Colleen Dunne
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-driven events professional with proven history of planning and executing high-caliber private events. Adept at logistical coordination, client engagement, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Known for fostering collaborative environments and adapting to dynamic event needs with ease.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Events Manager
Smith & Wollensky
07.2024 - Current
- Direct and oversee a $3.5 million private events department within a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrate exceptional multitasking abilities by managing multiple large-scale events and client relationships simultaneously.
- Facilitate seamless communication across multiple levels of staff and leadership to ensure event success.
- Manage client interactions from initial inquiry through execution, ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
- Manage high-profile clients such as Shore Capital, First Trust, AON, Blue Cross Blue Shield, & sports teams.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with culinary, service, and senior leadership teams to deliver consistently high-quality events.
- Provide weekly performance forecasting and strategic reporting to drive departmental growth.
- Attend industry networking events to connect with others in the industry & community.
- Active member of The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and MPI CAC Chicago Chapter
Sales & Events Manager
Morton’s The Steakhouse
08.2021 - 07.2024
- Acted as key liaison between internal teams and external clients; coordinated logistics for high-profile events and meetings with a focus on professionalism and accuracy.
- Managed private event budgets ($1.8M–$2M) and submitted weekly reports to leadership, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals.
- Mentored and trained new team members, reinforcing onboarding best practices and internal communication protocols.
- Led internal communications and coordinated with cross-functional teams to meet client and business needs.
- Served as the President of The Chicago Private Dining Steakhouse Group, active member of MPI CAC Chapter, The River North Business Association, Choose Chicago, & The Chicago Chamber of Commerce
Sales & Events Associate
Morton’s The Steakhouse
07.2017 - 10.2020
- Partnered with sales leadership to support client engagement, contract coordination, and event planning—honing a detail-oriented, client-first approach.
- Starting to take on my own clients & focusing on client relationships: Hotel Sales Teams, Executive Assistants, & other key decision makers.
Administrative Assistant
Morton’s The Steakhouse
05.2016 - 07.2017
- Managed the Senior Sales Manager's Calendar to prioritize daily tasks and organize appointments. Supported the team with daily administrative tasks, scheduling, & document preparation.
- Created detailed event briefs and tracked guest communications, providing organizational clarity and seamless execution across teams. Coordinated daily office operations, ensuring streamlined communication between departments.
- Maintained filing systems and office inventory while handling all vendor communications and supply orders.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication & Business
St. Norbert College
DePere, WI01.2016
Skills
- Calendar & Schedule Management
- Event & Meeting Coordination
- Written and Verbal Communication
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Strong ability to multitask & time management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building
- Problem-Solving
- Events logistics management
- Budget & Expense Tracking
- Salesforce (CRM experience), Tripleseat, Open Table
Affiliations
- MPI CAC
- Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
- Past President of the Chicago Private Dining Steakhouse Group
- Past member of River North Business Association
- Past member of Chicago Loop Alliance
- Choose Chicago Ambassador
Timeline
Private Events Manager
Smith & Wollensky
07.2024 - Current
Sales & Events Manager
Morton’s The Steakhouse
08.2021 - 07.2024
Sales & Events Associate
Morton’s The Steakhouse
07.2017 - 10.2020
Administrative Assistant
Morton’s The Steakhouse
05.2016 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Communication & Business
St. Norbert College