Bonnie Coop, CIS, describes herself as dedicated, resourceful and welcoming. Learn more about her.
What I do: My role at Total Event Resources focuses on designing and executing high touch events for corporate and incentive programs. I lead and mentor a strategic production team focused on creating memorable and measurable client experiences. Day-to-day duties can include sourcing, budgeting, logistics and the strategic planning for several clients at a time.
How I got here: I have been in the industry for almost 20 years after graduating with a degree in hospitality management and have worked in all aspects of it, including at a hotel and DMC, in sales, as corporate client and now as third-party planner again.
Greatest career accomplishment: Upon joining a team six months into planning and with only three months until the event, I had to restart the planning process—earning rave results from the end client. This included working 16-18 hour days get the event to where it needed to be and go off without a hitch!
Impressive stats: I’ve managed multiple clients at a time while owning their budgets, which collectively equal more than $15 million in spend during any given quarter.
Specific improvement I’ve made: I helped implement time tracking tools, which assists in quantifying staff, and ensuring scope of services is adequately covered
What I am working on now: I am working on back-to-back events coming spring. One is a mixed incentive and conference and the other is a pure incentive program. I’m excited to be implementing some items that we are able to carry through the entire year. These will help keep the attendees engaged all year long and excited for the following year while working toward their next goal right from the start.
What I do outside of work: I enjoy spending time with my husband and puppies (Zoey and Crawford). I enjoy riding my motorcycle, spending time with friends and traveling. I am also on the SITE Chicago Board of Directors as the director of education.
Connect with Coop on LinkedIn.
