Rikka Batulan
Rikka Batulan is a seasoned meetings and events planner (15 + years) and is presently the Business Relationship Manager at TESOL International Association. In her role, she manages a diverse set of sponsors for TESOL, coordinates the exhibits and product showcase activities, and ventures into new business opportunities in order to expand TESOL's revenue stream. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to building meaningful professional relationships, Rikka plays a pivotal role in supporting TESOL’s mission to advance English language teaching worldwide. Her work ensures that sponsorship and exhibit benefits are fulfilled, sponsored events run smoothly, all while creating spaces for educators and organizations to connect, engage, and learn together.
Before joining TESOL, Rikka honed her expertise in conference and event management through various roles with organizations including National League of Cities (NLC), Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), and Sister Cities International. From coordinating large-scale meetings to managing contracts and speaker preparations, she has consistently demonstrated a talent for orchestrating complex events while fostering collaboration and engagement among diverse stakeholders. Rikka earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a certification in International Business /Marketing from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada, equipping her with both a strong understanding of human behavior and the strategic acumen needed to excel in business and event management. Known for her professionalism, organizational skills, and passion for connecting people, Rikka continues to make a meaningful impact in the education and nonprofit sectors, helping to bring global initiatives to life.
• Concordia University- B.A.
• Saint Louis University-Madrid
What do you attribute your success to?
As a Christian woman, I attribute all my successes to Jesus Christ. He has blessed me to be in this industry and to be at such an amazing organization like TESOL International Association. In these last seven years at TESOL, I got promoted several times going from Exhibits Coordinator to Exhibits Manager to Exhibits and Strategic Events manager and now to Business Development and Business Relationship Management. This recent role has been a dream for me and goes with my lifestyle. I love the relationships I've developed with companies like Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), Independent Television News (ITN), National Geographic Learning (NGL), Pearson, Ellii, and Vista Higher Learning. I've never been happier than being in this role with such an outstanding organization like TESOL.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be exceptional in all that you do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
On the events side, embrace and enjoy the newness of traveling with your company and know that, although it's a lot of work behind the scenes, the rewards are great. On the business relationship side, have a client-centric attitude. Listen to your stakeholders' needs. Always show appreciation to your sponsors and exhibitors for they are the anchor to carrying out your organization's mission. Be thoughtful and responsive to them. On a personal side, take time for self-care. And lastly, in this industry, you will meet all kinds of people. Always lift people up. Everyone is going through something, be kind to them and have a positive mindset, whatever comes your way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Getting new sponsors and exhibitors to come to TESOL. Creating a show floor that is engaging and fun. Bringing more decision-makers to our convention.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value balance, wellness, and personal growth in both my work and personal life, and in my spare time, I love practicing yoga, sculpt, and Pilates, through the FitOn app drawing on my background as a former jazz and ballet dancer. And of course, I value my family. I have a wonderful husband and a sweet and energetic 7 year old son. They both bring me a tremendous amount of joy and I value the time I spend with them. I'm also blessed to have my parents and a sister and brother that are local as well as step children who have been a vibrant component in my life.