Alyson Zildjian
Sarasota,FL
Summary
A strong entrepreneurial spirit working collaboratively, connecting people, by pairing smart, mindful sourcing with a genuine commitment to hospitality. I’m at my best when building strong relationships with venues and partners, and translating client needs into solutions that feel seamless, efficient, and truly memorable.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Event/Sustainabilty Consultant
Zildjian Consulting
Sarasota , FL
01.2017 - Current
- Provided strategic consulting for restaurants and hospitality brands, focusing on sustainability and operational efficiency.
- Offered advisory services on venue partnerships, sourcing frameworks, and cost negotiation strategies.
- Developed innovative event menus using locally sourced ingredients while promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Serve as speaker and educator on sustainability in hospitality and community-focused food systems.
- Oversaw event sourcing and operations during organizational merger to ensure seamless transitions.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with culinary, sales, and event staff to enhance client outcomes.
Founder & Director of Operations
Zildjian Catering & Consulting
01.2010 - 09.2024
- Lead full-cycle event planning for corporate, nonprofit, and private clients, overseeing sourcing, logistics, staffing, menu development, and on-site execution.
- Negotiate competitive venue and vendor agreements & contracts, including concessions, add-ons, and special guest requests.
- Manage multiple concurrent large-scale events with budgets ranging from $10K-$5 mil, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and flawless delivery.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with hotel partners, event venues, DMCs, tourism groups, booking agents, and regional vendors.
- Collaborate directly with clients to understand and implement their vision & goals while delivering tailored solutions aligned with brand, budget, and timeline.
- Implement high-efficiency SOPs to improve sourcing turnaround time, RFP accuracy, and internal workflow across sales and planning teams.
- Regularly recognized for delivering standout guest experiences and elevating the standard for hospitality, helping teams create effortless client moments and unforgettable attendee experiences.
- Catering company was sold in Sept 2024
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality/Business Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RIAssociate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RICertificate of Studies - Hospitality Management
Hotel Institute
Montreux, SwitzerlandSkills
- Contract negotiation and vendor management
- Corporate event planning and execution
- Client development
- Relationship building and management
- Budget development and cost control
- Strategic planning and process optimization
- Hotel and venue sourcing
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Sustainability practices and local sourcing
- High-volume project management
- Team Building
- Working with Fortune 500 Companies, and many high-profile corporations and non-profits
Accomplishments
- Successfully executed thousands of events and team-building programs across corporate, nonprofit, and luxury markets.
- Grew Zildjian Catering into a leading regional event brand known for service excellence and sustainability.
- Established strong relationships with hotels, event planners, and vendors, specializing in sourcing for off-sites, retreats, and corporate gatherings.
- Served as a sustainability and local sourcing thought leader.
Career Highlights
- Gulf Coast Community - Board Institute - Governance, 2025
- Sustainability Community Workshop - Panel Speaker, 11/06/25
- Sustainable Champion - Prosperity Award, 11/2025
- Invited Thought Leader, World Economic Forum - Future of Nutrition, 2023
- Leadership Circle Award - Woman Who Roar - SRQ Media, 2023
- Sustany Foundation Award for Green Business Practices - Recognized thought leader in Green Business Zero Waste Events & Initiatives - (2019,2023)
- Think Tank Participant, Circular Bioeconomy Systems & Brain Health Initiative, Harvard University
- (2023-present)
- Best Caterer - Readers' Choice Award (2019,2020,2021,2022,2023)
- Guest Speaker - Green Business Events/Catering - National Catering Conference, 2023
- Board of Directors - Community Harvest SRQ - (2024-present)
- Board of Directors - Sunshine Community Compost (2025- present)
- Member of Slow Food USA, (2012-present)
- Member ACF (2018-2023)
Tools And Platforms
- Cvent
- Tripleseat
- Toast
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Office
- RFP & Contract Management Systems
Timeline
Founder & Event/Sustainabilty Consultant
Zildjian Consulting
01.2017 - Current
Founder & Director of Operations
Zildjian Catering & Consulting
01.2010 - 09.2024
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality/Business Management
Johnson & Wales University
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Certificate of Studies - Hospitality Management
Hotel Institute