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

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