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Alyson Zildjian
Sarasota,FL
Summary
Transformative hospitality and event operations leader with 20+ years of experience building the structure, systems, and relationships that keep complex, high-touch events running smoothly. Proven track record for developing SOPs and staffing workflows, managing multi-million-dollar events under tight timelines, and turning ambiguity into clear, workable solutions — with a strong reputation for resourcefulness, discretion, and exceeding expectations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering / Sustainability Manager
On Location - FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
Atlanta, GA
04.2026 - 08.2026
- Supported operational execution for FIFA World Cup 2026, a high-volume, multi-stakeholder live event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with rapidly evolving priorities, coordinating daily operations across culinary, logistics, and venue partner teams, including Levy and On Location leadership.
- Trained and supervised over 700 front-line hospitality staff at the Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium, reinforcing FIFA service standards, readiness, and calm, guest-focused communication under high-volume conditions.
- Conducted operational walk-throughs and coordinated staffing to ensure event readiness and consistent execution across multiple locations and teams.
- Monitored incumbent catering food quality and service standards while maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations set forth by FIFA and Georgia State regulations.
- Supported and Trained staff on FIFA sustainability initiatives, promoting waste reduction and responsible resource management.
- Upheld an elevated, guest-facing first service standard befitting FIFA World Cup expectations, ensuring consistent, high-caliber hospitality across high-visibility, high-traffic venues.
Founder & Event/Senior Sustainability Consultant
Zildjian Consulting
Sarasota , FL
01.2017 - Current
- Provide strategic consulting for restaurants and hospitality brands, identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, sourcing frameworks, and vendor and cost negotiation strategies.
- Advise on venue partnerships and process design to support more sustainable, scalable operations.
- Oversaw event sourcing and operations during an organizational merger, ensuring a seamless transition of workflows and stakeholder relationships.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with culinary, sales, and event staff to enhance client outcomes and operational consistency.
- Serve as speaker and educator on sustainability and community-focused food systems in hospitality.
Founder & Director of Operations
Zildjian Catering & Consulting
Sarasota, FL
01.2010 - 09.2024
- Led end-to-end, high-touch hospitality operations and events for corporate, nonprofit, and private clients, coordinating guest requests, service flow, staffing, sourcing, logistics, vendor communication, and on-site delivery.
- Developed and implemented SOPs, tools, and documentation that improved sourcing turnaround time, RFP accuracy, service consistency, and cross-team workflow across sales, planning, culinary, and event operations — bringing structure to a fast-evolving, high-growth environment.
- Designed and implemented a shared Google Docs–based staffing and scheduling system used company-wide, replacing an ad hoc process with a consistent, centralized workflow that staff and managers relied on across events.
- Managed multiple concurrent large-scale events with budgets ranging from $10K–$5M, coordinating across stakeholders, vendors, and dependencies to ensure accurate, efficient, and flawless delivery.
- Established mechanisms for gathering and prioritizing client and stakeholder feedback, translating input into tailored solutions aligned with brand, budget, and timeline.
- Negotiated competitive venue and vendor agreements and contracts, including concessions, add-ons, and special guest requests.
- Built and maintained relationships with hotel partners, event venues, DMCs, tourism groups, booking agents, and regional vendors, adapting communication style across a diverse stakeholder group.
- Regularly recognized for delivering standout guest and executive experiences while elevating and maintaining hospitality standards across teams.
- Company sold in September 2024.
Founder
Peak Performance Catering Division
Sarasota, FL
06.2016 - 09.2024
- Sports Catering Division - Worked with Professional, IVY League, and Junior Athletic Teams who trained and competed in the Sarasota Area
- National Rowing Association, NCAA Championships,Junior National Regattas, Big 10 Tournaments, Premier Soccer Leagues, Volleyball and Swimming
- Developed a menu to sufficiently support team meals that consisted of Highly Nutrient Dense Foods that were clean and healthy
- Developed client relationships to understand unique catering needs and preferences.
- Oversaw event logistics, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
- Managed vendor partnerships for high-quality ingredients and supplies.
- Identified potential partnerships to expand the reach of the business.
- Implemented customer feedback loops to gather insights and improve product and service offerings continually.
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
- Process and workflow analysis and improvement
- SOP development and execution
- Executive stakeholder management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Event technology expertise
- Contract negotiation and vendor management
- Multi-project management
- Budget development and cost control
- Strategic planning and optimization
- Team building and training
- Sustainability practices
Timeline
Catering / Sustainability Manager
On Location - FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
04.2026 - 08.2026
Founder & Event/Senior Sustainability Consultant
Zildjian Consulting
01.2017 - Current
Founder
Peak Performance Catering Division
06.2016 - 09.2024
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
Tools And Platforms
- Cvent
- Tripleseat
- Toast
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Office
- RFP & Contract Management Systems
Career Highlights
- Developed and implemented SOPs and operational processes that improved consistency and efficiency across multi-team event workflows.
- Successfully executed thousands of events and team-building programs across corporate, nonprofit, and luxury markets.
- Invited Thought Leader, World Economic Forum – Future of Nutrition (2023); Think Tank Participant, Circular Bioeconomy Systems & Brain Health Initiative, Harvard University (2023–present).
- Board of Directors, Community Harvest SRQ (2024–present) and Sunshine Community Compost (2025–present).
- Best Caterer, Readers' Choice Award (2019–2023); Sustainable Champion, Prosperity Award (2025).
- Class of 2023- Woman Who Roar - Leadership Circle - SRQ MEDIA
Tools And Platforms
• Cvent
• Tripleseat
• Toast
• RFP & Contract Management Systems
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Office