Allison (Olguin) Bland



PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Sourcing Manager, Maritz | 2023 - Present
Lead the end-to-end sourcing process and contract negotiations for association and corporate accounts, supporting programs from small meetings (25 rooms) to large-scale citywides (up to 8,000 peak rooms). Source globally across North America, Europe, and Asia while nurturing strong B2B relationships with a diverse international supplier network.

  • Manage sourcing strategies and timelines for 8–15 simultaneous events, ensuring alignment with client objectives, operational requirements, and budget parameters for meetings, conferences, and major conventions.

  • Identify and evaluate optimal destinations and venues worldwide. 

  • Deliver market insights, detailed cost analyses, and strategic consultation.

  • Lead comprehensive hotel contract negotiations focused on favorable rates, concessions, and risk mitigation. 

  • Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with a broad network of suppliers across multiple regions, ensuring competitive proposals, program feasibility, and long-term client value.

Global Account Manager, Flok | 2022 - 2024

Managed a diverse portfolio of global tech accounts, maintaining strong B2B relationships and serving as a strategic partner to clients and internal leadership.

  • Oversaw program timelines and budgets while advising Flok leadership on industry best practices to support service expansion, operational efficiency, and company growth.

  • Identified and evaluated vendors across multiple regions; delivered cost comparisons and strategic recommendations to guide clients toward optimal solutions.

  • Provided contract guidance and negotiation support for agreements between clients and hotels, ensuring favorable terms and alignment with client goals.

  • Represented Flok at major tradeshows and networking events throughout Europe and North America, strengthening industry presence and supplier relationships.

  • Led internal initiatives aimed at enhancing and evolving the company’s technology platform, working cross-functionally to deliver improvements.

  • Researched and targeted prospective clients, generating new business through outreach, networking, and relationship-building. 

Hotel Sales Coordinator, Bellagio Hotel & Casino | 2021 - 2022
Provided high-level administrative, operational, and customer service support to the sales team at a premier Las Vegas resort, contributing to efficient operations and seamless client experiences.

  • Served as executive assistant to the Associate Director while supporting additional sales leaders as needed.

  • Coordinated reservations for travel, dining, transportation, entertainment, and special events.

  • Delivered responsive customer service via phone, email, and in-person interactions, ensuring timely resolution of guest and client needs.

  • Maintained daily communication with internal departments, clients, and the sales team to facilitate smooth operations and accurate information flow.

  • Managed multiple client accounts from prospecting through execution. 

  • Prepared contracts, cost analyses, and departmental reports; maintained detailed client records within the CRM system.

Global Account Manager, HelmsBriscoe | 2017 - 2020
Acted as a consultant and liaison between clients and venues worldwide, supporting sourcing, contracting, and business growth through strategic relationship management.

  • Maintained client databases and financial records to support accurate reporting and streamlined account operations.

  • Sourced destinations and vendors globally, delivering cost analyses and recommendations to identify optimal solutions for client events.

  • Provided negotiation support and guidance on hotel and venue agreements to secure favorable terms for clients.

  • Represented the company at networking events across Europe and distributed ongoing communications to prospective and current clients to strengthen relationships.

  • Collaborated with regional teams to plan and execute recruitment and hosted-buyer events.

  • Generated new business through research, cold calling, and networking. 

  • Built and maintained strong client and vendor relationships.

  • Developed and delivered in-person and virtual presentations to introduce services to prospective clients.

Career Break | 2015 - 2017
In 2015 I relocated to rural England for my spouse’s job in the US Air Force. I took the time to travel Europe and worked a few different jobs unrelated to my field while I continued to search for my next full-time role. During this time, I worked as an administrative assistant at a local law firm, where I learned about UK immigration policies and immersed myself in English office culture. I also worked part-time at a local clothing store as a shift manager, and lastly, I served as the field office coordinator for the American Red Cross on base at RAF Lakenheath.

