Courtney Van Arkel
Orlando
Summary
Experienced with event coordination and team leadership in fast-paced, high volume, hospitality environment. Utilizes strong organizational skills to ensure all aspects of events run smoothly. Track record of fostering team collaboration and maintaining high standards of service.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Banquet Captain
Oak View Group, Dr. Phillips Center for the Preforming Arts
Orlando, FL
09.2024 - Current
- Coordinates large-scale banquet events, ensuring seamless execution by effectively managing event staff.
- Develops strong relationships with clients to understand and meet their specific needs.
- Travels to off-site OVG locations to assist with quality of service and food delivery at high-volume events.
- Promotes team collaboration among banquet staff members through effective leadership practices that fostered a supportive work environment.
- Streamlines setup processes to optimize room turnover times between events, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Banquet Captain
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Orlando, FL
04.2022 - 07.2026
- Led banquet staff to ensure seamless event execution and guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated logistics for events, including setup, service flow, and cleanup operations.
- Trained and mentored new team members on service standards and best practices.
- Maintained accurate records of event details, client communications, and financial transactions to ensure seamless organization and execution.
- Conducted pre-function briefings to align with objectives and service expectations of clients to ensure a smooth, efficient service.
- Oversaw inventory management for banquet supplies, ensuring availability for events.
- Assisted sales team in upselling additional services or amenities to clients, increasing overall revenue for the company.
Restaurant Supervisor
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Orlando, FL
04.2022 - 07.2026
- Supervised daily restaurant operations, ensuring high-quality service and guest satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored staff on operational procedures and customer service standards.
- Implemented inventory management practices to optimize supply chain efficiency.
- Coordinated with kitchen and front-of-house teams to enhance communication and workflow.
- Developed scheduling strategies that improved staff coverage during peak hours.
Remote Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Cielo Talent
Winter Garden, FL
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Assisted in the creation of job descriptions, ensuring clarity and attractiveness to potential candidates.
- Conducted initial candidate screenings, evaluating qualifications against role requirements for hiring managers.
- Scheduled candidate interviews with aligned hiring managers and interview team.
- Managed candidate communications, providing timely updates and fostering positive experiences.
- Facilitated onboarding processes for new hires, enhancing their integration into company culture and operations.
Banquet Assistant
Interlachen Country Club
Winter Park, FL
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Formulated Banquet Event Order sheets for member events.
- Processed daily paperwork which included the closing and billing of events.
- Headed design concepts and executions for all holiday and main events at the country club.
- Scheduled member functions with guest counts ranging from fifteen to five hundred people on a weekly basis.
- Communicated and maintained relationships with outside vendors to successfully execute events.
- Ensured member satisfaction throughout the process of their event.
Event Supervisor
Puff N Stuff Catering
Orlando, FL
08.2018 - 04.2019
- Collaborated with event chef to gather proper event equipment and allocated tasks to staff for the execution of set up and breakdown of the events.
- Conducted pre and post staff meetings to ensure service standards and success for the client.
- Directed event production with vendors, hosts, and any other internal teams, with guest counts ranging from ten to seven hundred guests.
- Developed lasting relationships with clientele by communicating and executing their vision from beginning to the end of the event.
Banquet Coordinator
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Orlando, FL
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Processed payroll for 345 cast members weekly.
- Created Banquet Event Orders for daily and future functions using Delphi System.
- Assigned and scheduled forty-five full time banquet servers weekly.
- Assisted cast members with the Marriott transition by providing knowledge on the payroll system and cash sales process.
- Maintained the recording and tracking of attendance of cast members.
- Oversaw and executed coffee break and banquet functions.
In-Room Dining Supervisor
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Orlando, FL
01.2016 - 12.2016
Lead Hostess
Todd English's BlueZoo
Orlando, FL
06.2014 - 01.2016
Special Events Intern
Wait Disney Parks and Resorts
Orlando, FL
06.2013 - 06.2014
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Iowa State University
Ames, IA06-2013
Skills
- Over 10 years in customer service
- Skilled in Microsoft Office applications
- Effective communication abilities
- Effective time management
- Interpersonal skills
- Results-driven sales approach
- Effective leadership abilities
- Staff training and development
Earlier Work History
01/2016- 12/2016 In-Room Dining Supervisor, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
06/2014-0/1/2016 Lead Hostess, Todd English's Bluezoo, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
06/2013-06/2014 Special Events Management Intern, Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts
Certification
TIPS- certified Trainer 2023-Present
Timeline
Banquet Captain
Oak View Group, Dr. Phillips Center for the Preforming Arts
09.2024 - Current
Banquet Captain
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
04.2022 - 07.2026
Restaurant Supervisor
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
04.2022 - 07.2026
Remote Talent Acquisition Coordinator
Cielo Talent
06.2021 - 06.2022
Banquet Assistant
Interlachen Country Club
08.2019 - 05.2020
Event Supervisor
Puff N Stuff Catering
08.2018 - 04.2019
Banquet Coordinator
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
01.2017 - 01.2018
In-Room Dining Supervisor
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
01.2016 - 12.2016
Lead Hostess
Todd English's BlueZoo
06.2014 - 01.2016
Special Events Intern
Wait Disney Parks and Resorts
06.2013 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Iowa State University