Brenda Cruzen
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Results-oriented Executive Director with a strong background in event strategy and project management. Specializes in cross-functional collaboration and financial oversight to drive profitability and innovation. Focused on building high-performance teams, improving employee satisfaction, and delivering exceptional event experiences.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director of International Events and Strategy
MGM Resorts International
Las Vegas, USA
03.2022 - Current
- Led Business Development, Account Management/Sales, and Project Management teams for internal events division at MGM Resorts, enhancing event execution and client relations.
- Managed financials and profitability measures for all aspects of events.
- Collaborated with various departments across enterprise to successfully operate and expand reach into new areas of work.
- Fostered a work environment that promoted teamwork and high performance, leading to increased employee recognition and satisfaction.
Executive Director of Event Experiences
MGM Resorts Events
Las Vegas, USA
12.2019 - 03.2022
- Led teams of Business Development, Account Management/Sales, and Project Management for the internal events division of MGM Resorts.
- Managed financials and profitability measures for all aspects of events.
- Led team through pandemic challenges, optimizing operations, reintroducing team members, rebranding internal division, and supporting company initiatives for recovery.
- Collaborated with various departments to enhance operational success and broaden reach into new areas of engagement.
- Fostered a collaborative work environment that encouraged teamwork and employee satisfaction through recognition and mentoring initiatives.
Director of Special Events
MGM Resorts International
Las Vegas, USA
02.2012 - 12.2019
- Oversaw international marketing and corporate events at MRI properties globally, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with brand objectives.
- Collaborated with corporate entertainment, event design, brand marketing, and property special event teams to fulfill event requirements and enhance overall event execution.
- Managed financials and profitability for events, ensuring budget adherence and maximizing return on investment.
Event Design Manager
MGM Resorts Events
Las Vegas, USA
02.2010 - 02.2012
- Managed corporate and in-house event décor from conception to execution, ensuring each event met client expectations.
- Collaborated with key departments across MRI properties to enhance event success.
Special Events Department Manager
The Mirage Resort and Casino
Las Vegas, USA
03.2007 - 02.2010
- Oversaw execution of casino-sponsored events, collaborating with Casino Marketing Division to maximize event participation.
- Executed direct marketing initiatives for invites, promotions, campaigns, enhancing audience engagement.
- Maintained employee files for 5 full-time staff and on-call staff, conducted performance critiques, and facilitated hiring, training, and onboarding of new staff.
Event Manager
Bellagio Resort and Casino
Las Vegas, USA
06.2006 - 03.2007
- Coordinated and executed casino-sponsored events.
- Managed financials for each event, coordinated communication between all in-house departments, and contracted entertainment while overseeing the entire event.
- Specific duties also included: hiring/training/supervising event staff (up to a staff of 20), preparing memos and researching/purchasing décor-linen-gifts-trophies-handouts-accoutrements etc.
Executive Assistant
David Copperfield Disappearing, Inc.
Las Vegas, USA
10.2002 - 02.2005
- Coordinated Mr. Copperfield’s personal and professional daily schedule to optimize time management and ensure seamless operations
- Maintained business schedule, including meetings, phone calls, travel, and conferences; oversaw research projects on real estate, recreation equipment, collectibles, and new illusions; updated database files and facilitated publicity appearances
Entertainment Group Specialist/Relief Supervisor
MGM Grand Resort and Casino
Las Vegas, USA
09.1999 - 10.2002
- Coordinated services for special event and entertainment groups, managing hotel accommodations, transportation, and food/beverage logistics.
- Led a diverse team of 18 in overseeing various group accounts to ensure seamless operations.
- Supported managers and executives in forecasting and monitoring group block usage to optimize resource allocation.
- Oversaw financial and administrative aspects of accounts, ensuring compliance with contract details.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
University of Wisconsin
WI08-1994
Skills
- Event strategy
- Program management
- Project management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Innovation and creativity
- Effective communication
Timeline
Executive Director of International Events and Strategy
MGM Resorts International
03.2022 - Current
Executive Director of Event Experiences
MGM Resorts Events
12.2019 - 03.2022
Director of Special Events
MGM Resorts International
02.2012 - 12.2019
Event Design Manager
MGM Resorts Events
02.2010 - 02.2012
Special Events Department Manager
The Mirage Resort and Casino
03.2007 - 02.2010
Event Manager
Bellagio Resort and Casino
06.2006 - 03.2007
Executive Assistant
David Copperfield Disappearing, Inc.
10.2002 - 02.2005
Entertainment Group Specialist/Relief Supervisor
MGM Grand Resort and Casino
09.1999 - 10.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
University of Wisconsin