Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certifications
Timeline
Generic

Niki Orchard

Hampshire

Summary

Senior freelance logistics lead specialising in complex, high-profile international events. Over 30 years’ experience delivering end-to-end delegate logistics including accommodation, registration, transport, F&B, venue contracting and guest experience for senior audiences, VIP programmes and large-scale events. Trusted to deliver seamless, detail-driven experiences alongside strong commercial outcomes.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance Logistics Director / Guest Experience Lead

Little Orchard Live
01.2012 - Current
  • Lead guest experience and delegate logistics across global, high-profile programmes (see appendix)
  • Delivered large scale complex events, white glove leadership and VIP events globally
  • Owned all logistical elements including registration, communications, F&B, accommodation, transport, crew and on-site delivery
  • Most recently led full buyout of the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay (California), negotiating a $1.6M contract and delivering £243K in savings
  • Managed budgets (£1M+) and large-scale supplier teams
  • Delivered events for IBM, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Google, Samsung, Cisco, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Cytiva, Toyota, UK Government, Olympics Committee (First European Games).
  • Working with Jack Morton Worldwide, George P Johnson, Global Infusion Group, Imagination, Touch Associates, ellis Events, i4D events

Operations Manager – NHS Pandemic Response

Surrey Heath Primary Care Network
01.2021 - 01.2024
  • Led operations across 45 staff delivering complex programmes during and following the pandemic response period
  • Reduced patient record workflow processing time from 9 days to 3 through system redesign
  • Delivered large-scale COVID vaccination operations and health programmes

Senior Project Manager – C-Level Events

IBM
01.2005 - 01.2012
  • Delivered executive-level global events for IBM’s US-based Chairman and CEO for CEO/CIO audiences
  • Secured exclusive use of the Vatican Museum, Hermitage Museum and other high-profile venues
  • Delivered internal sales events and forums

Skills

  • Complex large-scale events
  • White glove guest experience
  • VIP programmes
  • End-to-end delegate journey ownership
  • Venue sourcing & liaison
  • Accommodation & room block management
  • Registration & communications
  • F&B planning and delivery
  • Transport & people movement planning
  • Brand ambassador, security and cleaning management
  • Vendor sourcing, negotiation, legal review & contracting
  • Crew management, accreditation, accommodation, F&B
  • Supplier management
  • On-site delivery
  • Budget ownership & reconciliation
  • Calm delivery in high-pressure environments
  • Critical thinking & problem solving

Certifications

  • Food Safety for Supervisors Level 2
  • Prince 2 Foundation
  • Procim trained
  • AZ Cvent qualified

Timeline

Operations Manager – NHS Pandemic Response

Surrey Heath Primary Care Network
01.2021 - 01.2024

Freelance Logistics Director / Guest Experience Lead

Little Orchard Live
01.2012 - Current

Senior Project Manager – C-Level Events

IBM
01.2005 - 01.2012
Niki Orchard