Courtney Smith
Scottsdale,AZ
Summary
Event operations leader with 10 years of experience producing large-scale live events, executive experiences, professional sports team operations, and luxury hospitality programs. Proven success leading cross-functional teams, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, coordinating vendors, production logistics, staffing, and high-profile events. Recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences while thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Event Manager
THE PHOENICIAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
Scottsdale, AZ
01.2022 - Current
- Lead planning and execution of large-scale corporate events, luxury resort buyouts, executive programs, and professional sports team experiences for NBA, NHL, and MLB organizations.
- Direct cross-functional teams including Catering, Banquets, Culinary, Engineering, Audio Visual, Security, Sales, and external vendors.
- Manage an annual portfolio exceeding $7.5M while maintaining exceptional forecasting accuracy.
- Develop production timelines, operational documents, staffing plans, event logistics, and execution strategies.
- Supervise four Executive Meeting Specialists, overseeing scheduling, coaching, payroll, and daily operations.
- Coordinate VIP experiences, transportation, entertainment logistics, and vendor partnerships.
- 2025 Results: 42 programs | 19,685 room nights | $7.5M+ function revenue.
Senior Event Manager (Task Force Assignment)
THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAKE TAHOE
Truckee, CA
07.2023 - 09.2023
- Provided senior operational leadership during an executive transition.
- Mentored Event Managers and Coordinators while ensuring seamless event execution.
Event Manager
The Phoenician Resort
Scottsdale, Arizona
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Managed 88 groups in 2025, generating $2,837,249.22 in function revenue and $343.69 in catering contributions across 12,642 room nights.
- Collaborated with vendors to secure catering and audiovisual services.
- Managed event budgets and ensured compliance with financial guidelines.
Event Manager
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson, Arizona
06.2019 - 10.2021
- Coordinated details of social, corporate, and large conferences for a luxury resort with 575 rooms.
- Planned and executed single and multi-day meetings and conferences accommodating 10 to 1,000 attendees.
- Planned single and multi-day weddings of 50 - 400 attendees.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure competitive pricing and accurate food estimates.
- Forecasted catering and sleeping room revenue while seeking opportunities to up-sell and increase revenue.
Event Manager
Marriott Kansas City Overland Park
Overland Park, KS
12.2017 - 06.2019
- Established and maintained client rapport, exceeding service expectations and fostering repeat business.
- Facilitated onboarding and training of Administrative Coordinator in job responsibilities, systems operations, and event management skills.
- Obtained Marriott Wedding Planner certification to enhance skills in wedding planning and management.
- Served as sole Event Manager on property from January 2019 through April 2019, overseeing all event planning and execution.
- Achieved the Leader of the Quarter Award in Q1 2019 for significant contributions to team success.
Event Sales Coordinator
Marriott Kansas City Overland Park
Overland Park, KS
06.2017 - 12.2017
- Provided executive level administrative support to the Event and Sales Department team.
- Created and maintained event-related documentation to provide consistent and strong levels of service throughout the pre-event, event, and post-event phases of property events.
- Cross-trained as an Event Manager and serviced over seventy-five groups as an Event Coordinator.
Marriott Global Voyage Leadership Program
Marriott Kansas City Overland Park
Overland Park, KS
05.2016 - 06.2017
- Led banquet service management activities; developed and directed team to deliver consistent, high-quality service, achieving positive event satisfaction scores and clearly communicating performance expectations.
- Scheduled banquet service staff to align with forecast and service standards; led shifts while actively participating in event servicing to ensure smooth operations.
- Managed departmental inventories and maintained property and equipment to support operational efficiency.
Disney College Program Internship
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, FL
01.2015 - 08.2015
- Worked at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort in the Food and Beverage Department, providing exceptional guest service, managing cash handling procedures, and ensuring proper merchandise presentation and stocking.
- Trained future employees from around the world after being promoted to the role of new hire trainer during my internship.
Banquet Operations
University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
Springfield, MO
05.2014 - 12.2014
- Coordinated set-up, service, maintenance, and breakdown of banquet rooms for events hosting up to 1,000 guests, ensuring smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
- Maintained consistent preparation and performance standards for banquet services, enhancing overall guest experience and service quality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Restaurant Administration
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO05-2016
Skills
- Event Operations
- Live Event Production
- Show production planning
- High-Profile Events
- Project Management
- Budget Management
- Vendor management
- Audience Development
- Operational Logistics
- Audio Visual Coordination
- Team Leadership
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Event Staffing
Awards
- Phoenician's Finest Award
- Marriott Spirit to Serve Awards
- Leader of the Quarter
- Marriott Wedding Planner
- Marriott Global Voyage Leadership Development
- Disney College Program
Timeline
Senior Event Manager (Task Force Assignment)
THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAKE TAHOE
07.2023 - 09.2023
Senior Event Manager
THE PHOENICIAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
01.2022 - Current
Event Manager
The Phoenician Resort
10.2021 - 09.2022
Event Manager
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
06.2019 - 10.2021
Event Manager
Marriott Kansas City Overland Park
12.2017 - 06.2019
Event Sales Coordinator
Marriott Kansas City Overland Park
06.2017 - 12.2017
Marriott Global Voyage Leadership Program
Marriott Kansas City Overland Park
05.2016 - 06.2017
Disney College Program Internship
Walt Disney World Resort
01.2015 - 08.2015
Banquet Operations
University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
05.2014 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality & Restaurant Administration
Missouri State University