Meet The Team
Therese Jardine
Founder and CEO
Phoenix
Director of Community Engagement
(and a hoarder of balls)
Why clients work with me
In today's fast-paced business world, whether you're managing an enterprise-scale meeting and events portfolio or an agile agency swiftly responding to RFPs, the complexities of Procurement often seem like an insurmountable challenge. This is where my expertise comes into play.
With a specialized focus in bridging the gap between Event Marketers, Meeting Planners, and Procurement, I bring a unique skill set to the table. My proficiency lies in decoding the language of Procurement and fostering a seamless understanding among all parties involved — including Event Agencies and Suppliers.
What clients value most is my ability to identify and resolve the common, yet overlooked, problems that typically lead to headaches in event delivery. By partnering with me, you are enlisting a strategic ally who cuts through red tape to ensure your event planning and execution is smooth, efficient, and free from the usual stresses.
Let me handle the complexities of Procurement, so you can focus on what you do best — creating outstanding events that leave a lasting impression. Say goodbye to Procurement puzzles and hello to streamlined, successful event solutions.
My Values
-
Kindness
because the world needs it more than ever.
-
Reputation
built through honesty, authenticity, and competency.
-
Humor
because we all need a good laugh once in a while.
Here’s what a few of my clients have said:
-
“She's respected for what she knows and what she does. We have a great relationship with her.”
-
“She understands what we do…”
-
“There's procurement, but then there's event procurement. She gets that - she speaks the language. She knows how to translate that.”
-
“She turned things around quickly and delivered every time, on time, when she said she was going to, and there was absolutely no sacrifice on detail.”
-
“Therese has a specific language when dealing with negotiations and sales. She comes at it as a true guide and counselor.”
READY TO LEARN MORE? Let's Get Started.
Take advantage of a free 30-minute consultation to get to know each other.
My Story - I've tripped over rocks, stepped on the rake, and cleared hurdles so you don't have to!
I’m a Procurement Strategist with 25+ years of business experience.
For over 15 of those years, I managed the procurement strategy for Microsoft’s event portfolio.
I created Microsoft’s award-winning Global Strategic Meetings Management Program, known as VenueSource and achieved a 900% ROI. Under my leadership, we reduced contracting and payment timelines by up to 50%. I grew the program across North America and expanded to Europe, Asia, and Japan. VenueSource continues to operate as a model of industry excellence.
I finished my time at Microsoft on the Corporate Event Marketing team where I managed key suppliers and our site selection program for citywide and international events. Here is where I re-calendared our entire event portfolio in under nine months. To say I know how to manage hotel contract cancellations and the impact on relationships is an understatement!
In short, I get results because I know Procurement AND I know events.
Throughout my career, I’ve found myself in many of the situations you’re experiencing now. I’ve made mistakes, and learned some things the hard way. (Ask about my “rodents and roaches” story.)
Through it all, I developed deep expertise in event procurement strategy, focusing on Strategic Meetings Management (SMM), payment solutions, contract negotiations and supplier engagement. Best of all, I developed relationships with top-tier experts in the industry.
Now, event organizers hire me to develop sound procurement strategies, build Strategic Meetings Management programs and manage RFPs.
Leading event agencies hire me the help them navigate their clients’ procurement processes.
I share my industry expertise through webinars and articles, speaking engagements, and teaching for the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Academy.
I get a little shot of adrenaline when I bring new ideas to fellow event professionals to make their lives easier.
Events have unique procurement needs that don’t fit neatly into the traditional way of doing business. I use my MacGyver skills to build creative solutions to help you succeed.
And speaking of adrenaline, outside the office, I’m “Mom” to two amazing young men who love fast cars.
When you watch the video clip, you might be thinking I must have been scared to death, and nothing is further than the truth. My sons are expert drivers who keep safety top of mind. Because they know what they are doing, I can sit next to them and enjoy the ride.
The same can be true for you when you work with me. Your challenges might seem scary and chaotic, but when you have someone you trust working by your side, you can relax and have some fun knowing you’re in good hands.
Some Client Love 🖤
“Therese is a visionary event strategist. She designed, developed and executed a successful strategic meetings management program that I was fortunate enough to collaborate with her on for 7 years. She is a creative thinker and skilled negotiator that can find a solution to nearly any challenge.”
Aida Campbell
Maritz Global Events
READY TO LEARN MORE? Let's Get Started.
Take advantage of a free 30-minute consultation to get to know each other.