Dajah Johnson
Bowie,MD
Summary
Aspiring leader with over 8 years of work experience in the fields of hospitality, human resources, public relations and event planning; office management and superior customer service in various professional settings. Seeking a managerial position in event planning and project management that will utilize my hospitality experience, seamless planning, directing, and execution of corporate, social, and private events, and exceptional organizational and leadership skills. Highly industrious, communicative, productive and versatile team player and employer asset with a broad range of core competencies developed from diverse experiences.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Meeting Event Planner
Compass Group USA
03.2023 - 11.2023
- Developed and implemented curated, hand tailored guest journey for first time guests, created SOP's for daily event processes
- Managed meeting room bookings, using in-house property management systems for C-Suite staff
- Maintained high levels of confidentiality, ethics and integrity.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Streamlined communication with vendors for successful events and timely deliveries.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
HR Administrative Lead
Allegis Group
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed a team of 5 HR professionals, responsible for hiring, onboarding and training, conducting staff performance evaluations
- Prepared and led new employee orientation to familiarize with company policies, procedures, culture, and campus
- Facilitated and processed payroll
- Compiled reports to provide management with accurate information and comply with policies and procedures
- Created and updated financial reports to present information to Senior Leadership
- Prepared purchase orders and expense reports, managed a personal p-card
- Gathered information for labor related purposes
- Concurred frequently with Specialists to stay current on compliance requirements and procedures
- Investigated and reported discrepancies along with proposed resolutions to senior management
- Scheduled and arranged travel and hotel reservations for meetings, conferences, and seminars
- Set up meeting and event logistics for senior management and updated calendars
- Facilitated meeting agendas and distributed supported materials
- Managed office inventory and placed new supply orders
- Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism, and performance objectives.
Conference Service Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Served as a Conference Services Manager, responsible for supporting the planning and implementation of conferences, workshops, and meetings by contributing to the conceptualization, organization, and execution of the events, providing substantive, logistical, and administrative services
- Strategizing, contracting, and managing all conference hotels and contract negotiations to ensure a consistent and significant revenue stream
- Meeting and exceeding expectations for revenue growth and relationship building within given markets including New Business Development efforts
- Acting as a liaison between sales and operations departments to ensure client's needs are met such as menu selection, audio visual requests, and set-up requirements
- Assisting in the implementation of new forms and processes such as introducing a revised group resume, forecasting spreadsheet, and group assignment log
- Training and maintaining appropriate list of available staff and subcontractors to meet event requirements
- Directing the advanced planning of event staffing requirements following company policy and procedures
- Interacting with guests, clients, and associates to ensure excellent guest service and to communicate the goals of the department
- Receiving incoming calls, maintaining various tracking and filing systems, generating reports, creating Purchase Orders, modifying Event Orders, and helping to contact and book on-call staff for events as needed
- Administering and tracking sales budgets and reports; provides real time business to Finance Department
- Corresponding with event vendors regarding event details, contracts, and insurance requirements
- Maintaining Professional Calendar and Special Events Calendar.
Catering Coordinator
Aramark at American University
05.2018 - 05.2019
- Served as a Catering Sales Coordinator, responsible for using an efficient process for planning events and meetings and ensuring consistent communication between clients, the office manager, and vendors when planning for larger events including hosted seminars, workshops, and sponsorship events
- Drafted and coordinated event paperwork, including but not limited to contracts, credit card authorizations, group event orders and work requests
- Served as the primary liaison between Sales Department, Marketing staff, Operations, and clients
- Contacted florists and other authorized vendors to coordinate arrangements for scheduled events
- Processed deposits received and signed contracts; changed status on bookings, and created files for upcoming events
- Ensured consistent communication between clients, the office manager, and vendors when planning for larger events including hosted seminars, workshops, and sponsorship events
- Assisted with menu writing and printing, completed competitor surveys, and training manuals.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Bowie State University
Bowie, MDSkills
- Full Scope Business Management
- Human Resources
- Hospitality
- Project Management/Event Coordination
- Microsoft Office Suite (all modules)
- Visual Matrix
- EMS
- Salesforce
- Delphi
- Adobe
- Cvent
- Videoconferencing Organization
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Meeting Event Planner
Compass Group USA
03.2023 - 11.2023
HR Administrative Lead
Allegis Group
03.2021 - 12.2022
Conference Service Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton
05.2019 - 03.2020
Catering Coordinator
Aramark at American University
05.2018 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science -
Bowie State University