Emily Bennett
Aurora,United States
Summary
With over six years of experience in the catering and event industry, I am a Service Consultant at Serendipity Catering, where I apply my hospitality and event management skills to create memorable experiences for clients and guests. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Event and Meeting Management and Beverage Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver, as well as certifications in Wedding and Event Planning and Signature Wedding and Event Design from The Wedding Planning Institute. I am passionate about corporate and social events, and I enjoy collaborating with clients, vendors, and staff to deliver exceptional service and quality. I have a strong background in catering both front of house and back of house, as well as sales and marketing. I have successfully managed and coordinated multiple events of different sizes, themes, and budgets, exceeding client expectations and generating repeat business. I am always eager to learn new trends, techniques, and tools to enhance my professional development and performance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Service Consultant
Serendipity Catering
09.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with clients to confirm event details such as setup logistics, decorations and food and beverage selections to fulfill client requests.
- Organized corporate meetings, special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase facility revenues.
- Participated in planning meetings, site visits and vendor evaluations to enhance quality of client services.
- Communicated with venue personnel to coordinate event logistics.
- Performed service and menu upgrades and upselling activities to meet predetermined revenue objectives.
- Exceeded both quarterly and annual sales goals.
- Determined facility, services and staffing needs to establish framework for successful event execution.
- Utilized hospitality associations, business journals and Internet resources to obtain current industry knowledge.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
Wedding Planner
E.Bennett Weddings & Events
01.2012 - Current
- Created and designed tailor-made wedding plans to maximize client budget, keep client happy and cultivate referrals.
- Conducted initial consultation with clients to discuss wedding details, venue options and other logistics to understand vision and budget.
- Directed pace of wedding and reception through multitasking and liaising with vendors to carry out event as planned with little or no deviations.
- Executed advertisements, promotions and branding campaigns to attract new clients.
- Compiled contracts for vendors and clients prior to starting work to meet legal, health and safety obligations.
- Negotiated prices with suppliers, inspected venues and selected vendors to meet couple expectations.
- Liaised between wedding venues, vendors and engaged couple to help plan and deliver successful event.
- Developed and adhered to timelines to keep ceremony and reception running smoothly.
- Worked closely with clients to develop personalized wedding plan that fit within budget.
- Handled customer service inquiries and complaints and immediately resolved issues to guest satisfaction.
- Assisted with vendor contracts, negotiating rates and terms with wedding suppliers.
- Oversaw setup and breakdown of wedding decorations and supplies.
- Established and managed communications with vendors, confirming service and supply delivery.
- Helped bridal couple select wedding decorations and floral arrangements, menus and music.
- Collaborated with bridal couple to achieve expectations and vision for wedding.
- Completed final reviews of ceremony and banquet area setups to resolve last-minute issues.
- Supervised personnel and directed in wedding task administration and completion.
- Drafted wedding contracts and other documentation for review with clients and to obtain signatures.
- Coordinated with vendors in securing necessary supplies and services for wedding.
- Scheduled appointments with potential clients to discuss wedding plans.
- Organized logistics and prioritized tasks for small to large-scale weddings.
- Planned and created centerpieces, bouquets and floral arrangements for decorating wedding venues.
- Created and managed online presence to reach larger audience of clientele.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
Social Event Designer
Relish Catering & Events
01.2022 - 09.2022
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events.
- Developed post-event reports to determine effectiveness of each event.
- Hired, trained and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.
- Communicated with catering, lighting and sound companies to obtain price quotes.
- Inspected event facilities to confirm conformance to customer requirements.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Attended conferences and events to stay up-to-date with industry trends and planning standards.
- Worked closely with couples to meet wedding goals, maintain deadlines and resolve complaints or service issues.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
Venue Sales and Special Event Designer
Baldoria On The Water
12.2020 - 01.2022
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events.
- Developed post-event reports to determine effectiveness of each event.
- Hired, trained and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.
- Designed and implemented efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships.
