Robin Richman
Email: rrichman86@gmail.com Phone: 773.960.7477 Address: 3721 Military Road NW#B, Washington, DC 20015
Career Summary and Expertise
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Seasoned event strategist with program development expertise in business networking groups, corporate team
building programs, group activities (activity-based), large parties/galas, board meetings, week-long trips,
conferences, festivals, volunteer programs, and multiple-day fundraising bike rides.
Results-oriented marketing professional focusing on membership and volunteer recruitment, fundraising and
brand awareness strategies for businesses, associations and not for profits.
Expert in identifying and cultivating collaborative relationships for new markets and partnerships.
Accomplished communicator and writer for marketing collateral and media/public relations campaigns.
Strong track record as a problem solver and self-starter with entrepreneurial initiative, passion and creativity.
Analytical and technically savvy with HTML, Microsoft Office: Access, Publisher, Word, Excel, Outlook and Project.
Work History:
STEPPIN’ OUT, LTD.
Co-Founder and Principal
Chicago, IL & Washington, DC
1994-present
Grew a mere idea into a travel and event production company that today has over 16,000 subscribers and a reputation
for producing outstanding purposeful events and trips on both local and international level. Original market was to
develop a community for singles to meet and “step out” of their comfort zones (consequently generating over 50
marriages). Branched into new markets: 1) a corporate division that produces team building and sales training events, and
facilitates networking groups. 2) a consulting and marketing service to help organizations attain their goals (e.g. increased
revenue, membership awareness and/or education) through fundraising events, philanthropic and educational travel.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
- Managed growing six-figure budget, several part-time staff, volunteers, and an advisory board.
- Created, executed and led nearly 500 events from local wine tastings to three weeks in Africa, overseeing multiple events
simultaneously at various stages from conception to completion. Formulated and identified program resources to support the
growth of additional programs to broaden market appeal, such as introducing business networking workshops.
- Oversaw all event logistics- creating theme, designing event timeline, securing venues, negotiating contracts, coordinating
transportation, food, and special requests with an array of vendors including management of communication with international
outfitters and developing registration processes and post event reports.
- Partnered with NGOs of developing countries to integrate service projects into itineraries to create meaningful experiences.
- Composed all promotional literature (newsletters, invitations, web content) and detailed pre-event informational packets.
- Developed best practice standards for quality control and determined evaluation process for program effectiveness.
BUSINESS GROWTH & RETENTION
- Crafted and managed a comprehensive public relations/marketing plan for participant recruitment and authored bi-weekly emails,
direct mail, quarterly newsletters, press releases, surveys, focus groups, listings on social networks, and list serves.
- Established a steady base of customer retention– 40% attended more than one event, 15 % have attended more than 10 events.
Converted numerous event attendees into advertisers, custom and corporate clients.
- Created a dynamic web site (www.steppinoutadventures.com) with an integrated custom database to capture marketing data and
track response as a means to analyze program effectiveness.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
- Initiated and negotiated joint ventures and co-branding programming opportunities with businesses, universities and charities
- Obtained substantial revenue through solicitation of advertisers and event sponsors.
- Secured partnerships with organizations with similar demographics to sell Steppin’ Out trips and the reciprocal.
CORPORATE EVENTS AND CONSULTING PROJECTS
- Designed a four-day sales meeting infusing team-building initiatives for Nestle Foreign Trade Division.
- Created an interactive team-building exercise to address diversity issues for Verizon’s international sales group.
- Produced a community involvement day for hundreds of employees at Inland Steel.
- Facilitated leadership development trips for Butler Rubin law firm for partners and summer associates.
- Analyzed conditions and set protocols for a budding eco-tourism project, Finca La Perla in Costa Rica. Trained local rural
villagers in hospitality services and taught budgeting and inventory skills.
- Researched feasibility and assessed options for a multi-day adventure race for Four Winds Adventure Race Company.
Solicited and met with foreign government officials to introduce and review international race potential. Managed race operations
for a local multi-day adventure race in Utah including staffing, media relations and securing corporate and government sponsors.
RICHMAN, PAGE 2
LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Washington, DC
Event Manager, Lymphoma Research Ride
3/07-10/08
- Oversaw all logistics of producing an inaugural 50 mile charity bike ride event in 2007 that raised over $350,000 with
over 100 riders. Doubled the number of riders and exceeded fundraising goals in 2008.
- Designed budget and time-line for headquaters. Managed volunteer board and committees to execute ride, recruit
volunteers, riders and sponsors. Designed route, worked with local law enforcement to guarantee rider safety.
- Secured in-kind donations for venue, signage, event entertainment and food.
HEART OF AMERICA RIDE FOR AIDS
Chicago, IL
Route Manager
1/03-8/03
- Created a 240-mile bike route negotiating safety, terrain, scenery, medical facilities, water access, and county politics.
- Recruited volunteers, generated in-kind donations, and established local partnerships.
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ILLINOIS
Marketing Communications Coordinator and Health Marketing Educator
Chicago, IL
1993-1998
- Spearheaded marketing plan resulting in an innovative model for securing new corporate accounts and NCQA
accreditation—making BCBS the first Illinois accredited insurer.
- Designed and implemented award winning health programs for members, such as a women’s health conference.
- Orchestrated corporate communication projects for companies such as Ameritech and UPS.
- Managed teams of writers, actors, designers, and printers to create multimedia marketing campaigns.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN’S HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Director of Program Development
Evanston, IL
1991-1993
- Introduced workshops and conferences that doubled US membership from 300 to 600 healthcare organizations.
- Reinvigorated annual conference by customer segmentation and targeted marketing, resulting in dramatically increased
attendance and a threefold revenue increase.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PERIODONTOLOGY
Communications Manager
Chicago, IL
1989-1991
Created and implemented national media campaigns targeting 178 radio stations, 165 TV spots and 34 published articles
with an estimated reach of over 21 million. Selected and trained national spokespeople.
WALTHAMWESTON HOSPITAL
Waltham, MA
Marketing Communications Coordinator
1987-1989
Developed physician recruitment plan and orientation package, and organized events associated with the opening of a new
emergency room. Wrote and distributed weekly news stories, as well as prepared crisis responses for media when needed.
Personal & Community Involvement
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Co-facilitated Dale Carnegie’s “Effective Speaking” Course and completed various facilitator training courses.
Hiked, camped, skied, rafted, and biked in North, South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Served in the media department at Democratic National Convention (2000).
Volunteer organizer and recruiter for Fisher Foundation “One Step at a Time” and Michael Reese HIV Clinic Annual Fundraisers.
Served on the Communications Committees for American-Israel Young Entrepreneur Forum, and Israel Bonds.
Events volunteer for Jewish National Fund, American Technion Society, American Friends of Magen David Adom
Education
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY, Waltham, MA, B.A. Cum Laude, English Literature
HEBREW UNIVERSITY, Jerusalem, Israel, Semester Abroad