Sean Ducey, CMP
12+ years leading event operations in higher education. Grew summer conference revenue 396% since 2022, capping a record $1M+ year in 2026, by building systems that let a lean team do more without adding headcount.
I'm the Director of Conferences & Special Projects at the University of Portland, where I lead a team of two full-time and twenty part-time staff, manage a $500,000 budget, and run a 50-client portfolio spanning summer conferences, select events, and Commencement. Since stepping into the role in 2023, summer conference revenue has grown 396%, reaching over $1 million in 2026, the highest annual total in the University's history.
A lot of that growth comes down to systems, not just hustle. I built the operational backbone, using Airtable, Zapier, and DocuSign, that lets a lean team run a $1M+ portfolio without adding headcount. It cut internal email volume and sped up invoicing, so staff bill faster and clients pay sooner.
My start in events goes back to college, when I joined the Campus Program Board and planned the school's largest dance in a downtown venue. I was hooked. Since then I've planned events ranging from 25 to 6,000 attendees, and the part I still love most is figuring out how the pieces fit together, then watching the plan become something real for the people it's for.
I'm a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) through the Events Industry Council.
Personally, I enjoy connecting project details and meeting new people on each project. Where I really thrive is when I get to figure out how all the puzzle pieces fit together to make it happen. I love connecting with people to hear their story and how they best work within the current project/event.
Want the full picture, or want to talk about your next event? Download my resume or get in touch.