- Acquired contracts and agreements to finalize negotiations and obtain approval signatures.
- Inspected event facilities to confirm conformance to customer requirements.
- Created and maintained event expenditures, budgets and timelines in job-related software.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
Catering Sales Manager
A Perfect Bite Catering
12.2020 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with clients to confirm event details such as setup logistics, decorations and food and beverage selections to fulfill client requests.
- Organized corporate meetings, special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase facility revenues.
- Participated in planning meetings, site visits and vendor evaluations to enhance quality of client services.
- Communicated with venue personnel to coordinate event logistics.
- Performed service and menu upgrades and upselling activities to meet predetermined revenue objectives.
- Exceeded both quarterly and annual sales goals.
- Determined facility, services and staffing needs to establish framework for successful event execution.
- Utilized hospitality associations, business journals and Internet resources to obtain current industry knowledge.
- Increased website traffic and conversions through email and social media marketing.
- Developed and implemented improved marketing initiatives to drive revenue.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
Catering Sales Coordinator
Centerplate
06.2019 - 12.2020
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of products and services offered to customers.
- Provided leadership, guidance and direction to sales team members, offering assistance with any need at any time.
- Coordinated with other departments to provide smooth execution of sales initiatives.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to discuss challenges, successes and strategies.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and improve customer service.
- Monitored daily sales performance and provided feedback to each team member.
- Assisted sales team members in developing customer relationships, and building customer loyalty.
- Communicated customer feedback and complaints to team members to promote proper resolution.
- Built strong relationships with clients by following up on previous purchases and suggesting new products.
Field Chef
Occasions Caterers
06.2019 - 12.2020
- Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
- Created catering menu based upon client specifications, event type, dietary needs, and budget.
- Ordered food items and supplies needed to fulfill catering jobs.
- Followed all safety instructions to avoid injuries when operating heavy equipment in kitchen.
- Observed federal and local kitchen safety regulations to prevent food borne illnesses.
- Traveled across 30 mile-range to provide exceptional service, offering critically-acclaimed catering in various settings.
Lead Event Planner
Villa Parker
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Coordinated with participating vendors during event planning.
- Corresponded with clients to answer questions and resolve issues.
- Established working relationships with clients by organizing various events.
- Performed face-to-face meetings to finalize contract for services and event details.
- Conferred with event staff at event site to coordinate details.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
Assistant Event Designer
The Modern Edge Events & Catering
02.2019 - 06.2019
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events.
- Developed post-event reports to determine effectiveness of each event.
Event Manager
Three Tomatoes Catering
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Coordinated with kitchen or catering staff on delivery, timing and service style of food.
- Liaised with clients to determine exact event requirements.
- Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.
- Generated ideas to enhance and expand current event offerings.
- Produced detailed proposals for events to document timelines, suppliers and budgets.
- Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to publicize and promote events.
Front Desk Services Agent
Hyatt
07.2017 - 10.2017
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly and appropriately handled needs.
- Maintained clean and organized front desk areas to uphold polished company image.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Took reservations over phone, in person, and via computer for guests and provided confirmation information.
- Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly and confirmed reservations and identification.
- Used internal software to process reservations, check-ins and check-outs.
- Answered multi-line phone system and enthusiastically greeted callers.
- Collected room deposits, fees, and payments.
- Oversaw fast-paced front desk operations and guests' needs at busy facility.
- Calculated billings and posted charges to room accounts, reviewing charges with guests at checkout.
- Confirmed important personal and payment information for compliance with security and payment card industry standards.
Wedding Planner
Bella Sera Event Center
10.2016 - 08.2017
- Created and designed tailor-made wedding plans to maximize client budget, keep client happy and cultivate referrals.
- Conducted initial consultation with clients to discuss wedding details, venue options and other logistics to understand vision and budget.
- Directed pace of wedding and reception through multitasking and liaising with vendors to carry out event as planned with little or no deviations.
- Executed advertisements, promotions and branding campaigns to attract new clients.