National Sales Manager, Visit Albuquerque | 2013 - 2015
Promoted Albuquerque as a meetings and events destination to planners across the United States, Canada, and Europe, consistently achieving or exceeding sales goals.

  • Maintained comprehensive CRM records for all client interactions, sales activities, and account updates.

  • Represented the destination at domestic tradeshows and conducted one-on-one meetings to highlight Albuquerque’s event capabilities. 

  • Strengthened relationships with clients and industry partners.

  • Supervised day-to-day functions of the administrative assistant, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in administrative tasks.

  • Developed custom itineraries including hotel tours, cultural experiences, and menu tastings for prospective clients.

  • Researched and solicited new business through networking, outreach, and targeted prospecting.

  • Hosted destination familiarization trips, client dinners, and venue tours.

  • Delivered group sales presentations across the western United States and prepared materials for conferences and trade shows.

Event Coordinator, Kesselman-Jones, Inc. | 2011 - 2013
Assisted with the planning, onsite management, and post-event evaluation for meetings of various sizes, scale and industries.

  • Created event materials such as conference programs, badges, and surveys. 

  • Managed the exhibitor and VIP processes for clients from beginning to end.

  • Developed and maintained online registration and event websites for client events.

  • Designed exhibitor layout and oversaw exhibition set-up and tear-down during events.

  • Worked onsite for events of up to 1500 people.

  • Facilitated the planning and onsite management solo for a series of small professional trainings.

EDUCATION

B.S., Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management
New Mexico State University — 2010
• Elected Student Senator for four consecutive years
• Selected to represent the university at the 2007 National Conference on Student Government Associations

M.A., International Relations
University of Oklahoma — 2022

SHORT-TERM EXPERIENCE

Nutrition Educator, Kids Cook, Inc. | 2005 and 2010
Instructed cooking, fitness, and nutrition based on a curriculum to grade levels K-5. Managed the class schedule and inventory, as well as ensuring equipment was properly sanitized. Coordinated family cooking events outside of regular class hours.

Front of House Assistant, Los Poblanos Inn & Cultural Center | Summer 2011
Assisted the Event Manager and Food and Beverage manager with day-to-day tasks in the office and onsite during events. Events included small meetings, weddings of 10 to 150 people, and large public events. Responsibilities included answering phones, creating Banquet Event Orders, overseeing tastings, managing set-up of events, and occasionally serving behind the bar.

Intern, Morale, Welfare and Recreation | Summer 2009
Worked as an intern under the food and beverage department within the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation division at Naval Station Great Lakes. In this role, I gained valuable leadership experience overseeing the catering and events teams on event days, worked directly with base leadership and learned necessary military protocol, and assisted onsite at events including a large public 2-day 4th of July celebration, as well as change of command ceremonies, and bootcamp graduations.

Kitchen Apprentice, Vermejo Park Ranch | Summer 2008
Worked at the small twelve-bedroom Costilla Lodge at Vermejo Park Ranch, in Northern New Mexico. Responsibilities included kitchen prep for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving guests during meals, and covering house-keeping duties as needed.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Big Sister & Founding Junior Board Member | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico
Served as a Big Sister for four years; helped establish a junior board, recruited members, and contributed to fundraising and event planning.

Coach, Program Coordinator & Committee Member | Girls on the Run
Co-led empowerment and run-training programs for elementary students; provided administrative support and assisted in planning and fundraising for annual 5K events.

Key Spouse | U.S. Air Force
Served as liaison between military leadership and families; coordinated events, supported families during challenging periods, managed a small budget, and co-led fundraising initiatives. 

  • Awarded Key Spouse of the Year — U.S. Air Force, RAF Lakenheath (2017)

Nevada Network Lead | Military Spouse Professional Network (Hiring Our Heroes)
Managed daily operations of the Nevada chapter, including community outreach, event coordination, volunteer management, and social media strategy.