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 LLC
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 Construction
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 Resort
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 UNIVERSITY
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 WESTFIELD
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 Festival
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
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
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