Hi, I’m
Candice Hughes
Event Manager
Avon,IN
Summary
Efficient Event Manager with extensive knowledge of event execution and leadership. Service-centric event planner and client advocate dedicated to service excellence. Innovative and quick problem solver with outstanding eye for detail and organized scheduling.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
3
years of post-secondary education
1
Certification
Work History
Taxman Holdings LLCIndianapolis, IN
Events and Catering Manager
8 2023 - 2 2024
Job overview
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers and overall catering needs.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Developed comprehensive event proposals that clearly outlined deliverables, timelines, budget requirements based on client input.
- Conducted post-event evaluations with clients, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
White Oak ConstructionIndianapolis, IN
Head of Show Department
09.2022 - 08.2023
Job overview
- Planned and scheduled attendance at over 45 trade shows, expos, fairs, and festivals per year as an exhibitor
- Selected, interviewed, and hired all new employees for the show department; trained and supervised employees
- Developed schedules, budgets, timelines, job descriptions, and many other department documents and files.
- Purchased and maintained all department supplies and equipment.
- Managed logistics to include in-state and out-of-state travel, hotel booking, and event registration.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Portofino Island ResortPensacola Beach, FL
Wedding Coordinator
06.2016 - 08.2017
Job overview
- Responsible for planning and coordination of all weddings booked on resort property
- Assist with short and long-term Special Events Department planning
- Assist in the development of the annual strategic plan
- Knowledge and implantation of Risk Management, MSDS, OSHA, and guest safety initiatives
- Ensure communication systems for weddings and special events are in place to promote owner, guest, Club Portofino members, and employee relations including emails, programming, flyers, and websites.
- Oversaw setup and breakdown of wedding and receptions.
- Drafted wedding contracts and other documentation for review with clients and to obtain signatures.
- Helped bridal couple select wedding decorations, floral arrangements, menus, and music.
- Developed and adhered to timelines to keep ceremony and reception running smoothly.
- Handled customer service inquiries and complaints and immediately resolved issues to guest satisfaction.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations for rehearsal and day of event coordination.
- Mentored junior coordinators on industry best practices and company-specific procedures for improved overall team performance.
- Negotiated vendor contracts effectively to secure favorable terms that maximized value without sacrificing quality.
INDIANA UNIVERSITYNew Albany
Event Manager
03.2015 - 01.2016
Job overview
- Manager of the annual FACET Retreat and annual, national conference FALCON (FACET's Adjunct Faculty and Lecturers' Conference)
- Coordinated event planning committee meetings throughout the year to develop event themes and strategies, marketing initiatives, and timelines
- Analyzed evaluations, past budgets, attendance patterns, and attendee profiles to determine current event strategies for success.
- Designed event marketing materials such as logos, event advertisements, branded conference materials, and event signage
- Acquired conference presenters, vendors, and personnel and developed job descriptions and contracts
- Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Saved clients substantial amounts of money by identifying cost-saving alternatives in various aspects of their events.
- Maximized sponsorship opportunities through targeted outreach efforts and persuasive communication skills.
CITY OF WESTFIELDWestfield
Special Events Coordinator
8 2014 - 3 2015
Job overview
- Developed strategies for successful events by creating a vision, brand, and target audience for each city event.
- Planned and coordinated all aspects of the event including the assembly of an event executive team, volunteer needs with job descriptions, event meetings, and evaluation methods
- Created a marketing plan for each event to encompass social media, advertising, and separate event websites as well as graphic design to include event logo, public banners, and all event print materials.
- Created and managed event budgets using prior year data to compare and improve profits.
- Worked closely with fire and police to develop risk management plans and event day safety roles.
- Developed and fostered partnerships with the community to obtain sponsorships and completed sponsor ROI reports
- Created a new city event, during which, obtained the city's first national sponsor and live television news interview.
- Supervised staff during events and maintained efficient performance.
- Arranged project timelines to avoid critical shortages in staff, resources or events space.
- Hired, trained and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.
- Attended conferences and events to stay up-to-date with industry trends and planning standards.
Spirit And Place FestivalIndianapolis, IN
Volunteer Coordinator (Internship)
08.2012 - 11.2012
Job overview
- Worked with program coordinator to develop a volunteer coordination strategy
- Updated and developed a wide variety of volunteer spreadsheets, policies, and surveys to orient, train, and supervise 30 volunteers.
- Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking, and data communications.
- Worked with leadership staff and special committees to define volunteer mission and set standards.
- Managed and tracked volunteer hours and progress to support accurate documentation.
- Collaborated with other departments to maximize impact of volunteer efforts.
- Facilitated regular meetings with volunteers to provide feedback and discuss improvement opportunities.
- Monitored volunteer performance to enforce compliance with established policies and regulations.
- Worked with program teams to identify and match volunteers with appropriate activities.
- Managed volunteer calendar and verified coverage of key roles during volunteer unavailability.
- Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
Education
Indiana University - Purdue University IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN
Bachelor Of Science from Tourism, Conventions, And Event Management
08.2010 - 12.2013
Skills
Event planning proficiency
Staff supervision
Marketing knowledge
Strategic planning
Inventory management
Recruitment
Scheduling
Budgeting
Communications management
Employee training
Branding
Food and beverage experience
Hospitality background
Guest services background
Certification
ServSafe
Timeline
ServSafe
09-2024
Head of Show Department
White Oak Construction
09.2022 - 08.2023
Wedding Coordinator
Portofino Island Resort
06.2016 - 08.2017
Event Manager
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
03.2015 - 01.2016
Volunteer Coordinator (Internship)
Spirit And Place Festival
08.2012 - 11.2012
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Bachelor Of Science from Tourism, Conventions, And Event Management
08.2010 - 12.2013
Events and Catering Manager
Taxman Holdings LLC
8 2023 - 2 2024
Special Events Coordinator
CITY OF WESTFIELD
8 2014 - 3 2015