Tashja Isted
Project Manager | Event Specialist | COP28, MICE, International Events
natashjaisted@gmail.com | +971 58 292 8833
Dubai
I am a highly experienced Corporate Event & Operations Specialist with a proven track record in planning, managing, and executing large-scale corporate events across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
I specialise in Front of House (FOH) and event operations, ensuring seamless event execution by overseeing logistics, vendor negotiations and on-site coordination. From managing timelines to ensuring smooth communication between technical, production, and hospitality teams, I thrive in high-pressure environments where attention to detail and adaptability are essential.
My expertise includes vendor management, FOH leadership, guest experience, and real-time problem-solving, ensuring that events run on schedule and exceed expectations. I work closely with stakeholders, sponsors, and operational teams to maintain high-quality event standards while adhering to budgets and timelines.
In my most recent roles, I worked at COP28 at Expo City, Dubai, and currently serve as an Event Manager at Multi-Media Event Consulting, where I lead the operational planning and execution of corporate events.
Key Accomplishments
Working on multinational corporation C-Level events across multiple sectors in a global team, hosted in 5-star venues
Assisting with the launch of a new events management office in Kuala Lumpur, expanding operations from Bristol, UK
Entrepreneurial spirit: Founded my own business in South Africa, collaborating with the government to create employment opportunities for the less fortunate.
Award-winning sales expertise: Recognised as the Best Event Sales Representative for three consecutive years.
Global experience: Having worked across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, I’ve developed strong adaptability, self-confidence, and a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Master of Logistics & Human Behaviour: I don’t just manage events—I anticipate them. My understanding of human behaviour allows me to predict needs before they arise, ensuring smooth experiences for guests, stakeholders, and teams alike.
Meticulous Prepping Enthusiast: Success is in the prep. Whether it’s colour-coded run sheets, contingency plans, or crisis-proofing an event, I leave nothing to chance. When the unexpected happens, I’m ten steps ahead—cool, calm, and ready to execute Plan B, C, and D.
Operations wizard & controlled chaos expert: Think Mary Poppins, but with a spreadsheet and a headset—turning potential disasters into seamless, unforgettable events.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2023 - current
Marketing and Event Executive,
Multi-Media Event Consulting FZCO
Dubai, UAE
www.multi-media.co.za
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Collaborate with creative and production teams to design and execute content-driven event experiences.
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Assist in stage show calling and live programming delivery to ensure flow, timing and content engagement.
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Front of House Management: Lead guest services, manage FOH teams and ensure a smooth check-in process
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Vendor Coordination and negotiation: Liaise with vendors, negotiate contracts and ensure timely deliveries of equipment, catering and event supplies. Conduct quality control checks to ensure vendor compliance with event standards.
Speaker and Content Manager (freelance)
COP28 Dubai EXPO City
Identity Middle East
Dubai, UAE
www.cop28.com
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Managed high-level speaker sessions for UNFCCC-accredited delegates, liaising with global thought leaders to deliver impactful content across multiple stages.
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Curated and scheduled daily agendas and coordinating session formats across multiple zones.
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Oversaw BOH and FOH operations related to speaker logistics, ensuring smooth transitions and top-tier delivery.
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Managed speaker rehearsals, bridging gaps between technical teams and content owners.
ad-hoc freelance with NOC
Digital Marketing QA,
Underground Ecom
(UK Digital Marketing Agency)
www.undergroundecom.com
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Quality Assurance Testing: Conduct thorough testing and evaluation of digital email marketing via Klaviyo
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Content Review: Review and proofread various marketing content, such as ad copies, blog posts, social media updates and newsletters for grammar, spelling, accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines.
ad-hoc freelance with NOC
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FOH Operations, setting up registration and check in.
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Facilitating networking meetings between delegates and attendees as well as setting up meeting rooms
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Administration duties throughout the event
Coordinator,
South African Institute of
Professional Accountants
Johannesburg, South Africa
www.saipa.co.za
2019 - 2023
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Hosting of Regional and National events: Face-to-Face including all event logistics
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Hosting of virtual events: GoToWebinar and Zoom
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Customer service: pre- and post event
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Marketing assistance: social media, content creation (Meta Bus Suite FB+IG)
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Video footage and editing
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Sales & event coordination of the National Annual Expo stands
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Planning of corporate events
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Conceptualising to execution
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Selling of print and online advertising
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Liaising with art departments: Invoicing and admin
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Sales & event coordination of the National Annual Expo stands
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Planning and executing corporate events
2005 - 2007
Advertising Sales and Expo Event Coordinator
Homemakers Media Holdings
Johannesburg, South Africa
www.homemakersonline.co.za
2011 - 2017
2008 - 2010
International Event Manager and
Sales Coordinator
GDS Group
Bristol, England + Cardiff, Wales
www.gdsgroup.com
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Organising C-Level events and dealing with decision makers throughout each campaign.
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Event management within Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail and Telecommunications
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Event duties included all logistics and liaising with art department
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Securing venues, A/V, catering, entertainment
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Liaising with and arranging travel itineraries for delegates
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Relocated and assisted with the opening of a new office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Weekly and monthly sales targets
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Deliver value proposition both face-to-face and telephonically
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Revenue Generated: £280,000
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Events executed in different industries: Financial Services, Retail, Pharmaceutical and Telecom.
EDUCATION
Copenhagen Business School
currently
Consumer Neuroscience and Neuromarketing
AIFS
American Institute for
Foreign Studies
2004 - 2005
Au Pair in America. Virtual Spanish course for extra credits
High School
Sand du Plessis High, BFN
1999 - 2003
Matriculated with Merit and a distinction
Skills
Creative artwork, Photoshop, iMovie
No need to outsource, I can do it myself.
GoToWebinar | Zoom online
I have a system, it works.
Admin, event planning / management
I have an obsession with neat and tidy Excel columns
Sales and Marketing, customer service
They go hand in hand
A little bit about Tash...
I enjoy traveling abroad and upskilling my social and cultural abilities.
I also enjoy listening to criminology and neuroscience-related podcasts - I am fascinated by Huberman Lab and the psychological aspects of the human mind. I’m always observing those around me. It’s fun, I promise!
I was born in Aug '85 and an INFJ personality type, so to recharge after a day filled with lots of interaction, I enjoy my own company & not afraid of the quietness some tend to avoid.
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I serve on the committee as a director of an NPO, 7 Dams – a conservancy in South Africa. We are actively trying to save the wildlife environment and to prevent construction taking place in one of the few green areas left.
I serve as Chair of the Fund Raising Committee for the Sacred Heart Cathedral and St Joseph’s as well as the PPC Committee. In addition, I also facilitate the RCIA annual sessions.
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Travelling and working in the United States, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, I developed self-confidence & initiative. I've gained an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and lifestyles.
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Learning the ins and outs of different industries plus dealing with different decision makers within organisations, has helped me to understand different individual business models.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to excel in a career in sales, winning multiple sales awards consecutively within the publishing + events industry, both nationally and internationally.
The most exciting thing I’m doing right now? Studying an online course at Copenhagen Business School; Consumer Neuroscience & Neuromarketing. Learning how one’s brain is influenced in every day life when it comes to consumer choices, the effects of marketing strategies and how to incorporate that in your business for maximum ROI
I am proud of my work ethic
and would like to share some of the feedback I've received

