 10.2014

Marketing & Vendor Relations Manager

Verizon Business
10.2002 - 12.2009

Client Relations Specialist

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
07.1997 - 10.2002

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

University of New Haven
Michelle Trilling