Azra Focic
Hospitality Professional
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Highly skilled Hospitality Manager with over 15 years of experience in managing banquets and special events to include VIP events and high profile events. Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills with a proven track record of delivering outstanding results. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards and natural knack for building relationships with customers.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Banquet Manager
Caesars Palace
2021.11 - 2024.05
- Directed banquet operations for a large-scale resort, managing a team of 100+ employees
- Enhanced banquet operations by streamlining communication between kitchen and service staff.
- Worked closely with clients to customize event packages and meet their specific needs
- Maintained a high level of customer satisfaction, resulting in an increase in repeat business
- Conducted post-event evaluations to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for staff to improve service quality and efficiency.
- Delegated tasks to staff members to maximize production under tight deadlines.
- Performed cost-benefit analysis for corporate and social events.
- Cultivated an inclusive work culture promoting open communication, teamwork and staff empowerment resulting in a motivated and high-performing team.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedures, and service standards, fostering a cohesive team environment.
- Established and upheld high standards, promoting great customer service and assistance to guests.
- Analyzed financial performance of property and adjusted strategies or processes as needed to improve outcomes.
Banquet Manager/Asst Director
Bellagio /Park MGM
2014.01 - 2021.11
- Managed banquet operations for a luxury resort, overseeing a team of 100+ staff members
- Planned and executed high-profile events, including weddings, corporate functions, galas and high profile VIP events
- Increased guest satisfaction by anticipating needs and providing exceptional service during events.
- Collaborated with culinary team to design and implement innovative menu offerings
- Implemented training programs to enhance staff skills and improve service quality
- Achieved increase in banquet revenue through effective sales and marketing strategies.
- Coordinated with vendors to provide seamless event experiences, from setup to teardown.
- Oversaw scheduling of banquet staff while maintaining optimal staffing levels during peak seasons without compromising on quality service delivery.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for staff to improve service quality and efficiency.
- Liaised with catering department about event changes and implemented requested adjustments.
Banquet Captain
Wynn/Encore Resorts
2011.09 - 2014.01
- Oversaw all aspects of banquet operations, including staffing, scheduling, and event execution
- Ensured timely preparation of function spaces according to client specifications, providing them a hassle-free experience on their special day.
- Maintained clear communication channels between all departments involved in banquets, contributing to successful event outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of event details, client communications, and financial transactions to ensure seamless organization and execution.
- Managed a team of banquet staff members, ensuring high-quality service delivery
- Coordinated with event planners and clients to ensure events meet their expectations
- Maintained inventory of banquet supplies and equipment, ensuring availability for all events.
Banquet Set Up Asst. Manager
Wynn/Encore Resorts
2008.05 - 2011.09
- Assisted setup manager, including scheduling and training all Banquet Setup Employees
- Maintained inventory and supplies as necessary to support catering and convention business, reviewing all banquet functions and the Delphi diary to determine and avoid all possible conflicts
- Generated Delphi and market vision reports daily
- Assisted in planning details of event setup, preparing banquet floor plans to meet fire marshal guidelines, communicating with individual Catering Managers and Banquet Captains regarding any setup issues on events, directing and managing the Fire Marshall Fund account, and any other duties as determined by the Director of Catering or Setup Manager.
Education
Mastering the Essentials of Influence -
Cornel University
Bachelor in Business Management -
University of Tuzla
01.1999
High School Diploma -
High School
01.1992
Skills
- Fluent in Bosnian (Serbo-Croatian)
- Extensive Customer Service
- Ability to work well under pressure, and in an emotionally charged environment
- Great attention to detail
- Knowledge using Delphi, Micros, Hotsos, Sales Force, Amadeus, Stratton Warren, Maximo, Meeting Matrix
- Guest experience management
- Leadership Qualities
- Team Management
- Corporate event management
Qualifications Summary
15+ years in Luxury Hotel and Banquet, special events, entertainment and management. Efficiently monitored and managed payroll, budget, effective costing and resource allocation. Proficient in communicating to appropriate hotel colleagues in an accurate and timely manner. Highly skilled in generating function planning, employee scheduling and distribution, customer service, training, coordination with VIP and celebrity representatives. Excessive experience in planning, coordinating and executing events, meetings, entertainment events, managing green rooms and riders.
References
- Leonardo Fatovic, Director of Banquets, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV, 909.536.4511
- Mark Gilbert, Director of Banquets, Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV, 702.856.9315
- Brandon Berger, VP of Catering and Banquets, Wynn/Encore, Las Vegas, NV, 702.416.181
Timeline
Banquet Manager
Caesars Palace
2021.11 - 2024.05
Banquet Manager/Asst Director
Bellagio /Park MGM
2014.01 - 2021.11
Banquet Captain
Wynn/Encore Resorts
2011.09 - 2014.01
Banquet Set Up Asst. Manager
Wynn/Encore Resorts
2008.05 - 2011.09
Mastering the Essentials of Influence -
Cornel University
Bachelor in Business Management -
University of Tuzla
High School Diploma -
High School
Similar Profiles
LISA APORFFLISA APORFF
POKER DEALER at CAESARS PALACEPOKER DEALER at CAESARS PALACE
Bri BurnetBri Burnet
Floral Designer at Caesars PalaceFloral Designer at Caesars Palace
Paul ColemanPaul Coleman
Assistant Casino Manager at Caesars PalaceAssistant Casino Manager at Caesars Palace