Colorado School of Mines Career Fair Event Production
Client: Colorado School of Mines
Location: Golden, Colorado
Partnership Duration: 8 years | 16 bi-annual events
Project Type: Large-scale campus career fair production and management
Managed comprehensive event production for Colorado School of Mines bi-annual career fairs over an 8-year partnership. Assumed account leadership upon joining Freeman in Denver and grew the relationship from initial 1-year contracts to a prestigious 5-year agreement based on operational excellence and client satisfaction.
Project Overview
Event Scope
Produced two major career fairs annually (February and September) for this state-owned engineering and applied science university in Golden, Colorado. Events grew to accommodate 300+ corporate exhibitors recruiting top-tier engineering talent across multiple campus venues including 2-story facilities and dual-building configurations utilizing up to 6 separate large exhibition halls simultaneously.
Weather Contingency Planning
Implemented specialized logistics for February events, accounting for Colorado Front Range winter conditions, including snow and ice. Secured advance campus approvals to stage 53-foot equipment trailers on-site the day before events to mitigate weather-related delivery risks.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Development & Account Management
Authored comprehensive service contracts that evolved from 1-year, 2-event agreements to a competitive
5-year contract covering 10 events.
Managed all aspects of account relationship and contract negotiations, meeting university procurement standards.
Technical Planning & Design
Collaborated with drafters to translate client draft plans into AutoCAD floor plan layouts for production planning and fire marshal approval. Designed flexible configurations for diverse venue types, including 2-story exhibition spaces and multi-building operations accommodating 175-360 company booths with multiple registration and break areas.
Production Coordination
Created detailed work tickets specifying installation requirements for all production elements. Maintained on-site presence during move-in to collaborate with installation crews, client staff, and facility teams, ensuring seamless execution and real-time problem-solving.
Multi-Trade Collaboration
Developed strong working relationships with union labor leadership and coordinated closely with carpet installation crews,
electrical contractors, and facility staff to meet strict campus schedules and compressed timelines on this challenging venue.
Operational Excellence
Reduced job costs year-over-year through refined communication protocols, streamlined workflows, and improved cross-functional coordination while maintaining consistent quality delivery across all 16 events.
Project Outcomes
Successfully delivered 16 major career fairs serving as premier recruitment vehicles connecting engineering students with Fortune 500 companies, energy sector employers, technology firms, and government agencies. Partnership longevity and contract expansion from 1-year to 5-year terms demonstrated measurable client value and operational excellence in the higher education event sector.
Client Testimonial
Client Testimonial
Jean Manning-Clark, M.A.O.M.
Events Professional, Colorado School of Mines, Currently: University Development, Grand Canyon University
"I have worked with Darlene Bass and Freeman for many years while at Colorado School of Mines. As an events professional and project manager, Darlene is outstanding at what she does for clients. The events she assisted me with were two huge Career Fairs each year, with anywhere from 175-360 companies (and booths), up to three registration areas, and several break areas. At one point, we were in two buildings with 6 different large exhibition halls. Darlene and her company's response to any last-minute changes was expedient and always with a smile. She helped us problem-solve and figure out new spaces on a continuous basis, stayed on site with her foreman, and always delivered quality show/event materials and furniture. I wholeheartedly recommend her and Freeman as a vendor for any event, large or small. In my opinion, their services and delivery are beyond compare."
Core Competencies Demonstrated
Large-scale event production management | Contract development and negotiation | CAD floor plan design and space planning | Multi-trade vendor collaboration | Multi-venue logistics coordination | Weather contingency planning | Client relationship management | Cost optimization and operational efficiency | Fire safety and regulatory compliance | On-site installation coordination | Cross-functional team leadership