I build and lead meetings and event programs that deliver measurable business results.

I’m a strategic events leader with experience directing approximately 1,100 events, including conferences, executive meetings, scientific programs, leadership events, and professional development programs. My work spans event strategy, operations, venue sourcing and contracting, attendee experience, education, technology, vendor management, and stakeholder leadership.

I operate at the intersection of strategy and execution—translating organizational objectives into meetings and experiences that are operationally sound, financially responsible, and meaningful for attendees.

My career spans corporate, association, government, scientific, and professional-education environments, giving me experience adapting event strategy and operations to diverse audiences, stakeholders, regulatory considerations, and business objectives.

Picture of Ellen Maiara, CMP, DES, CED, Event Professional

Selected Impact

$750K+ SAVINGS
65 CONTRACTS

Negotiated 65 venue contracts in one year, delivering $750,000+ in documented savings while managing pricing, concessions, terms, and risk..

300+ Programs Annually

Led high-volume event and professional-development portfolios while balancing concurrent stakeholders, resources, instructors, vendors, and operations..

1,100+ Events

Directed conferences, scientific meetings, executive programs, leadership events, and professional-development experiences across multiple sectors..


Direct Reports & 30 Instructors
Team Leadership

Managed direct reports through hiring, development, performance management, and workload prioritization while leading 30 instructors..

Areas of Expertise

EVENT STRATEGY & PORTFOLIO LEADERSHIP

Strategic planning • portfolio management • experience design • measurement

SOURCING, CONTRACTING & PROCUREMENT

Venue sourcing • contract negotiation • concessions • vendor and risk management

EVENT OPERATIONS

Registration • housing • logistics • production • budgets • attendee experience • event technology

EDUCATION & CONTENT

Professional development • certification • speaker management • adult learning • content strategy

STAKEHOLDER & TEAM LEADERSHIP

Executives • boards • government agencies • cross-functional teams • vendors • instructors

Looking for an event leader who can connect strategy with execution?