Ninon Roos
Event Director/Coordinator Rim Of Africa And Co-Owner Simonskloof Mountain Retreat
Montagu
Summary
Strategic and tactical Events Executive with 7 years of experience managing and motivating high-performing event teams and partners. Leads multi-discipline, multi-stakeholder professionals to deliver global, high-profile events. Tech-savvy and dynamic executive with broad expertise and experience in electronic and people-focused event promotion and execution.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
41
41
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Event Director/Coordinator
Rim of Africa
Cape Town
01.2016 - Current
- Plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of Rim of Africa events, including route planning, logistics, participant registration, and safety protocols
- Manage event budgets, sponsorship negotiations, and vendor contracts to optimize resources and ensure financial viability
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote events and increase participant engagement and attendance
- Coordinate with local authorities, landowners, and stakeholders to obtain permits, permissions, and support for event activities
- Continuously evaluate event processes and procedures, implementing improvements to enhance overall quality and safety of events.
- Oversaw event happenings in progress, answered guest questions, acted quickly to resolve problems and trained and supported team members
- Surveyed and analyzed event and strategy success and orchestrated improvements that increased attendee satisfaction and revenue numbers 400%
- Built and implemented cost reduction strategies and industry best practices, reduced event expenses and streamlined planning and delivery.
- Created marketing plans, grew event revenue each year.
- Oversaw event happenings in progress, answered guest questions, acted quickly to resolve problems.
- Developed and maintained year-round calendar of events, raised brand awareness and drove organic engagement with consumers and partners.
- Deployed solid digital marketing expertise and enlisted event technology experts to create innovative events and programs.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Coordinated transportation.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
- Evaluated operational practices and identified improvement opportunities to develop revisions for systems and procedures.
- Set priorities and problem-solved workflow issues to maintain rapport with customers.
- Studied processes, implemented cost reductions and developed reporting procedures to maintain administrative workflow.
Co-Owner
Simonskloof Mountain Retreat
01.2014 - Current
- Manage Simonskloof Mountain Retreat, a picturesque eco-friendly retreat nestled in the mountains, offering sustainable accommodation, outdoor activities, and wellness experiences
- Oversee all aspects of retreat operations, including guest services, property management, marketing, and financial administration, to ensure exceptional guest experiences and business success
- Collaborate with co-owner to develop and implement sustainability initiatives, such as off-grid energy solutions, waste reduction programs, and nature conservation efforts
- Curate and promote a range of outdoor activities and experiences for guests, including hiking trails, mountain biking, birdwatching, and stargazing, to showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the surrounding area
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at the retreat, cultivating positive relationships with guests and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences and events.
- Drove implementation of new market expansion to propel business forward and adapt to market changes
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages
- Monitored performance, identified areas of improvement and devised solutions to address areas of weakness
- Directed market expansions to propel business forward, meet changing customer needs
- Created and maintained customer-centric culture to drive customer satisfaction and expand customer base
- Improved operational efficiencies to reduce costs and improve productivity
- Conducted target market research to discover customer needs and analyze competitor trends
- Managed financial operations and investments to maximize profits and minimize costs
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings
- Handled problematic customers and clients to maintain excellent customer service
Owner/Baker
Ninon Sweet Thyme
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Founded and operated a successful baking business specializing in pastries, cakes, and breads, serving clients ranging from local restaurants to individual customers
- Developed a diverse menu of baked goods, including custom cakes for special occasions, artisanal breads, and a variety of pastries to meet the unique preferences and demands of clients
- Managed all aspects of the business operations, including recipe development, ingredient sourcing, production scheduling, and inventory management, to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of products
- Cultivated strong relationships with restaurant owners, chefs, and individual customers, earning a reputation for reliability, creativity, and exceptional customer service
- Implemented marketing strategies to promote the business, including social media campaigns, collaborations with local businesses, and participation in community events, resulting in increased visibility and customer engagement
- Oversaw financial management, including budgeting, pricing strategies, and invoicing, to maintain profitability and sustainability of the business.
Business Unit Manager
Explix Technologies TA Workgroup
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Responsible for managing the Symantec/Veritas team, including product managers, pre-sales engineers, business development managers, and account managers
- Managed the channel from vendor to distributor to reseller to end user
- Analyzed vertical markets and developed marketing strategies to build demand
- Revised SWOT analysis and created business and marketing plans
- Designed incentives, partnership programs, and certification programs
- Accountable for product PR, press releases, marketing, and sales incentives
- Managed product penetration into managed accounts and resellers
- Assessed target market and competitors
- Assisted in developing comprehensive promotional plans
- Maintained competitive pricing and communicated brand and product information
- Reviewed brand performance regularly and forecasted budget
- Managed vendor relationships and conducted sales training
- Handled back office management, including forecasting, marketing plans, working capital optimization, inventory stocking strategies, and profitability of product range.
Networking Product Manager
Axiz Pty Ltd
01.2001 - 04.2004
- Responsible for managing networking products, including 3Com, Intel, SMC, US Robotics, Duxbury, and Axis
- Also served as the Symantec Product Manager
- Increased sales from R220,000 to R2,100,000 per month
- Analyzed vertical markets and developed marketing strategies
- Revised SWOT analysis and created business plans
- Designed incentives, partnership programs, certification programs, and other programs
- Accountable for product PR, press releases, marketing, and sales incentives
- Managed product penetration into managed accounts and resellers
- Assessed target market and competitors
- Developed a comprehensive brand plan
- Assessed and forecasted market trends
- Assisted in developing comprehensive promotional plans
- Maintained competitive pricing and communicated brand and product information
- Reviewed brand performance regularly and forecasted budget
- Maintained product guide and built customer satisfaction.
