Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, I currently live and breathe in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, working in the marketing department of a major association within the international meetings industry. With a B. Soc. Sci in Political Science and Communications and a post-graduate diploma in Interactive Multimedia, I enjoy being able to pair theoretical knowledge with hands on application. This has led me to become proficient in a multitude of computer languages, graphic design, videography and application development. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Science programme in International Event Management and I am also in the process of completing my Digital Event Strategist (DES) Certification.
May 2014 - May 2017
International Event Management
Degree still in progress with expected graduation in May 2017. Thesis: Political implications in South Eastern Europe on the international meetings industry.
September 2011 - May 2012
Interactive Multimedia
Final project: Application utilising Google Maps API and the City of Ottawa to find local skating rinks
September 2007 - May 2011
Joint Honours Political Science and Communication
Emphasis on International Relations and Media Studies
July 2013 - Present
I coordinate our presence at international tradeshows and produce our major publications for over 1000 members in 90 countries. I facilitate desktop publishing and multimedia application services and assist in major event execution.
June 2012 - June 2013
I developed internal communications approaches for various business lines (primarily for Operations and IT Banking and Commercial Banking). I worked to integrate our internal social networking platform internationally, and facilitated tailor-made training sessions. I was also a copywriter, publisher and sharepoint developer/designer for the intranet site. Our biggest project was the re-branding of the ING internal strategy story, which allowed me to work closely with all internal communications portfolios and external branding agencies.
September 2011 - June 2012
I worked to develop marketing strategies for a multitude of events and campaigns; working with tight deadlines to create promotional materials within design programs, video editing programs and web development. I was an event organizer for many philanthropic campaigns including Movember and Relay for Life. In terms of design, most of our print and promotional material were items such as posters, tickets, business cards, flyers, brochures, t-shirts, and signs.
September 2009 - September 2011
I planned and executed major events at the University of Ottawa, including Orientation week for over 5,000 incoming students. I developed my own training sessions which were personally administered to over 1,000 volunteers in order for them to participate during orientation week. The training covered equity and human rights issues, diversity, the LGBTQ community, situations that occur during orientation week, and bylaws entrenched within the University community. I worked closely with the University of Ottawa administration to develop co-curricular records for our students. I also organized theUniversity of Ottawa's largest gala which included working towards multiple sponsorships, managing scholarship funds and the application processes, booking venues, transportation, catering, entertainment, etc.
May 2008 - May 2010
I worked for the Director of Special Projects (Afghanistan) preparing Evergreen documents, public affairs plans, weekly Afghanistan issues updates and working directly with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) to implement a weekly Afghanistan events calendar. I researched and co-ordinated several queries for the ADM(PA) newsroom while working with the Media Liaison Office. During this time, I worked closely with many large media outlets such as the Ottawa Citizen and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. As such, I identified, generated and coordinated outreach opportunities with a wide range of stakeholder audiences in the National Capital Region. I also prepared and oversaw preparation of reports, briefs, bibliographies, speeches, presentations, Web sites, and press releases.
July 2014 - Present
Managing the online channels, producing content, event support and engagement.
July 2012 - April 2014
I write a column which examines new and emerging technologies and trends. The online magazine is aimed at young professionals.
January 2012 - June 2012
I developed video and multimedia applications while managing a small team of professionals. The finalized product met the standard of quality expected of a government campaign. We created applications which upheld the mandate to raise awareness and knowledge of intellectual property among two main demographics: small and medium enterprises and post-secondary students.
May 2008 - May 2011
I planned and organized events targeted to a specific demographic (students in political and global studies). During this time, I secured partnerships and sponsorship, retained volunteers, re-branded the association, implemented new marketing initiatives and innovated in terms of event programming, winning three consecutive awards for "Best Event" in 2009, 2010 and 2011, "Volunteer of the Year" for the PIDSSA in 2009, and the University of Ottawa's "Dedication and Involvement" Award in 2010.
Founder of Eh to Zed, an online resource for Canadians moving abroad. Web design, content curating and copywriting.
Web development, CopywritingCo-Manager of the Girls in Tech website. Design & development (PHP, HTML5/CSS, Javascript), copywriting.
Web Development, copywritingWeb design and development integrating PHP, HTML5/CSS and Javascript with etouches content management system.
Events, Web DevelopmentBlogger and Community Task Management for the UK Division.
Copywriting, Community ManagementStand coordinator and designer of the ICCA Stand at IMEX in conjunction with Fair Services.
Events, Graphic DesignPromotional video on how to use the internal student social network.
Branding, VideoI am always open to new ideas and knowledge sharing, as well as for freelance projects.
The graphic design work Amanda did for me looked great and was of high quality. She worked with me to understand what I had in mind and delivered a final product that was even better than I had imagined it.
Stephanie Quesnel, Structural Engineer
When I need a quality graphic that reflects my business and goals, Amanda is my go-to source. Her work is quick, professional, and meets my needs every time
Jill Hope, CEO at IShine