AURIEANN LAPATA
Evanston,IL
Summary
Accomplished and highly organized event and hospitality professional with years of leadership experience in food & beverage, large-scale event planning, hospitality and client engagement. Proven success in building cross-functional teams, managing board event budgets, and executing high-touch experiences for corporate clients, tenants, and VIPs. Strong background in operational oversight, strategic planning, and brand-aligned event design. Known for calm under pressure, vendor expertise, and fostering long-term relationships that drive loyalty and results.
Results-oriented professional with robust background in event planning and management, dedicated to delivering memorable experiences. Known for meticulous attention to detail and ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments. Collaborative team player with excellent communication and organizational skills, ensuring smooth event execution and high client satisfaction.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Event Specialist
Wayfair
03.2024 - Current
- Lead the planning and execution of engaging in-store and community events that elevate brand visibility and drive customer traffic.
- Coordinate all event logistics including vendor management, setup, staffing, and post-event breakdown to ensure seamless execution.
- Serve as the primary customer contact during events, fostering positive engagement and representing Wayfair’s brand values.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, People Operations, and Store Leadership to align events with business goals and community initiatives.
- Capture and create compelling event and social media content to enhance local outreach and online presence.
- Support in-store visual merchandising, promotional displays, and seasonal refreshes to maintain an inviting shopping environment.
- Manage promotional material distribution and tracking to measure event and campaign success.
- Demonstrate strong organization, creative problem-solving, and leadership while adapting in fast-paced retail environments.
Director of Hospitality, Events, and Tenant Relations
Tishman Speyer / MBRE / JLL
12.2013 - 03.2023
- Led regional hospitality strategy and event execution across three Class A properties; managed all logistics, design, vendor relations, and on-site operations for both internal and client-facing events.
- Oversaw high-profile events including leadership offsites, executive retreats, tenant appreciation activations, and seasonal campaigns.
- Directed cross-functional event teams, from culinary partners to AV and design vendors.
- Created detailed event budgets and conducted post-event recaps to assess ROI and gather stakeholder feedback.
- Designed and delivered amenity programs such as Zo and Shift that boosted tenant satisfaction and engagement.
- Established SOPs and managed day-to-day operations for food & beverage service and hospitality activations.
Director of Special Events and Development
Ignite Glass Studio
01.2012 - 11.2013
- Built event and sales infrastructure from the ground up for new venue launch.
- Developed brand identity and marketing materials; secured preferred vendor list and sales partners.
- Managed all event execution, client experience, and post-event reporting to ownership.
Director of Operations
Hearty Boys Catering and Events
07.2008 - 01.2012
- Managed full operations for one of Chicago’s leading off-premise catering companies.
- Hired, trained, and led a staff of 75+ across culinary, logistics, and front-of-house.
- Boosted wedding revenue by 30% through new marketing strategies and improved client touchpoints.
- Oversaw permitting, licensing, and compliance for large-scale public and private events.
Director of Catering & Events (Various Roles)
The James Hotel & Blue Water Grill
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Led all catering and convention services for premier hospitality brands, managing event execution, F&B operations, and guest services for a wide range of corporate, social, and entertainment-driven events.
Director of Catering & Events (Various Roles)
The Orrington Hotel
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Led all catering and convention services for premier hospitality brands, managing event execution, F&B operations, and guest services for a wide range of corporate, social, and entertainment-driven events.
Director of Catering & Events (Various Roles)
Lettuce Entertain You (LOPC & Bub City)
01.1995 - 01.2002
- Led all catering and convention services for premier hospitality brands, managing event execution, F&B operations, and guest services for a wide range of corporate, social, and entertainment-driven events.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Commercial Recreation and Hospitality Management
University of St. Francis
Skills
- Comprehensive event planning and execution
- Food and beverage management
- Strategic communication with key stakeholders and executives
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Team leadership
- Vendor sourcing and negotiation
- Event technology: Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Tripleseat, Caterease, Delphi
- Certified: BASSET, ServSafe Food Handler, City of Chicago Food Manager
- Logistics management
- Contract negotiations
- Events planning trends
Timeline
Community Event Specialist
Wayfair
03.2024 - Current
Director of Hospitality, Events, and Tenant Relations
Tishman Speyer / MBRE / JLL
12.2013 - 03.2023
Director of Special Events and Development
Ignite Glass Studio
01.2012 - 11.2013
Director of Operations
Hearty Boys Catering and Events
07.2008 - 01.2012
Director of Catering & Events (Various Roles)
The James Hotel & Blue Water Grill
01.2004 - 01.2008
Director of Catering & Events (Various Roles)
The Orrington Hotel
01.2002 - 01.2004
Director of Catering & Events (Various Roles)
Lettuce Entertain You (LOPC & Bub City)
01.1995 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Commercial Recreation and Hospitality Management
University of St. Francis