- Reviewed sales, customer concerns, and new opportunities to drive business strategy at weekly planning sessions
- Collaborated with sales, marketing, and support teams to launch products on time and within budget
- Monitored market trends and competitor performance to update promotional strategies
- Liaised with clients to better understand business needs and current market landscape
- Developed product documentation to communicate upcoming features and products to internal teams
- Maintained positive vendor relations to build strong partnerships
- Spearheaded collaborative efforts to bring products to market
- Managed product demonstrations and testimonials for performance evaluation
- Directed planning and budgeting efforts
Sales Manager
Building Blocks
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction
- Identified, hired and trained highly-qualified staff by teaching best practices, procedures, and sales strategies
- Conducted team meetings to reinforce goals and objectives and set clear expectations about policies and procedures
- Coached and counseled sales personnel, assisting with individual selling efforts and helping sales representatives reach targets
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction
- Maintained ethical and positive working environment to reduce turnover and promote high retention rates
- Attended industry shows, conventions, and other meetings with primary mission of expanding market opportunities
- Established and cultivated solid business relationships with new or existing customers
- Maintained relationships with customers and found new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training
- Met with clients, delivering presentations, and educating on product and service features and offerings
- Utilized metrics to modify low-performing sales and marketing programs and plans to increase effectiveness
- Closed lucrative sales deals using strong negotiation and persuasion skills
- Evaluated performance against goals and implemented appropriate development plans
- Recruited and hired top-level talent to add value and expertise to sales department
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships
- Increased profit margins by effectively controlling budget and overhead and optimizing product turns
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning
- Communicated product quality and market comparisons by creating sales presentations
Brand Manager
E-Spec Online
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Increased market share through identifying new niches, applications, and new products
- Responsible for market research and competitor intelligence
- Managed projects and supervised system implementation
- Responsible for budgets and targets
- Motivated sales team and consistently doubled monthly targets
- Introduced client-servicing procedures
- Managed customer relationships
- Managed team of 12 people.
Sales Executive
Databuild
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Responsible for sales
- Cold called on developers, architects, corporates, and quantity surveyors.
- Managed over 30 customer meetings per week, increased sales by 65%
Risk Management Co-coordinator
Sunbake
01.1992 - 01.1995
- Investigated thefts and accidents
- Visited bakeries countrywide and assessed risks
- Compiled reports
- Managed fleet of 600 vehicles.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents
- Participated in workshops and in-service meetings to enhance personal growth and professional development
- Utilized proactive communication abilities to resolve employment-related disputes
Personal Assistant
CSIR
01.1989 - 01.1992
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation
- Provided multifaceted services to career professionals by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation
- Kept detailed track of household and maintenance inventory and schedules
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes
- Displayed absolute discretion at handling confidential information
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events
- Answered phone calls and addressed customer questions and concerns to promote satisfaction and continued business
- Communicated with internal departments, vendors and contractors to discuss schedules, project requirements and upcoming appointments
- Attended meetings, took notes and tracked action items
- Provided general administrative support including scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements and managing documentation
- Served as point of contact between clients and managerial staff
- Used discretion when handling confidential information
- Documented and distributed meeting notes to identify, analyze, and improve workflows
- Provided multifaceted services to professionals by managing mail, scheduling appointments and other administrative tasks
- Updated spreadsheets and created presentations to support executives and boost team productivity
Education
SSYTTP - Yoga
Sri Sri School of Yoga
Johannesburg 07.2019 - 08.2019
Holistic Massage Certificate - Massage Therapy
Healing Hands International
Pretoria 06.2008 - 08.2008
Pilates Teacher - Pilates
Trifocus Pilates
Johannesburg 03.2008 - 09.2024
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing And Business Management
Damelin Business School
Johannesburg 02.2003 - 11.2003
Certificate - Presentation Skills
Axiz Pty (Ltd)
Johannesburg 03.2002 - 09.2024
Certificate in Commercial Catering - Commercial Catering
Wits Technikon Hotel School
Johannesburg 01.1988 - 12.1988
Skills
Adaptability
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Communication Skills
Digital Marketing
Event Planning and Coordination:
Analytical Skills:
Creative Thinking
Team Collaboration
Time Management
Adaptability
Timeline
SSYTTP - Yoga
Sri Sri School of Yoga
07.2019 - 08.2019
Event Director/Coordinator
Rim of Africa
01.2016 - Current
Co-Owner
Simonskloof Mountain Retreat
01.2014 - Current
Holistic Massage Certificate - Massage Therapy
Healing Hands International
06.2008 - 08.2008
Pilates Teacher - Pilates
Trifocus Pilates
03.2008 - 09.2024
Owner/Baker
Ninon Sweet Thyme
01.2008 - 01.2014
Business Unit Manager
Explix Technologies TA Workgroup
01.2005 - 01.2008
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing And Business Management
Damelin Business School
02.2003 - 11.2003
Certificate - Presentation Skills
Axiz Pty (Ltd)
03.2002 - 09.2024
Networking Product Manager
Axiz Pty Ltd
01.2001 - 04.2004
Sales Manager
Building Blocks
01.2000 - 01.2001
Brand Manager
E-Spec Online
01.1998 - 01.2000
Sales Executive
Databuild
01.1995 - 01.1998
Risk Management Co-coordinator
Sunbake
01.1992 - 01.1995
Personal Assistant
CSIR
01.1989 - 01.1992
Certificate in Commercial Catering - Commercial Catering
Wits Technikon Hotel School
01.1988 - 12.1988