- Compiled contracts for vendors and clients prior to starting work to meet legal, health and safety obligations.
- Negotiated prices with suppliers, inspected venues and selected vendors to meet couple expectations.
- Liaised between wedding venues, vendors and engaged couple to help plan and deliver successful event.
- Developed and adhered to timelines to keep ceremony and reception running smoothly.
- Worked closely with clients to develop personalized wedding plan that fit within budget.
- Handled customer service inquiries and complaints and immediately resolved issues to guest satisfaction.
- Assisted with vendor contracts, negotiating rates and terms with wedding suppliers.
Customer Service Representative
Kaiser Permanente
01.2015 - 04.2017
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Updated account information to maintain customer records.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing customer needs and resolving concerns.
Member Services Specialist
Kaiser Permanente
02.2014 - 01.2015
- Educated customers about billing, payment processing and support policies and procedures.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of product and service changes.
- Met customer call guidelines for service levels, handle time and productivity.
- Followed up with customers about resolved issues to maintain high standards of customer service.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Developed highly empathetic client relationships and earned reputation for exceeding service standard goals.
- Created and maintained detailed database to develop promotional sales.
Front Desk Agent
Hampton Inn By Hilton
04.2012 - 06.2013
- Took reservations over phone, in person, and via computer for guests and provided confirmation information.
- Collected room deposits, fees, and payments.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly and appropriately handled needs.
- Used internal software to process reservations, check-ins and check-outs.
- Calculated billings and posted charges to room accounts, reviewing charges with guests at checkout.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Maintained clean and organized front desk areas to uphold polished company image.
- Oversaw fast-paced front desk operations and guests' needs at busy facility.
- Issued room keys to guests upon check-in and answered questions regarding proper use.
- Welcomed each new arrival pleasantly and confirmed reservations and identification.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts/Chef
The Art Institutes
Denver, COCertification - Weddings & Event Design
The Wedding Planning Institute
05.2019
Bachelor of Science - BS - Hospitality, Events And Tourism
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO12.2018
Skills
- Technical Support
- Networking
- Customer Relations
- Schedule Management
- Schedule Coordination
- Issue Resolution
- Partnership Building
- Sales Expertise
- Public Speaking
- Complaint Resolution
- Customer Service
- CRM Software
Certification
CVENT Supplier Network - Cvent
CPR Certified - American Red Cross
ServSafe Food Handler
TIPS Certification - Relish Catering & Events
Skills
Attention to Detail Event Management Food & Beverage Management Food and Beverage
Management Event Planning Catering Sales Management Wedding Planning Disney
Food & Beverage
Emily Bennett - page 3
Timeline
Service Consultant
Serendipity Catering
09.2022 - Current
Social Event Designer
Relish Catering & Events
01.2022 - 09.2022
Venue Sales and Special Event Designer
Baldoria On The Water
12.2020 - 01.2022
Catering Sales Manager
A Perfect Bite Catering
12.2020 - 01.2022
Lead Event Planner
Villa Parker
08.2019 - 05.2020
Catering Sales Coordinator
Centerplate
06.2019 - 12.2020
Field Chef
Occasions Caterers
06.2019 - 12.2020
Assistant Event Designer
The Modern Edge Events & Catering
02.2019 - 06.2019
Event Manager
Three Tomatoes Catering
08.2018 - 02.2019
Front Desk Services Agent
Hyatt
07.2017 - 10.2017
Wedding Planner
Bella Sera Event Center
10.2016 - 08.2017
Customer Service Representative
Kaiser Permanente
01.2015 - 04.2017
Member Services Specialist
Kaiser Permanente
02.2014 - 01.2015
Front Desk Agent
Hampton Inn By Hilton
04.2012 - 06.2013
Wedding Planner
E.Bennett Weddings & Events
01.2012 - Current
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts/Chef
The Art Institutes
Certification - Weddings & Event Design
The Wedding Planning Institute
Bachelor of Science - BS - Hospitality, Events And Tourism
Metropolitan State University of Denver
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