Amber Ford
New Orleans,LA
Summary
Dynamic event manager adept at leveraging strong multitasking and team leadership skills to deliver memorable experiences. Increased client satisfaction through innovative event themes and efficient project management. Excelled in guest relations, enhancing attendee engagement and satisfaction.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bartender
Marriott
New Orleans, LA
06.2024 - Current
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
Event Planner
Cloud Nine Events
New Orleans, LA
04.2021 - Current
- Increased event attendance by developing strategic marketing campaigns and engaging promotional materials.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Conferred with event staff at event site to coordinate details.
- Coordinated with participating vendors during event planning.
- Adapted quickly to unforeseen circumstances or changes in the event landscape, implementing contingency plans as needed.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or service levels.
- Leveraged social media platforms to create buzz around events, driving awareness and interest among target audiences.
- Managed budgets effectively, monitoring expenses closely to ensure events were delivered within financial constraints.
- Optimized event layouts and floor plans to maximize attendee flow and overall experience, minimizing congestion in high-traffic areas.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
Event Manager
Four Points by Sheraton
New Orleans, LA
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Implemented innovative event themes and designs to create memorable experiences for attendees.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
- Coordinated large-scale conferences for industry professionals, resulting in increased networking opportunities.
- Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to gather insights, driving continuous improvement in event execution.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
Event Manager
Buttercream & Company
Tyler, TX
09.2009 - 01.2015
- Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Implemented innovative event themes and designs to create memorable experiences for attendees.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
- Recruited trained, and managed teams of volunteers to assist with event operations and logistics.
- Coordinated large-scale conferences for industry professionals, resulting in increased networking opportunities.
- Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes in future planning efforts.
- Utilized social media platforms to engage potential attendees and promote upcoming events effectively.
- Delivered prompt payment for event vendors, venues, staff and transportation providers.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Managed event logistics from conception to completion, ensuring every detail contributed to event's success.
- Leveraged technology to automate registration and attendee management, improving operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Developed training programs for event staff, elevating level of professionalism and service delivery at events.
- Elevated event engagement by innovating interactive and immersive experiences for attendees.
- Tailored event themes and content to resonate with target audiences, achieving high levels of attendee engagement and satisfaction.
- Fostered strong relationships with sponsors, elevating caliber and financial support of events.
- Boosted audience satisfaction with meticulous attention to detail in event programming and speaker selection.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX06.2004
Skills
- Strong multitasking
- Customer Service
- Liquor, beer, and wine knowledge
- Highly reliable
- Influencial
- Flexibility
- Ability to Listen
- Team player attitude
- Patience and Tolerance
- Guest Relations
- Team leadership and supervision
- Schedule Management
Certification
TIPS Certification
Sommelier Certification
Food Handler Certification
Photography
I have a genuine love of photography (namely street photography), and have been utilizing this hobby for about fifteen years now.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Bartender
Marriott
06.2024 - Current
Event Manager
Four Points by Sheraton
09.2022 - 01.2023
Event Planner
Cloud Nine Events
04.2021 - Current
Event Manager
Buttercream & Company
09.2009 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
LeTourneau University