ERIC CATHCART John Eric Cathcart

720 Guilford Court ■ Silver Spring, MD 20901

cell 202.957-4447. office 301.587.6267 ■ eric@potomactalent.com

CORPORATE EVENT ▪ PRODUCTION EXPERTISE ▪ PROMOTIONS PLANNING ▪ FLAWLESS EXECUTION

Creative and entrepreneurial leader with demonstrated record of achievement in planning and leveraging exceptional events that engage and entertain diverse audiences while insuring the smooth functioning of all logistical arrangements with meticulous attention to details and broad range of skills.

Highly accomplished event-production expert with a verifiable record of working with both individual and corporate clients to conceive and facilitate innovative and strategic programs that meet or exceed goals and objectives. A personable and enterprising self-starter known for balancing priorities, stretching budgets and possessing an exceptional eye for detail and problem solving.

Planned, produced and managed hundreds of events for corporate and social clients, as well as Local and Federal Government Agencies. Such events include galas, balls, fundraisers, annual awards, product launches, ribbon cuttings, and high-end weddings. Specialist and core competencies include logistics and event production, A/V, projection, video, multi-media, talent buying, and coordination of local, national and internationally known celebrities, entertainers and speakers.

Known for strong communication and leadership skills with ability to establish a positive and trusting rapport with clients, staff and vendors at all professional levels to achieve our common goals. Regarded for exceptional flexibility, organizational and negotiation skills during the event-planning process through execution. Recruit, hire, and train staff, and provide on-site supervision during events to ensure flawless execution and exceptional customer service for a memorable event.

An investigative problem solver thriving in dynamic, high-pressure environments meeting deadlines and goals. Business skills include risk management, budgeting, decision making, identifying and capturing new business and clients, up-selling, creating and implementing tactical and strategic marketing plans.

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Potomac Talent, LLC Silver Spring, MD 1995 - Present Event Producer

CREATION AND OPERATION OF POTOMAC TALENT, LLC

Conceptualized, developed and executed an innovative business model, launching a music and event company serving clients from concept through execution and post analysis

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERMANAGEMENT

Highly skilled: offering event solutions while

delivering on information and entertainment with authentic

engagement!

Congressman Chris Van Hollen presents a business award as President of Montgomery County Chamber

of Commerce Gigi Godwin looks on

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Developed a roster of over 700 bands with hundreds of local, regional, national and international musicians, entertainers and keynote speakers

Professionally serve as Talent Coordinator for Executives, Speakers & Keynotes, National and International celebrities

Effectively create and negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and sponsor partners. Develop and track budgets, produce agendas, obtain necessary permits and coordinate logistics

Select and negotiate venues, décor, catering, entertainment and other content

Create enterprise documents, branding graphics, websites, press releases, and signage

Assist clients and executives with public image consulting, scripted messages, appropriate attire, photography, and arranging video and press interviews

Analyze proposals to identify efficiencies; in one case saved the client 150% in A/V costs from hotel estimates. Met budget while providing a show that exceeded all expectations

Increased overall sales 65% by adopting Sandler Sales System as a lifetime member

FEATURED SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Work with social media to introduce new-found talent and to promote local concerts and artists to a growing network, increasing concert attendance in one recent concert by 53%

Produce winning Identity and Sales Videos, for a Community Non-Profit and County Conference & Visitors Bureau, respectively that garnered winning contracts and foundation funding

Designed and managed launch of a large International informational and content rich website with partners in Scotland, Ireland and the United States

Production Manager, Stage Mangeger and Director for a recent benefit concert at Cafritz Performing Arts Theatre, Montgomery College, MD featuring nationally known artists

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS

As Lead, recently designed and developed a web 2.0 website with an International team from concept to successful launch and activation. Integrated Face Book and manage cross platform for a more engaging experience throughout both sites to drive traffic

Recently produced an ‘all green’ fundraising gala for Bethesda Green, a non-profit green technology incubator, using LED lighting, sustainable and recyclable consumables as well as procuring vendor partners who produce local and sustainable food and beverage offerings

Recently produced a successful and highly publicized ground breaking event for a public-private partnership for a new Live Nation, ‘Fillmore’ brand 800 seat entertainment venue working closely with Developer, Local County Government and Live Nation as Public Relations Specialist

Implemented a program to stimulate economic revenue and build a ‘sense of place’ for a new Town Center public plaza, programming public art and events in Prince George’s County. Served as liaison with developer, business community, local government and local arts organizations

Planned and directed public relations event Purple Line Now! resulting in $50,000 in cash donations plus a commitment of millions of dollars by local and state governments, thus ensuring success of light rail transit project between Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties

Produced and managed BlairFest, a full-day festival entertaining over 2,000 attendees with concerts, interactive-performances, dancing, food, games, activities and fireworks

Produced County Executive’s Inaugural Ball. Also Executive’s Ball for the Arts & Humanities (annual fundraiser) 3 years consecutively for 1,000 attendees

Produce numerous Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce signature events including Annual Dinners, Annual Business and Public Safety Awards

Coordinated and resourcefully produced 25 back-to-back hospitality events within 3 days for an association of 400 international law firms in both Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia

Plan and produce dynamic and memorable multi-cultural events celebrating diversity in the work force for Federal Agencies, such as Department of Treasury, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, and others

Managed WireCon: An International Music Conference in October 2003 for private client, presenting lectures, workshops, concerts, and an academic tour at the Library of Congress for the attendees

Past Employment HistoryLenders Financial CorporationSenior Loan Processor / AnalystMortgage Companies (details upon request)Loan Processor / Originator Conroy, FitzGerald & Ballman Law OfficesReal Estate Settlement CoordinatorCareer as Professional Musician

EDUCATION

North Texas State University, Denton, Texas; Music EducationHousatonic Community College, Bridgeport, Connecticut; Music Education

ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Lifetime Member of Sandler Sales Institute (sales training) 1999 – Present

COMPUTER SKILLS

CRM and Contact Management ACT Windows and Mac operating systems

Microsoft Office Adobe Creative Suite Sony Sound Forge, Sony Vegas, Sony DVD Architect Social Networking: Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS

Voted Best Music Expert by Washingtonian Magazine ten years consecutively Certified Video Producer – Field Production Small Business of the Year Award – Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce Angel Award for community service – Montgomery County Arts and Humanities Certificate of Appreciation and Participation from Montgomery County School System’s High school Intern program for two consecutive years Private music teacher (saxophone and flute) part time from 1992-1997 Professional career as a musician touring and performing throughout the United States, sharing the stage with well-known National and International artists